Push-Ups Plus Challenge: Week 1 Update

Happy Valentine's Day, Challengers!

We're at the end of week 1.  Over the course of this week you have completed 45 push-ups, 45 knee to elbow planks and 225 mountain climbers.  Give yourself a pat on the back if you have kept up (or exceeded) the pace of the program.

Just a couple of tips to share before we head into week 2:
1.  Make sure your push-ups are two counts down and two counts up.  Yes, this is harder but that's the point.  We reduced the volume from last month in order to accommodate the 2 count tempo.  
2.  When doing the knee to elbow planks, spread your feet to about shoulder width.  This will provide you with a more stable base on which to rotate your knee in toward your elbow.
3.  The mountain climbers should be energetic.  I don't want to see you sissyfying this move (and yes, I can see those of you who aren't giving it your all).  Move those legs, feel the burn.  

Week two will be a little more challenging.  If you need to go to your knees to finish the push-ups, please do so, but try to complete the total number of reps for each exercise.

If you have tips to share with the other challengers or just want to cheer people on, feel free to comment below or on our Facebook Challenge Page.

Push-Up Plus Challenge Feb 8 - Feb 28

Are you ready to rock the February Challenge?  It's time for Push-Ups Plus!

Beginning on Friday, 2/8 this challenge will be 20 days of increasing reps of a tri-set that includes: 

• Push-ups (two counts down, two counts up)
• Knee to Elbow Plank
• Mountain Climbers

You can do the push-ups on your toes or knees, but try to complete all the reps each day.  The knee to elbow plank exercises will work your upper body and your core muscles.  The tri-set will end with a cardio burst of mountain climbers.  

Every 3 days you will get a "Rest" day where you can continue to perform your normal fitness regimen but there will not be any challenge exercises.  Don't forget to document your progress over the course of all these challenges and share your challenges and successes either in the comments section below or on the Challenge page on Facebook.  

Videos of Challenge Exercises

• A: Push-Up (Standard): http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/pushups
• B: Knee to Elbow Plank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcUxN_ETQVU
• C: Mountain Climbers: http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/mountain-climbers

HEALTH REMINDER: If you have any new or old injuries or any medical conditions for which you receive ongoing care or take medications, be certain to obtain clearance from your healthcare professional before beginning this challenge or any new exercise or nutrition program. This tri-set is going to work your entire body and will get your heart rate up. Try to push yourself but be mindful and listen to your body.