Muscle up for MS Challenge
Hi all,
I have just taken a challenge up which is doing 100 sit ups and 100 push ups for 100 days. A friend of mine (who used to work at the MS Society for many years) inspired me to do this as he's been doing it as part of get back into fitness regime.
Anyway, it got me to thinking that I could do this as well and it doesn't cost me a cent and can do it in my own time, and more importantly I will get stronger and benefit from it as a whole. It's also good knowing someone else is doing it too and I'm like competing with them, it encourages you along.
So here's how I do it and others can modify to suit themselves. I do 2 lots of 25 sit ups followed by push ups, then stop and leave it for a few hours before I come back for round two. I also do my push ups from the knees but hope to build strength for full ones eventually!!
I actually have a special door jam thing I bought from deals direct ages ago for about $15 which sits in the door frame and you hook your feet under it. Keeps you stable and you really feel you muscles. This contraption can also be hooked to the top of the door jam for chin ups (haven't gone there as not enough strength.lol)
I also have a pair of the push ups handles that sit on the floor which I find are great as I'm not putting pressure on my actual wrist by having them flat on the floor. Once again these were something I picked up cheaply along the way because I found it difficult after dislocating my thumb to place pressure on the floor with it.
So basically you can modify things to suit you. You can also do them in lots of 10 if that suits to, but the aim is 100 of each per day. Some people may have to build up to this slowly until they reach 100 of each, but that's okay too as that is a challenge within itself to reach the goal to start to 100 challenge.
I might do a poll on this to see how many people want to take this challenge up with me. This is my second day and have completed half of my challenge for today. After lunch I'll do the second part.
I'm thinking this could be a good challenge event for The MS Society to put out there too in order to raise money, where it challenges people to get core body strength while gaining sponsors...
Anyway whose up for the challenge???
No procrastination allowed 
If you think I'd like to do that, just get started.
It'd be great to get a list of people who take this up and we can report on how we're doing etc; this will help to keep people motivated to keep going, as well as inspire others to give it a go!
Disclaimer please read!
Disclaimer please read!
Please Note: Any advice given on OzMS must not be taken as medical advice, it's merely advice given by members from their own experiences of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Always check with your GP or Neurologist or other medical professionals, it's the smart thing to do and only logical! If you have something to contribute please do so, everybody has something to offer.
Comments
Yep Im in it!
Im in it for sure Karen!
Im going to start my fitness kick on Monday when the kids are back at school,so then I can focus more on myself.
Sounds exciting thats for sure!
"That there is Cundalini......
and Cundalini.....wants his hand back!"
(The Toecutter)
Great stuff Reece !!
Let us know what day you start and we'll keep tallies with each other.
I've just completed day two!!
Tad sore but that's to be expected. Worse thing one can do is stop at this stage or you'll never get anywhere. I reckon the first week will be the toughest and then it should become a tad easier, well that's the plan 
Hope to see others join us.
There's a poll for whether you are or not joining us here:
http://community.ozms.org/content/100-sit-ups-100-push-ups-100-days-chal...
avatar
Bit off topic Karen but I just love your avatar.
Tough lady!
Hey Karen,
My niece went for her Army Reserve Physical and she was only required to do 22 pushups!!!
Helen.
Concern about situps, support for pushups
Hi Karen,
I don't think that sit-ups as conventionally envisaged are thought highly of in exercise circles as a great way to get a strong core. I am attaching an article which addresses this:
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/06/03/stop...
I'm all for the push up as core core and strength exercise. If you haven't done these before, please ease into it and expect some delayed muscle soreness.
I am linking to a you tube video which is on sit ups - however he has ankle weighs his legs which most people won't do, also this is a better video about how NOT to do sit ups:
I don't wish to dampen anyone's enthusiasm, but as with any exercise, especially if you have spinal issues including the cervical spine it might be wise to get approval of a medical profession/physio.
Helen.
Day three completed!
Just finished day three and getting quicker at them. Not as sore as expected but had I not pushed through yesterday when some soreness hit, I wouldn't have continued on.
What I have noticed in three whole days of doing this is that my mid thoraric spine, which has been giving me hell for months, is nowhere near as bad. Maybe the stretching action of the push ups is helping it?
