Not long ago, I happened to look up push-up world records, and in short order, I was blown the fuck away by the notion of people doing over 10,000 push-ups in one session.
I’m under no illusions about my ability to replicate that kind of feat, or anything even remotely like it. But it would be nice to ramp up the number of push-ups I can do.
So this morning, I had the following idea:
A competition (between me and… you, if you’re interested), to see who can do some agreed number of push-ups the quickest. I want the number to be high – more than 100, more than 1000, more than I (we) can do in one big weekend push. I want it high enough that, if I want to win, I have to commit to incorporating push-ups into my routine, rather than taking a few days out of my routine and just going push-up-crazy[1]. I’m thinking 50,000, but I’m open to negotiation.
This being 2011, I think it only just and fair that all pushups be filmed and uploaded to Youtube or something, too – not exactly riveting viewing, but it would be something to point to after the fact, and could open the field to things like challenging someone’s form, or whatever.
Finally, I’m not even going to consider starting this until after Marcia and I arrive in Canada in October.
Your thoughts? Anyone interested? Suggestions on how to run/score/whatever it?
up
< NO TAGS >
15:34, August 23, 2011Reuben /
At this point, I am reminded of Tenacious D and cock push ups, where one is all you need.
It doesn’t help that a friend recently made a Limited g+ posting featuring Koch Industries (http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/08/22/Koch-Industries-Securing-Anti-Koch-URLs-Including-AntiKochcom.aspx).
Champaign comedy aside, I’d be keen to do something, though I’m not sure about filming my hilarious efforts and putting them on YouTube. I do have the technology, however.
First, we might need some ground rules, like what type of push up. Personally, I’m a fan of the knuckle pushup, considering that is what I do at Tae Kwon Do. However, I’m willing to concede any type of pushup, as long the push up executed with hands and feet touching the ground in the raised position (i.e. no knee push ups).
I guess the other part is how far down. I think I remember something about the angle at the elbow must be 90 degrees or lower at the low position. Or was that wishful thinking, and it was nose touching the ground.
Do you accommodate the diamond palm pushup (or whatever that’s called), where you make the shape of a diamond with your hands touching in front of you? That one does a nasty on your core.
If there is filming going on, what angle should the camera be at for maximum verification? The world records usually do two; one from the front to verify arm angle, and the other from the side, to verify the straightness of the rest of the body. Since the lay person probably only has video camera, perhaps an angle viewing at 45 degrees to the front left or right shoulder might be a good compromise.
Given that it’s a competition, can it be put in the form of the drinking competition, where participation is it’s own reward? Let’s face it, if you can do 50,000 push ups in any sort of time frame, you’re either going to benefit greatly, or it’s going to ruin you.
Shall there be guidelines as to the number in one sitting? For example, perhaps you should do 20 as a minimum, per sitting. And when you stop to take a break, take an actual break, like 6 hours, or a day. Perhaps only two attempts a day, to save from having those last 10 push ups spread over 10 ridiculous minutes.
15:39, August 23, 2011Reuben /
Actually, how many push ups can you do in one sitting, at the moment? And how many are you wanting to ramp up to?
I’m ridiculously weak at the moment, and the last time I tried to push out a bunch, I got to 40, before having to take mini breaks to get myself to 50. Because when your arms are gone, they’re gone.
And anything is an improvement on 40.
16:10, August 23, 2011daynemay /
I think we can probably default to a standard palm push-up, but allow variations in hand position. Most variations in hand position are more hardcore, I think, so if you want to go knuckles, I say rock on.
Depth: I see three options: the two you mentioned (nose on the ground; 90-degree elbow), and I seem to recall going down to “one fist-width between the chest and the ground”. The push-up records page (linked above) says 90 degrees, so I’d be happy to go with that, and probably the rest of their rules, too.
Camera angle: I like your suggestion of a (let’s be honest) webcam set up at 45 degrees, facing the shoulder of your choice. That will probably show enough to keep everyone honest.
Reward: hells yes, participation, a rock-hard upper body and dicky shoulders for the next decade are their own reward. And glory for the winner, of course.
Upper/lower limits: I reckon, go for it. If you’ve got 30 sets of push-ups in you in one 24-hour period, and you’re willing to set up your camera just to capture the two push-ups in your last set of the day, then Godspeed, young man.
My starting point: I haven’t even tried to do a set of push-ups in ages. I think I could probably do 25-30 without too much trouble – I doubt I could do much more than that right now.
My target: I dunno. I’ve been up around the 60-70 mark before, if memory serves, so I expect I’d get back there after doing 50,000 over the course of a few months (or whatever). If I could crack 100 in one sitting, I’d be over the moon.
What do you reckon about the target of 50,000? Too high?
19:56, August 23, 2011Reuben /
Well, 50,000 is an interesting figure. If I do a conservative 50 push ups a day, that’s about 3 years of push ups. At the 100 mark a day, that’s still 500 days, a year and a 3 months (or so).
Realistically, I think aiming for a time frame and putting a number on that for conservative and optimal counts might be better… or just plain realistic. 9,000 would give at least 3 months worth of push ups… every day.
I got a feeling we should be making use of Facebook for collaboration, comments and stuff.
08:46, August 24, 2011daynemay /
I hadn’t done the arithmetic, but you’re right. I appreciate your point re time frame, but do like the idea of an absolute target. Starting from your suggestion 9,000, I propose 10,507 – a similar magnitude, but with the added significance of being the current world record for the most push-ups in one session.
I resist Facebook where I can, but it’s probably the best tool for the job. I’ll set up an event, or similar, starting in October. Guests can invite others, probably.
13:34, August 24, 2011daynemay /
Alright, done. Facebook event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=250610178295285