We thought this would be a good opportunity to see who was able to do all three of the fitness challenges. If you did, please comment to this post. If you were able to do two of them, but missed one because of a physical limitation such as an injury, go ahead and comment here too.
Thank you to all who persevered through these three months with us.
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalms 27:14).
Who Has Done All Three of the Fitness Challenges?
Final Pushup Jump Post
We have reached the end of the push up jump challenge and the end of the three month exercise challenge. I personally found the push up jumps to be the most difficult, but I have liked the fact with all three exercises that I can do them almost anywhere at any time. I remember when my boys first started going push up jumps, I just laughed at the possibility that I could do any although I did try. I couldn’t even do one. By the time of the push up jump challenge, I could do seven, and I am anxious to see how many I can do when we have our final counts.
Saturday, April 30th, is our last day of the push up jump challenge. Why don’t you do your normal push up jumps according to the schedule that day, take Sunday off, and test yourself on Monday to see how many push up jumps you can do at the end of the challenge. Post your results under this thread.
We are happy for each one of you who stayed with us through the whole challenge. We know some have had to skip one or even two of the challenges because of injuries that didn’t allow them to accomplish the exercise, but they would have been part with their family if it had been possible. We had a couple of those in our family.
We pray that this challenge has encouraged you to make physical exercise a part of your daily routine, that you have seen how you can become physically fit with your children, that you have a start on exercise you can do at home with your family without having to travel to a gym, pay to exercise, or be exposed to the worldliness that often goes with gyms.
Let’s close this fitness challenge by returning to Paul’s admonition that physical exercise is important for good health but not nearly as important as spiritual exercise for the soul.
Teri
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8)
Pushup Jump Numbers Chart
For those of you who are asking yourself each day just how many pushup jumps to do, here is a chart to help you.
| Pushup Jumps | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||
| 1-Apr | 1 | 1 | 1 | F | |
| 2-Apr | 1 | 2 | 3 | S | |
| 4-Apr | 2 | 3 | 5 | M | |
| 5-Apr | 2 | 4 | 7 | T | |
| 6-Apr | 3 | 5 | 9 | W | |
| 7-Apr | 3 | 6 | 11 | Th | |
| 8-Apr | 4 | 7 | 13 | F | |
| 9-Apr | 4 | 8 | 15 | S | |
| 11-Apr | 5 | 9 | 17 | M | |
| 12-Apr | 5 | 10 | 19 | T | |
| 13-Apr | 6 | 11 | 21 | W | |
| 14-Apr | 6 | 12 | 23 | Th | |
| 15-Apr | 7 | 13 | 25 | F | |
| 16-Apr | 7 | 14 | 27 | S | |
| 18-Apr | 8 | 15 | 29 | M | |
| 19-Apr | 8 | 16 | 31 | T | |
| 20-Apr | 9 | 17 | 33 | W | |
| 21-Apr | 9 | 18 | 35 | Th | |
| 22-Apr | 10 | 19 | 37 | F | |
| 23-Apr | 10 | 20 | 39 | S | |
| 25-Apr | 11 | 21 | 41 | M | |
| 26-Apr | 11 | 22 | 43 | T | |
| 27-Apr | 12 | 23 | 45 | W | |
| 28-Apr | 12 | 24 | 47 | Th | |
| 29-Apr | 13 | 25 | 49 | F | |
| 30-Apr | 13 | 26 | 51 | S |
Pushup Jumps
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16,
Requested Lunge/Pushup Chart of Daily Numbers
This is the chart for March. It starts on a Tuesday rather than a Monday. Perhaps you can alter it for the day of the week you want to begin.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| 3 | 5 | 10 | T |
| 3 | 6 | 12 | W |
| 4 | 7 | 14 | Th |
| 4 | 8 | 16 | F |
| 5 | 9 | 18 | S |
| 5 | 10 | 20 | M |
| 6 | 11 | 22 | T |
| 6 | 12 | 24 | W |
| 7 | 13 | 26 | Th |
| 7 | 14 | 28 | F |
| 8 | 15 | 30 | S |
| 8 | 16 | 32 | M |
| 9 | 17 | 34 | T |
| 9 | 18 | 36 | W |
| 10 | 19 | 38 | Th |
| 10 | 20 | 40 | F |
| 11 | 21 | 42 | S |
| 11 | 22 | 44 | M |
| 12 | 23 | 46 | T |
| 12 | 24 | 48 | W |
| 13 | 25 | 50 | Th |
| 13 | 26 | 52 | F |
| 14 | 27 | 54 | S |
| 14 | 28 | 56 | M |
| 15 | 29 | 58 | T |
| 15 | 30 | 60 | W |
| 16 | 31 | 62 | Th |
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
April Challenge: Pushup Jump
Okay, here it is, the last and final challenge. We were curious if families would stick with this and we see by the numbers that it isn’t something we will continue after this month. But you all will now get to see your efforts come together. We will call it the pushup jump! Don’t let this exercise deceive you, it is rigorous. You will benefit greatly as you work on this. It will further your arm strength, your leg strength and now your cardio capabilities as well. You will see what we mean.