Anyway, 97 days to go. I'm sure once I make it through I will just continue this on and also get better at technique because I'll have more upper body strength, as in I will be able to do full push ups and not ones from me knees etc;.
Helen, I have to disagree about the sit ups and core body strength. I know now they suggest that holding your body weight up on all fours and sucking in your stomach muscles is a more preferred method but that is harder to do than a sit up, as you require alot of upper body strength to do it. It does work but so do conventional sit ups if done correctly.
I spent quite a number of years doing martial arts; kung fu and kickboxing, and can tell you we focused a lot on sit ups. We used to have to endure medicine balls pummelled into our stomachs, and just from doing all the different sit ups strengthening the muscles, I was able to endure that with no problems at all. Would hardly feel it because the core muscles were so strong.
allready in a different type of exercise
Thxs but focusing on a more user friendly approach!!! Will update later
waiting for summer to finish!!!!
Count me in too!
Yep, I'm back! Just needed a bit of time to myself, and to pay a little more attention to my Loved one (Dee) at nights, rather than focusing so much on MS&Me,me,me
I hereby commit to this exercise challenge. In the past, I've never taken any interest in gyms or doing any more exercise than already completed each day via my employment. Although, my physical duties have lessened considerably over the last 6 months. On top of that, I have been unable to do many pleasurable exercises, such as long walks on beach or through the bush, abseiling and rock climbing are also a thing of the past. (Come on researchers, find us a cure!)
Friday night, I caught up with a few friends and mates whom hadn't seen me for up to 3 months or more, many of them were shocked at seeing how much weight I've lost! I really have to do so something to regain weight before I become invisible lol. So, yes I will start this exercise challenge tomorrow, Monday 01/02/10
Kind Regards
Kev
ps. To my surprise, I can still ride a bike with no hassles! It's strange, just assumed that because of MS causing difficulties in walking and balance that, cycling would definitely be out but no it's amazing that both legs feel equal. Only hassle is, it's too damn hot for me up here, so one of those stationary indoor bikes is what's needed, next hassle is $ to buy one. Any ideas on who can help me out on this?
Slainte!
(Good company, good conversation, good health good Friends!)
Re sit ups
Good on you Karen for doing this.
Sorry but I cant join in as when I do sit ups I get giddy/dizzy. Have tried them at physio with those head rest bar things & still cant do them.
Instead I am going to committ to doing my leg & arm stretches & attemp squats (have great trouble with them) each day & increase the number.
Kev interesting that you can still ride a bike, I tried a while ago & hubby & 2 friends who were out the front watching me couldnt believe how quickly I could hit the next fence or lose balance so that is out for me. I can do the stationary bike though.
I got an exercise bike off a free site I go on, not sure if it is in your area (or where you are). PM me & I will let you know the details if you like.
Good luck to all doing it.
Sue
Breathing in, breathing out, I return to my own blessed center.
I am ready to receive miracles!
Fantastic Kev & Sue
Hi Kev,
Great to see you're taking part, day five for me today and having you, Reece and Sue on-board for this is great!
I bought a recumbent exercise bike through Ebay, the guy has a store who I bought it through. I honestly can't remember what I paid for it now as have had it a few years, but it was through Ebay seller Wellkart. Got it at a great price compared to shops and it's been FANTASTIC!!
I find the recumbent bike better because you take the stress off your back, and when you suffer from fatigue taking that pressure off makes a huge difference!
Sue, FANBLOODYTASTIC!! to take up the challenge doing a different form of exercise to suit. This is what it's all about, modifying exercise to what you can do. So even though you're not doing push ups or sit ups you're doing something else which will benefit you as well. Maybe you can even ask the physio what other strengthening ones you could do. Squats is on my list to add on once I get stronger.
I expect to see from next week reports from all of you on how you're going with it all.
Helen suggested some before and after shots to me, and I'm happy to provide that if Darin can tell me how to upload a pic onto here.
This is going to be good for us all as we can encourage each other along. So if there's anyone else who would like to come onboard but can't do sit ups etc; and wants to do arm exercises or whatever they can, do let us know.
