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Registration for the 6000 push-up challenge is now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I have never done push-ups before, how can I get to 1000 in one month?
A: Start by doing as many push-ups as you can in a row until you cannot get off the floor. It might be 3. Or only 2. Then take a break and catch your breath. Now do another set. Another break. More sets. Take a longer break. Try and do 20 push-ups in total on the first day if you can, but don't be sad if you can't. The next day you will feel a LOT of pain in your chest. That goes away soon, don't worry. As soon as you can, repeat the exercise. You should be doing about 40 push-ups per day to get your bronze status.

Q: Should I do push-ups every day?
A: It is generally accepted wisdom to take regular breaks to allow your muscles to build. Also take breaks in between sets so that you don't build up too much lactic acid in your muscles.

Q: Do I need to do the push-ups in a single set?
A: Not at all. We recommend working towards being able to do 20 in a single set, but especially in the beginning you should not feel pressured to overdo it. Even a set of 5 is fine. Some of us can do 100 in a row, but that is exceptional.

Q: My elbow/shoulder/wrist is hurting. Is that normal?
A: If you are doing the push-ups correctly, you should not experience pain in your joints. You might have an old injury that is now resurfacing. Or your technique is wrong. Please seek professional help to make sure that you are doing the push-ups correctly. Take enough breaks and don't force yourself to continue if you have experience pain.

Q: Can I do knee push-ups if full push-ups are too hard?
A: We recommend that you do as many full push-ups as you can and then do some knee push-ups to increase your strength. Only the full push-ups count for this challenge.

Q: What happens when we finish each month?
A: After each month is complete, we will send you an email where you need to please acknowledge whether you achieved the challenge for that month or not. If you don't, you automatically leave the challenge and are awarded the previous month's status. For example, let's say that you did 1000 push-ups in December, but only 1800 in January. You are then excluded from participating in the challenge further and are awarded bronze status.

Q: Can I bank push-ups for the next month?
A: No, you can't. For every month, you need to do at least the number of push-ups required. December 1000, January 2000, etc. If you do 1200 in December, you still have to do at least 2000 in January.

Q: Is there a prize for those that get gold status in this challenge?
A: No prize, besides the obvious improvement in general health and physique.

Q: Do we have a support group for this challenge?
A: Yes, please head over go #6000push-ups on JavaSpecialists.Slack.com (register here). You will get an invite to our Slack team when you join the challenge.

Q: I'm fat and over 40. What chance do I have?
A: Yes you can manage. One day at a time.

Q: How can I achieve fame and glory with this challenge?
A: Anyone who achieves a level in this challenge has the option of having his name listed on this page.

Q: How can we count the push-ups?
A: We recommend a simple spreadsheet with date and the count. We will not verify that you have done all the push-ups that you claim, but will depend on your honour.

Q: How do you define a push-up?
A: Here is a great push-up fundamentals video put together by our official gym partners, @EmetGyms:

Q: I heard that doing only push-ups can make your body unbalanced? A: Any single exercise can make us unbalanced. We recommend also doing some aerobic exercise (I run every day) and to mix up the push-ups with squats and some hip extensions to strengthen the back

Q: Where can I get more information about health and fitness?
A: Coach Nic from our official gym partners @EmetGyms, has kindly agreed to answer our questions. Contact him here ...