Just like other months, we will first post our initial numbers. Don’t feel bad if you can’t do very many. The younger, fitter ones will be able to do a lot, but most will struggle. However, it will get better over the month, truly!
Stand upright then drop down, doing a pushup. Once the pushup is completed, while you’re “at the top of the pushup,” pull your feet towards your hands in a small jumping motion. Then, rock back onto your heels, and jump. The jump, from an energy perspective, will be between an explosive jump from your heels and a quick standing up motion. The goal is for your to be vertically erect as your feet leave the ground. Try for a few inches of “clearance” and as you’re jumping, quickly bring your hands over your head, and clap. The clap signals #1 done. Now, repeat, and repeat, and repeat.
There you have it. Sounds easy? It isn’t. There are some photos below that will help explain the process.
Before you begin, you need to perform a self-assessment. How many can you do? Based upon this number, choose which level you will fall into:
- Level 1: Less than 10
- Level 2: Between 10 and 20
- Level 3: Over 20
When you have chosen/determined your level for this challenge, proceed according to the numbers below. For those that have been doing the previous challenges, this challenge will increment with the same numbers. However, this challenge starts everyone off at ONE pushup jump.
Increments
- Level 1: One every-other day
- Level 2: One every day
- Level 3: Two every day
I am writing this blog post for Nathan because he has been very busy recently due to development of a training course, as well as his normal work and family life.
In Christ Jesus,
Steve
A Pushup-Jump begins with a pushup
After the pushup, you need to get yourself upright
Essentially you end up into a squat, beginning an explosive movement upwards
Finally, a jump so you are standing up straight, but in the air, and clap your hands above your head.
This is NOT how to do it. This is not a full upright position.
Final Lunge Pushup
As cold returns to Leavenworth with a vengeance, March draws to a close. Just a few more days of lunges. Unless you choose to, we have no plans to continue lunges or pushups into April. April has a special exercise all it’s own. As soon as this post is finished, I’ll start working on that one. Intro posts are surprisingly challenging to write, thus take alot of time.
To wind this month down, let’s do a final check-in. As with previous times, please post the following:
- Name (first name, last initial)
- Number of lunges done
- If you want, add any info about how you’ve done the lunges (example – weight in front of you, overhead).
We won’t do a “max number” check-in as the April exercise will be quite stressful.
Do I have your curious on what April’s exercise is?
Here are the numbers to finish this month up:
March 28th
Level 1 – 14
Level 2 – 28
Level 3 – 56
March 29th
Level 1 – 15
Level 2 – 29
Level 3- 58
March 30th
Level 1 – 15 Lunges, 12 Pushups
Level 2- 30 Lunges, 24 Pushups
Level 3 – 60 Lunges, 48 Pushups
March 31st — Final day!
Level 1 – 16
Level 2 – 31
Level 3 – 62
Nathan
“With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Psalm 119:10
Lunges: March 23rd
Hello all! I, Sarah, am filling in for Nathan, who is busy working on ITonRamp things today.
So, how are the lunges going? I personally have been enjoying this month’s challenge. Several of us are even doing pushups on the not-pushup-scheduled days, and it’s a great way to get a bit of exercise. My encouragement to you all is to continue on with the challenge and not give up. If you can’t seem to do the specific number of lunges you’re at for the day, break it up into several chunks. For example, do ten, then rest for a bit, then do another ten. I find it also helps to set a goal in my mind that I can make it to. If you can’t remember the number for the day, just overshoot a bit. It won’t hurt anything!
Today, it’s pushup and lunge day. Again, it’s fine to break up your pushups. I certainly can’t do all mine at once without at least two breaks!
If the Maxwells’ aren’t using the excuse that’s it’s not convenient, y’all can’t either. 
Most importantly, though, is our encouragement to have your daily time in God’s Word. Don’t let anything get in between you and the Lord! I’ve been enjoying having my time with the Lord in the front of the bus each morning.
Here’s a reminder of where we’re at in the schedule.
