You've Completed the Push-Up Challenge! Now What?

 by Rachel Grice

It's the last week of the LIVESTRONG.COM Push-Up Challenge, so finish strong, and then take your upper-body workout to the next level even after the challenge ends.

Blaine Strong doing the bird-dog exercise for the push-up challenge workout

Alright, you've made it to the fourth and final week of the LIVESTRONG.COM 30-Day Push-Up Challenge! The finish line is in sight, but you may be wondering what comes next.

First of all, if you're part of the Facebook Challenge Group, the fun never stops and you'll be in prime position to get all the details for the next challenge (or see below for other challenges you can do on your own). And if you're looking to keep you upper-body gains going, here's what you can do.

1. Incorporate More Upper-Body Moves

Feeling a little burned out on push-ups? (Like our T-Rex friend below!) While there are tons and tons of upper-body exercises (and variations on those exercises) that you can do, these are some of our favorites:

Triceps Dip: Sit on a chair or bench with your hands and butt on the edge. Scoot your butt off so that your weight is in your hands and feet (knees should be at 90-degree angles). Bend your elbows and lower yourself down several inches, and then press back up.

Bent-Over Row: Grab a pair of dumbbells (or a barbell) and hinge forward at the waist, chest at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Straighten your arms toward the floor. Bend your elbows and pull the weights up, keeping the arms close to the side of your body. Lower back down with control.

Overhead Press: Grab a pair of dumbbells (or a barbell) and hold them at shoulder height. Press them overhead, being careful not to bring your shoulders to your ears. Lower the weights back down to your shoulders with control.

Bench Press: Lie on a weight bench with a pair of dumbbells (or barbell) at chest level. Your palms should be facing your feet. Press the weights directly up over your chest, and then lower them back down.

Chest Fly: Lie on a weight bench with a pair of dumbbells at chest level. Your palms should be facing each other. Press the weights directly up over your chest (this is the starting position). With elbows slightly bent, lower the weights out to the sides, and then press back to the start. Finish with straight arms.

Upright Row: Stand up tall with a pair of dumbbells (or barbell) in front of you at about thigh height. Bend your elbows up and raise the weights along the front of your body, stopping when you get to your chest. Then lower the weights back down.

Biceps Curl: Grab a pair of dumbbells (or a barbell) and hold them in front of you at thigh height, palms facing out. Bend your elbows to lift the weights to your chest. Lower back down with control.

Lat Pulldown: Sit at the lat pulldown machine (or loop a resistance band around a tall, stable anchor). Grab the bar with both hands and pull down until the bar reaches your chest. Your elbows should pull straight down alongside your body. Release the weight back to the start with control.

Read more: 10 Upper-Body Exercise Swaps to Amp Up Your Results

2. Try a New Upper-Body Workout

It's true that while push-ups are a great exercise, they're only one part of a good upper-body routine. So if you're looking for more of challenge, check out this workout from our challenge host, Blaine Strong (on Instagram @BlaineStrong).

Or try one of our other great upper-body workouts:

3. Pick One of Our Other Monthly Challenges

If you're looking for an extra boost to your regular workout routine, try adding one of these challenges into the mix:

Whatever you do, stay consistent! Results don't happen overnight, and healthy living is a journey, not a destination. Keep up your workouts, eat right, get plenty of sleep and reap the benefits!

How to Join the Push-Up Challenge

1. Make Your Push-Ups a Daily Habit

Print out the 30-day push-up calendar below and use it each day to help you stay on track. Do the prescribed number of reps each day, and then check off each day as you complete them. Before you know it, it'll become habit!

LIVESTRONG.COM 30-Day Push-Up Challenge Calendar

2. Connect With Us on Facebook

For daily support, motivation and camaraderie with LIVESTRONG.COM team members, join us in our Facebook Group for the 30-Day Push-Up Challenge. We'll share tips, motivation, pictures and more! Plus, we'll answer all your questions.

3. Stay Motivated

Throughout the 30 days we'll provide you with the tools and information you need to stay motivated and reach your weight-loss goals. Sign up for our daily newsletter, or visit our homepage to get linked up with the push-up challenge and other great content, including:

  • Daily motivational articles to keep you focused on your goal.
  • Nutrition and fitness advice, including recipes and workouts.
  • Real-time community support from thousands of LIVESTRONG.COM members.

Comments

Write a response