This'll be like our own little on-line fitness class.
WooHoo!! I'm feeling more inspired now to keep going...
Biggest loser?
Is there prize money at the end Karen?lol
I may even get into doing Subway commercials!
"That there is Cundalini......
and Cundalini.....wants his hand back!"
(The Toecutter)
I shall join your challenge,
I shall join your challenge, but in a modified way (not sure how I will modify it, will figure that out when I go to the gym tomorro!) as I have had a shoulder and knee reconstruction, so traditional push-ups are not in my vocabulary any more, might do wall-push-offs!!!
Ans as I have had 4 caesarians, with the last one being 9 months ago, lets just say that my core strength, stomach muscles are useless, so will find an alternative to them as well
Kristy
Life is like a box of chocolates.... never know what your going to get
Great stuff Kristy!!
Welcome on-board to Kristy
Let us know what exercises you get recommended to do to strengthen your core muscles.
I just finished day 5 and added 50 bicep curls using 3kilo weights. Will gradually increase to 100 reps and increase weight over time. Thought since I'm giving the triceps a good workout that I need to balance with the biceps.
Gradually I'll add squats and a few other exercises in. I'm hoping that soon I'll start getting a high from doing the exercises that it'll become something I can't miss, as that's how it used to be for me with sports and kickboxing. I was training 6 days a week for 2 hours a lesson before I stopped. I'd love to get strong enough to go back to it as it's brilliant for reflexes but my fatigue stops me from doing things in the evening and they're only evening classes
(
Day 6 done & dusted!
Boy, the last 5 of each was very very hard. I think adding in the 50 bicep curls zaps me that little bit further but spacing it all out and getting through them!
Sorry, I have pulled out, it's not procrastination tho.
So, those of you who are doing this challenge, go hard!!!
Kev
Slainte!
(Good company, good conversation, good health good Friends!)
Sorry thats me out too!
Im out of the challenge because I gained full time work!
It doesnt mean I wont keep up withe the excercise bike though,will just have to see what the work load is gonna be.
My best wishes to everyone else whos doing the challenge!
Love and respect,
Reeceo
"That there is Cundalini......
and Cundalini.....wants his hand back!"
(The Toecutter)
Day 7 done!
Congrats Reece on the job and hope you stay well. The bike will be your challenge with work as well. Hope you keep on top of it.
Kev, good to see your apetite is returning!!
It looks like it's just us girls left in the running at our own pace.
Well, I just finished day 7 - 93 to go. Feeling stronger in the stomach muscles, that's for sure. Having the contraption that I attach to the door and lock my feet under, even works my legs as well, which is good.
Go to neuro tomorrow so will be interesting to see what he thinks of my arm strength as it definitely feels a little stronger but not working as fast as my stomach!
I'm in too :)
Yep I read about this a few days ago on the day I wanted to re-start my fitness/ better health plan and I'm on day 3 (ok still have to do the crunches
). I didn't post because I wasn't sure if I was going to or not, but I was like heck why not.
Couldn't do 100 push ups (on knee ones) day one but I got to 70, but that was over over one sitting, so the next day I tried in 2 sitting 2 lots of 10 and 2 lots of 20 at different times of the day. Hopefully will progress to lots of 25 instead, I can't do sit ups so I do crunches instead, and I've read they are better abdo work outs, I can do them in lots in 2 lots 50 in one session.
The first part of my challenge though before I read about this was getting on the excercise bike. I did this for about a month mid feb last year almost every day.I'm a big fan of so you think you can dance and biggest loser they both inspired me to think active thoughts, and I felt guilty about sitting still whilst watching them, so i started teaming bike time up with TV time after dinner.
Its about fitness and losing weight for me, adding strength is a bonus too
It works a treat and I'm trying to do about 10kms per session again which is between 25 and 40 minutes.
I'm hoping a stick to it this time around
so heres to bringing on atleast the next 97 days.
ok, I started at the gym,
ok, I started at the gym, doing my fitball crunches, but only got to 50 (2 sets of 25) before it felt like I was about to re-open my caesar scar..... mmm,can imagine how happy my obstetrician would be with that... she said she NEVER wants to see me again (after 4 caesars
( !!!!) so if another baby is ruled out, I imagine spliting my stitches would also be frowned apon in her books 
So I stopped at 50 for day 1.