March 23rd
Level 1 – 13 lunges and 12 pushups
Level 2 – 25 lunges and 24 pushups
Level 3 – 50 lunges and 48 pushups
March 24th
Level 1 – 13
Level 2 – 26
Level 3 – 52
March 25th
Level 1 – 14
Level 2 – 27
Level 3 – 54
March 26th
Level 1 – 14
Level 2 – 28
Level 3 – 56
March 27th – Rest Day!
March 28th
Level – 15
Level – 29
Level – 58
March 29th
Level 1 – 15
Level 2 – 30
Level 3 – 60
Mary doing her lunges in California last Friday.
“The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works” (Psalms 104:31).
Lunges – March 14th
We’re approaching the middle of the month. That will be the halfway point date wise, but we have to wait till March 21st to be at the half-way point in total lunges done. I just figured it out, assuming my math was correct….
Melanie and I are having trouble remembering. I just put a note on our table to remind us to get ours in before dinner.
Since tomorrow is the 15th, let’s do a “checkin” date, either for today or tomorrow’s numbers. Please post name (first name, last initial), how many lunges you’re doing, and if you want whether they are weighted or not. I’m hearing some rumors that some of you out there have some pretty heavy objects over your head as you do your lunges. Excellent!
March 14th
Level 1 – 8
Level 2 – 16
Level 3 - 32
March 15th
Level 1 – 9
Level 2 – 17
Level 3 – 34
March 16th (Lunges/Pushups)
Level 1 – 9/12
Level 2 – 18/24
Level 3 – 36/48
March 17th
Level 1 – 10
Level 2 – 19
Level 3 – 38
March 18th
Level 1 – 10
Level 2 – 20
Level 3 – 40
March 19th (Lunges/Pushups)
Level 1 – 11/12
Level 2 – 21/24
Level 3 – 42/48
Nathan
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 118:9
Lunges – March 7
I hope you are happy with the lunge track you’ve chosen. I must say that I like lunges much better than pushups. I typically do mine with Abigail held out in front.
Anyone experiencing soreness? That would be a good sign of muscles being worked. What I hope no-one is experiencing is sharp pain. There are a lot of muscles and ligaments used in lunges. Let’s make them stronger, not injured.
Remember to keep the leading knee from traveling past your toes. Frankly, make sure it doesn’t wander left right either, keep it over your foot. Maybe have someone watch you as it can sometimes be hard to tell when you’re judging yourself.
Here are the suggested numbers for next week. If you feel that the lunges aren’t challenging enough, add some weight. You can always not use it later in the month. I don’t think I’ll be holding Abigail (almost three) out in front when I’m doing 50+ lunges. But, I might try holding her in front for the first 10, and then put her on my shoulders for the next 20-30.
March 7 – Lunges
Level 1 – 5
Level 2 – 10
Level 3 – 20
March 8 – Lunges
Level 1 – 6
Level 2 – 11
Level 3 – 22
March 9 (Pushups and Lunges)
Level 1 – 6
Level 2 – 12
Level 3 – 24
Pushups:
Level 1 – 12
Level 2 – 24
Level 3 – 48
March 10 – Lunges
Level 1 – 7
Level 2 – 13
Level 3 – 26
March 11 – Lunges
Level 1 – 7
Level 2 – 14
Level 3 – 28
I noticed my Scripture reference from the last post listed vs 8 but didn’t actually include it. Anyone else notice that? I’m always struck by phrases like the Psalmist uses to close vs 8 “Oh forsake me not utterly.” Can you imagine even a day of being utterly forsaken? What an awful thing. I think the only way we can experience full, utter separation from God is in hell itself. What a blessing that His Son has provided a way of escape.
Nathan
“I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.” Psalm 119:8
Final Pushup Numbers
Today is Saturday, March 5th! That means it’s pushup test day! For those following our schedule you’ll also be doing lunges. But, the focus today is on pushups!
Let’s see how many pushups you can do unbroken. Your body should be acclimated well. Warmup for a bit and then go for it. Watch your form to make sure you’re not cheating. Think you’re running out of steam and going to quit, pick a number 3, 5, or 7 beyond where you’re at and aim for it. Mentally focusing on the challenge and keeping yourself going when you’re tired is key. How many pushups can you do? This is your chance to set a new record for yourself! You’ve trained and you’re ready. Make sure when you quit that you’re not going to look back and wish you would have tried for a few more.
Please post numbers to comments. If your unbroken number increased, feel free to post that. Here’s a link to your comments from the starting of the month so you can easily cross-reference.
http://www.titus2.com/blog/index.php/2011/01/28/pushup-challenge-details/#comments
Saturday Lunge Numbers:
- Level 1 – 5
- Level 2 – 9
- Level 3 – 18
Pushups
I really enjoyed this picture. Made me smile. I think it will for you as well.
Nathan
“I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:7-8
