CyclePups: 6 weeks completed, on to the extended play version

[yellow]

How do you compare now to 6 weeks ago?
yellow: initial test=24, exhaustion test 10/12=63

Well, we've completed 6 weeks. Most of us are repeating weeks or are striking out on our own programs, and I don't think anyone did the 6-week program in 6 weeks (Grits was close!).

To use Grog's suggestion, I think we should switch to a weekly (or simply ongoing) pushup motivation thread for the CyclePups and the PowerPups (CyclePowerPups?) and folks can post what they want when they want or ask for motivation. We'll try it for a few weeks and see how it goes.

So, PowerPups and everyone else out there, here's your invite! No spreadsheets, just support from other members. If you want to follow the hundred pushups program, great. If not, just keep on doing pups. Just do them!

FWIW, after 6 weeks, I'm of the mind that the program really does work. I am substantially stronger now than I was 6 weeks ago and while I'm not close to doing 100 in one shot, I'm getting there (I am ever closer to 200 in my sets...I can see the light)! I plan to try to stay with the program; it works for me, so I'm not going to mess with it.

[SadieKate]

You want to be stronger so you can what, stand on your head forever? I wonder how long a video I can make.

[yellow]

Any longer than about 3-4 minutes, and your frend's head will essplode.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm all for this, since I started a few weeks later than the rest of you -- just completed week 2. I'd like to be able to join in. Maybe some other latecomers will join in too!

One question -- as I said, I just finished week 2. I took a quick peek at week 3, and it talks about determining your column based on your most recent exhaustion test. Are we supposed to do an exhaustion test between each week? I did one only before starting the program but didn't see that we were supposed to do this weekly. Perhaps I missed that somewhere in the general instructions?

Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

It's in the instructions. Weeks 2 and 4, you're supposed to stay in the same column as Weeks 1 and 3. Exhaustion tests after 2, 4 and 5. That's according to the website.

In reality, I think all of us here are finding that we're moving down columns and/or back and forth between columns as the weeks go on. And that the ability to do the column assignments in week 5 doesn't correlate well with the exhaustion test results after week 4.


Myself, I'm taking an extra day "off" today - off pups, anyhow. Pretty hilly 65 miler, then my cardio/strength class, and my delts are still a teeny bit sore from last week's pups, so completing the column 2 minimum probably wasn't going to happen today. Hopefully I'll feel stronger tomorrow (if not I'll still do them).


ETA: my personal strength gain is harder to quantify since I haven't done an exhaustion test at all, yet What I could do before I started was probably between 25 and 30. What I'm guessing I can probably do now - based on doing 40 on a 5th set in week 4 - is something between 45 and 50. So yeah - it's working for me too. I can definitely see the difference in my triceps, shoulders and chest.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks, Oakleaf!

I already demoted myself from column 2 (which I tested at in the "before" exhaustion test) to column 1 in week 2, since I was having a difficult time with column 2 in the last couple of sets, and my form was suffering. I never did anything but knee pushups prior to this challenge, so it's a big step up for me, even though I'm still way behind everyone else!

I'm feeling stronger now, end of week 2, than when I started. And I know I can do more than 9 pups now, so am looking forward to the 2nd exhaustion test to see what I can do now. I can't imagine doing 40+ at once like you are - congratulations!

[Aggie_Ama]

Well I am still somewhere between week 4-5. I almost finished 5 but then got up to my ears in a landscaping project. Sore back, shoulders, glutes do not make it easy to focus on Pups. I will see if I can complete week 5 this week at Level 2 then move forward or stay there until I can. We can do it gals!!

[aka_kim]

I decided to follow Week 5 Column 1 this week. Day 1 only called for a minimum of 86 pups - a nice break from the 160 required by W4C3D3 last week - but worked out well since my pup schedule was off last week and I had only 1 rest day.

I'm definitely stronger after 6 weeks - my form is better and I can do more pups. I've been surprised by how much it's strengthened my abs - very cool!

[katluvr]

I am all for one thread w/ just pups and motivation. I have (yet again) fallen off last week...and not really gotten going again this week. So I want to do the program...but who knows what week (of doing the program) I am in. And I know I'll be repeating more weeks. But I am stronger and can do more than before!
So yes, a single support thread.
And MAYBE a thread fro those that complete 100 pups. I can't wait for someone to post there. NOW that would be motivating!

[NoNo]

I've just completely fallen apart the last two weeks. I did some here and there, but just couldn't keep up with the progression in the program. I'm going to repeat various weeks and days until I feel strong enough to move up to week 5.

No matter what, I'm happy. Saw my cousin (whom I challenged) this weekend and after giving my arm a squeeze, commented on how much I'd improved. I'll get there, just at my own pace.

[Grog]

So this morning I did sort of a test. I did not want to go to the terrible max but I did as many very good form ones as I could.

20.

Considering I started with 7, that's not bad I think.

I'll keep posting about my sets and progression... I am still aiming for the end of 2008. I think it's possible.

[emily_in_nc]

So this morning I did sort of a test. I did not want to go to the terrible max but I did as many very good form ones as I could.

20.

Considering I started with 7, that's not bad I think.

I'll keep posting about my sets and progression... I am still aiming for the end of 2008. I think it's possible.

That's excellent, Grog! I started with 9, so I am looking forward to my next exhaustion test. I am planning to do that tomorrow. I would love to test at 20 this time. I don't really expect to, but as long as I see some improvement, I'll be happy.

[Smilie]

Excellent job everyone! I am kind of scared to start them, as I don't want to know how it will tweak my rotator cuff. So maybe I should start with wall pushups to be safe? Any suggestions?

Oh, and did anyone take before and after pics of their new muscle mass?!

[emily_in_nc]

Well, I suck! I just completed my exhaustion test after doing two weeks of the program and could only manage 15 pups. I can't even start week 3 unless I do a minimum of 16! Guess it's back to week 2 hell for me....sigh.

How do you strong ladies do it? The sad thing is, I've been going to the gym and lifting for years (light weights, tho), and doing knee pushups, so I wasn't starting from a sedentary place. This is the first time I've ever done full pushups. I guess I didn't realize how weak I was.

I'm sticking with it and I will persevere, but doing 100 at a time seems like it may never happen with my body!

Anyone start out weak like me and have a success story to share? I could use it right now!

[OakLeaf]

I am kind of scared to start them, as I don't want to know how it will tweak my rotator cuff. So maybe I should start with wall pushups to be safe? Any suggestions?

Did you have a PT you worked with on your rotator cuff? Can you call them for a quick question? Have you done any push-ups since your injury - and if so, how did that feel?

If it was me I'd be especially worried about muscle imbalances. Keep doing (or resume) whatever exercises you did to rehab your shoulder. In earlier threads I put up links to some stretches and some exercises for the opposing muscle groups.

The other thing I'd worry about is progressing too quickly. The program as written moves very, very steeply and I think it could aggravate an injury. If your doctor or PT clears you to join in, you might want to plan to repeat even the early weeks at least once (or perhaps do each "day" twice in succession, still keeping a rest day in between), then maybe take a step back for a third week (to a lower column or an easier type of pups) before moving on to the next program week.


Edit: Emily you DO NOT suck! Actually, you rock, for getting started with this and planning to stick with it! I'm pretty sure everyone who's stuck with this program has at least doubled the total number of pups we're doing in a day (all the sets added together), and actually the ones who started with the fewest made the most progress. But if you're having trouble progressing, maybe take a look at your protein intake?