Then with my push-ups, I did them on the fitball again, as I cant kneel on my knee since knee surgery. I only got to 50 as well, as I didnt want to over-do it with my shoulder. I had it re-constructed 16 years ago, and dislocated it again twice about 3 years ago, so I dont have a lot of faith in it anymore. The physio said I was never allowed to do traditional push-ups again, due to the hyper-extention of the shoulder that happens with them, so I did my modified version
will see how they go!
Life is like a box of chocolates.... never know what your going to get
Way to go girls
Hi Miss Crytty, great news that you've been doing bike and now other exercises!!! It is hard work doing exercise when one is fatigued but god you feel good when you accomplish it and improve!
Kristy, great you're back at the gym and working away. Great that you've been able to modify using the fitball and it's all about doing what you can, so if 50's your limit without causing harm to yourself that's fantastic!! I'm assuming you spoke with the trainer at the gym about your exercises and that why you're using the fitball as I think you mentioned that before.
As with all exercise if you've got any injuries it's better to get an expert opinion on what exercises or what modification to an exercise you can do.
Exercises
I went to physio on Tues & spoke to physio who added some exercises esp for my arm/shoulder. I had the shoulder hydrodilation (cortisone under ultrasound) to get teh joint moving. Have got 3 more exercises for arms to strengthen the arm as well as the ones I already had - like pendulum & reaching etc. have to do some of these 2 times a day to get arm working better.
Now have a mix of leg & arm ones to do.
Just to make it interesting also saw incontinence nurse & got exercises to help bladder & bowels.
Now all I got to do is make sure I find the time to do all of these LOL. I intend to do it as not going through shoulder injection for nothing. Also want to strengthen what I have.
Breathing in, breathing out, I return to my own blessed center.
I am ready to receive miracles!
Completed day 10
Completed day 10 and can do them in reps of 50 now, so my strength must be improving!! I reckon in another week I should be able to add some leg squats but will have to do them with the fitball as was shown a good way to take pressure off my knees. Knees are shot ducks, they make blood curdling noises with I walk up stairs or try and do squats. They make my blood run cold that I actually have to have music on, or ipod in so I can't hear them.
Great work Sue! Just a few mins a few times a day should see you get through yours. Maybe try and break it up into arms for one session, legs for another, and the bladder ones for another. I just find breaking them into different sessions is easier to manage with fatigue, rather than trying to get through it in one go and failing. As if we fail we can easily get frustrated and give up. So little bits at a time and succeeding is better overall!!
Day 17 done & dusted
Day 17 done & dusted! 83 to go!!
I missed one day and had to double up. That was interesting...
I've ordered a book specifically for women for weight training and hoping to start on that once it arrives as well as continuing with my sit & push ups.
How's everyone else going with exercises?
Hey Karen My challenge has
Hey Karen
My challenge has turned into "lets hope I survive" challenge.... I signed on for a 12 week challenge at the gym, kind of like the biggest loser, so lets just say I am getting hammered
we had our group 'boot camp' session yesterday...... it was interesting to say the least!
So while I am not following the 100 for 100 strictly anymore, I am still working on a challenge.
Life is like a box of chocolates.... never know what your going to get
Signing on :)
Hi all,
. It got me to thinking I really need to get back to my physio exercises... so Ive picked the 2 that will most benefit me and will join-in 
Thats not to say I wont be doing the rest of my exercises as well - I will - but just as standard physio reps etc 
As Ive been abit slack getting onto this new site, Ive only just read this thread a couple of days ago. Great to see everyone fired up and willing to give it ago
The 2 that Ive chosen are the 'sit-to-stand' as Im occasionally finding this more difficult esp. when tired etc. and an arm strengthening exercise - once again starting to feel slight weakness in my arms occasionally (plus starting to develop the 'tuck-shop arms' lol.
Anyways good luck to all and Im sure we will all survive and benefit from what we are doing
BTW: Ive started today at 2x 25 each exercise - will have to gradually buildup to the 100, but at least Ive started and committed