By now, most new years resolutions would have gone up in smoke so I’ve got a question for you…
Could you do twenty-five push-ups?
I know that’s not what the headline said so before you think I’ve led you up the path, just stay with me for a sec.
About five years ago when I was still doing home visits, a mortgage broker asked if I could meet with two of his clients.
They seemed like a happy couple in their early sixties sitting on a heap of cash after the sale of a property, ready to pull up stumps.
Anyway, I began the meeting by asking what they’d like to do when they retire and she immediately said, “Travel!”
“How? I’m not well enough!” He snapped.
“That’s because you never bloody exercise!” She shot back.
And with that, he slowly climbed out of his chair with steam coming out of both ears while she gave him one last death stare.
I never saw him again.
Turns out he had diabetes, blood pressure, a crook knee from being overweight plus a few other ailments, possibly some depression as well.
His wife was really angry because he never made any effort to look after himself. He ate all the wrong stuff and never exercised.
And of course, the more she nagged him the worse it got. He just doubled down and did nothing.
But to be fair on him, I can understand how someone gets that way.
Lockdown last year was a good example. It was so easy to do less, eat more and justify it.
Sometimes people get into a rut that feels like a ditch and its too hard to get out of, even when they’re aware of the consequences. They become overwhelmed and lose hope.
The saddest thing about this situation is they both paid for his neglect.
2 push-ups a day.
On the way home, I kept thinking about some of the ways he could have prevented the situation he was in, and possibly turn it around.
Firstly, what if he under achieved just to get some momentum going? Because I reckon momentum is everything.
As Emerson said, “Do the thing, and you’ll get the energy to do the thing.”
Secondly, what if he started with just 2 push-ups, two days a week for a month.
That would be a total of 16 push-ups for the first month!
It’s not much but sometimes 10% of something is better than 100% of nothing.
And then for the second month, he could increase it to 4 push-ups, two days a week.
And slowly the momentum would build.
Of course, he could also include a leg exercise such as squats and maybe an abdominal exercise as well. Just two reps of each to start with. Maybe.
Not only would it be sustainable, but it would also give him some much-needed bone strength, a bit of muscle tone plus give the old ticker a gentle work out.
It would be great for his mental fitness as well. Who knows he might even be strong enough to carry the bags for his wife at the airport!
Today is the last weekend of the month, just enough time to do 2 push-ups.
And by December you could be doing 25.
Just a thought.
Have a great weekend!
Adam
Note – I am not a personal trainer and I’m definietly not a dietitian. Therefore, this is not advice, it’s just an idea. Please seek your own medical advice if you have any dodgy body parts.
Back paddock – when you have health you have hope and when you have hope you have a future. – Anon.
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