# Mahaloth does a push-up and sit-up challenge. Here we go. Uh, join me? Or not **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 27, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414 "2024-06-27T19:38:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/1 "2024-06-27T19:38:39Z")
I have 30 days and am following the chart you see below for both push-ups and sit-ups. I’m 45, turning 46 in two months. Not in great shape, not morbidly obese, but definitely noticing the degradation age brings us. I did 10 of each today. Hey, so if anyone would like to join me, feel free. I’ll update my successes or failures as I go. [![](https://i.redd.it/7xsuza0f7m8d1.jpeg) ](https://i.redd.it/7xsuza0f7m8d1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/2 "2024-06-27T20:00:54Z")
It’s been awhile since I’ve done pushups, but I do have two 10lb dumbbells that I curl almost everyday so I thought 10 pushups would be a piece of cake. I was wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/3 "2024-06-27T21:05:22Z")
I found it to be not too bad. I’m maintaining form. If I can’t progress through it, I’ll simply extend the time-frame to past 30 days. My 10 situps went fine as well. Flat back, legs bent at the knee. Hands behind head. this is how we did them in the 80’s and 90’s and it certainly tightened my stomach muscles. ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/4 "2024-06-29T00:51:52Z")
I’m on day two. I have muscles hurting I forgot I had. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/5 "2024-06-29T00:53:58Z")
I feel pretty good so far. I’m emphasizing keeping my form up and made it through the first two days of “10” each no problem. Tomorrow is 12. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/6 "2024-06-29T13:24:44Z")
I’ve decided to give this a shot, starting Monday (July 1). We’ll see how it goes! ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2024, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/7 "2024-06-29T13:28:51Z")
Just did 12 and 12. The escalation should be interesting. I’m sure I’m going to reach a day where I can barely make it, but not yet. Hard, but doable so far. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/8 "2024-07-01T22:00:21Z")
Started my first 10 today… just doing push-ups, not sit-ups. It wasn’t too bad to start with, but I’m sure it will get more difficult pretty quickly. Which makes me wonder, do they have to be done all at once? Or, when I get to, say, 20, can I do a set of 10 then rest a bit then do another set of 10? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/9 "2024-07-01T22:07:10Z")
All at once is how I see it, but I think you can do whatever you want. I did 15 today, the first time I really struggled. If I end up having to slow down or extend the process, I will. 15 again tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2024, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/10 "2024-07-07T16:34:15Z")
I feel like Kramer two hours into “The Contest”: well, I’m out. I did two days of 10 and two days of 12, but then the holiday weekend hit and we’re in the middle of clearing out the basement and filling a dumpster in our driveway, plus yardwork and other stuff, so I haven’t even thought of doing pushups the last couple days. Maybe I’ll start again… maybe not. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2024, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/11 "2024-07-07T16:36:49Z")
Sadly, I’ve got neck stenosis, otherwise I’d totally be doing it with you. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/12 "2024-07-07T16:53:22Z")
Yesterday, I did 20 pushups and 20 situps. I’m supposed to do 22 today and for the first time, I’m not sure I’ll be able to. Basically, pushup 19 and 20 are so difficult for me still, I pretty much collapse after pushup 20. I may have to edit the plan and stay at 20 until 20 feels consistently doable. I’ll find out later today. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/13 "2024-07-07T17:59:29Z")
About 10 years ago I built up to 50 pushups (situps/crunches have never been a problem for me.) I’d imagine I could only do 10 or so to start. Took me considerably longer than 1 month, and more than 1 set a day. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2024, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/14 "2024-07-07T19:31:54Z")
I did 22, but pretty much collapsed coming up on the 22nd one. I’m counting it, but we are right at my maximum ability here. I’ll likely find a number that I just repeat for a week or more before advancing. That 22nd pushup was agonizing. Situps? Unpleasant, but not overly difficult. I don’t like squeezing my abs like that 22 times. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/15 "2024-07-14T16:05:34Z")
Here is where I am at: 26 Pushups 30 Situps I’m supposed to be at 30 pushups, but I have to slow down the pace a bit here or I won’t maintain form. It’s day 18. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/16 "2024-07-19T18:23:23Z")
Today I reached 30 push-ups, though shaking through pushup 28, 29, and 30. 18 days ago I was straining around 15-17. Now, I’m straining at 25-30 range. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/17 "2024-07-26T19:22:43Z")
I did 35 pushups today for probably the first time in my life. I’m pretty happy. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/18 "2024-07-27T00:13:10Z")
Good on you for sticking with it. So, your original schedule said you should be at 50 by now? Totally unrealistic, huh? Are you just doing the one set of 35? I felt quite an accomplishment when I worked my way up to 50. But I REALLY HATE pushups, and I just wasn’t going to keep up with that number. 😃 Your thread inspired me to restart my pushups and crunches. I started at 2 sets of 5 pushups (yeah, I’m a horribly weak old man), and 8 sets of 10 different crunches (never been an issue for me). I quickly worked up to 2 sets of 10 pushups, and today bumped it up to 12. Not sure how high I’ll go. 15 sounds like a good number. Maybe 20. But I have to hit a sweet spot where it is enough to give me a little benefit, but not enough of an effort that I’m going to stop doing it. I often fall into the trap with exercise, figuring if a little is good, more is better. Then I get bored with the increased level. My main goal is regularity. So my plan is to NEVER miss 2 days in a row. If I skip them today, I KNOW I’m going to have todo them tomorrow. If I’m too damned lazy to do 5 minutes of cals every other day, I might as well just throw in the towel. But this thread is about you, not me. Good going! When would you guess you’ll hit 50? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/19 "2024-07-27T00:22:57Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > So, your original schedule said you should be at 50 by now? Totally unrealistic, huh? Yes, once I hit about 30, I realized I had to stay at that level awhile. If I can do 50 by the end of August, it will be a big accomplishment. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414/20 "2024-07-27T00:45:37Z")
Then do you plan to stick with it? Or stick with a lower number? Have you thought about doing multiple sets? Maybe follow a set of 30 with a set of 20? Or try to do 2 sets of 20 or 3 of 15? I’m not fitness expert, but I think mixing things up a bit occasionally can be helpful. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mahaloth-does-a-push-up-and-sit-up-challenge-here-we-go-uh-join-me-or-not/1003414.md?page=2)