I recently got back into excellent shape with this workout:  http://hundredpushups.com

The advertised goal is to be able to do 100 pushups in a row at the end of 6 weeks.  It took me 10 weeks, but I'm more impressed with the physical changes than with the ability to do 100 pushups.

The workouts are dead simple: just do pushups 3 days a week for 6 weeks.  Note that I said the workouts were simple, not easy.  ;)

Bar none, this is the best, most effective workout I've ever done.  Yes, women can do it, too.  My mom is doing it and she's 60!

Thanks for sharing!  My girls and husband have a black belt test coming up this spring and are looking for an extra workout for home to get ready!  This will be fun for the whole family!

When I was in MCJROTC in high school, we had PT on Fridays, and did the Marine Corps Daily 7. That is a simple way of exercising and builds a great range of motion.

There were bend and reach, bend and thrust, push-ups, side-straddle hops, arm rotations, squat thrusts, and trunk twisters.

We'd do ten repetitions of each, and they are done in a three count. 1,2,3 one. 1,2,3 two. 1,2,3, three  etc. until we had done ten each.

I was able by the end of my senior year to stretch so my palms touched the ground without me bending ym knees.

Ah if I only I were still that flexible!

I can't easily do pushups due to back problems. I'm supposed to be doing situps to help my posture and strengthen my back. Does anyone know if there is a similar site for situps? I like the fact that this site lets you track your progress.

Oh my gosh!  I went on this site and started it.  On day two.  I am amazed as when I start I barely can do them then after the rest between I get better and better.  I am totally amazed as I never have been able to do push ups.  I am up to 7 and started with 3 on my first day.  I am doing the lowest level as didn't think I could do any.LOL  Thanks for sharing!

Shaun, This is very interesting.  I am going to show it to DH when he gets home.  This is something I think I can actually do and complete.

Bren, the only sit-ups challenge website I know about is this one:  http://60situpschallenge.blogspot.com/

Though, I'm sure there are probably others.  Good luck!

I'm still doing pushups, but need a new "goal" -- received a pull-up bar for Christmas, so will be starting the 20 pull-up challenge for the new year:  http://pull-ups-training.com/pg_challenge.php

Going to be interesting...  even after all those pushups, I tested myself on the pull-up bar and could only do 2.  Different muscles, I suppose.

These are great!  I'm going to add both the push up and sit up challenges to my fitness routine.  None of the door frames in my house will support a pull up bar, so that one will have to wait.

I'm on week 2 of the push up challenge and it's too tough for me.  With the test, I fell into the 2nd category, but I think I'm putting myself into the 1st category.  I'd rather progress slowly than push too hard.  Although my personal trainer would have disagreed with me.......maybe that's why I fired her :)

I wonder if a modified push-up....using forearms, if it's even possible to do a push up like that (for those of us with carpal tunnel or wrist tendonitis), would have the same effect?

Cindy,

I've heard of people with carpal tunnel using something like this:  http://www.qfac.com/gear/pushup_bars.html

Definitely run it by your doctor, first, though.  In fact, your doctor and/or physical therapist may have suggestions for push up alternatives.

this is fantasic -- so happy i stumbled in on this post. ive been looking for something to help me strengthen my arms especially, and i do freeweights every week, but the payoff isn't nearly what i want. thanks!!