100 Pushups: Week 3 Workouts

General consensus on the 100 Pushup Challenge so far? It’s hard!

I’ve heard lots of stories from our TEAM RELENTLESS members about switching columns and noodle-y arms and the humility of doing pushups from the knees and how completely, ridiculously, painfully challenging it is to touch one’s chest to the ground.

This. is. all. good. news.

If it wasn’t hard, it wouldn’t be called a “challenge.”

So kudos to everyone who’s soldiering on and doing the best they can. The goal isn’t really 100 pushups, after all, but is to keep chipping away at our own self-imposed limits while attempting to make our pushups as pretty and plank-y and taut and low as possible.

Full disclosure: I had an excuse every day this week to NOT do my pushup workout. this morning I made up for it, but I really want to be following the workouts as published. Luckily, the workout plan has a built-in re-set this week.

It’s time to do another assessment!

Sometime this weekend, get yourself warmed up with a little jog or dancing or something, then do the pushup assessment again. In case you’ve forgotten, that means doing as many good form pushups as you can in a row, until you just can’t do another one. You don’t have to do them non-stop, but if you “rest” it should be in the horizontal plank position. And yes, you can drop to your knees if you want to keep going to see how many you can eke out. There are no hard-and-fast rules about this; YOU are the judge and jury.

After you’ve done the assessment, take a look at the Week 3 workout and see which column you’ll be using this week. If your assessment number is less than 16, repeat Week 2. And take comfort in these words from the Hundred Pushups founder Steve:

If you’re struggling with the program, don’t lose heart. Some people will still be doing less than 16 consecutive push ups, but this is ok. Just repeat the week you struggled with until you’re strong enough to move on to the next level – I promise it will be worth your while!

The Week 3 workout chart is below. Good luck, pushupers! Feel free to share the results of your assessment in the comments… and you’re welcome to complain, whine, commiserate, and talk smack there, too!


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Thank you to Steve Speirs for creating the Hundred Pushups web site and inspiring Team Relentless to tackle 100 pushups. I encourage you to make a donation to Steve to support his web site.

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Comments

  • Milaka says:

    Okay, I’ve been a total slacker in the exercise department this week. I did manage to do my Big Three (push-ups, sit-ups and squats) on Tuesday – but only on Tuesday. This week was full of unexpected scheduling conflicts and totally expected long days of kid stuff. I’m trying not to beat myself up about it. I’m just going to chalk this one up, and move on.

    I’ll jump back on that horse again tomorrow – and re-visit Week 2 in its entirety.

    I wanted to check in so that you’d know I’m still here!

  • morerichardthandick says:

    My assessment = 27. However, I’m going to follow the Column 2 program for week 3. Also, I did my assessment in the grass… at the park… in front of people. I’ve avoided that in the past because I didn’t want people to think I was showing off. Today, though, I decided that I don’t care what people think. Feels kinda good to show off when it’s something you’ve earned.

  • Melicious says:

    Milaka, as they say, it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down as long as you keep getting back up. I think you will not be alone in a re-do of Week2, and I think that’s cool.

    Richard, it ain’t bragging if you back it up. Show off! Talk big! You deserve it.

  • Blake says:

    I’m repeating Week Two, moving from column 1 to column 2. So it’s progress and I’m happy for that. I just want good form and if it takes me three months instead of six weeks, I’m cool with that 🙂 Hugs to you Mel for keeping us all motivated.

  • Mary Kate says:

    I have to admit I’m proud of myself for keeping up with the workouts so far but now its time for the Week 3 assessment and I’m really not sure I can do 16. Well, I know I can do 16 but I’m not sure I can do 16 perfect pushups and my goal is that every pushup I do be perfect, chest all the way to the ground, on my toes, with elbows back. But if I don’t make it to 16 in the assessment then I’m going to move up to column 2 and repeat Week 2. But I really want 16! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

  • Melicious says:

    Go, Mary Kate! I’m wicked proud of you. Definitely let us know how it goes!

    I just did the assessment and I eked out 16, but I’m not sure my elbows were back as much as I’d like. I think I’m going to repeat Week 2 and make sure to do each workout VERY deliberately.

    You ALL are inspiring me to push myslelf. Thank you!

  • Milaka says:

    Here’s to repeating Week 2!!!! We all just loved it so much we want to revisit it!!! 😉

    Thank you all for being inspiring! If I was doing this on my own . . . well, I don’t think I’d be doing it!

    WE ALL ROCK!!!!!!

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