I collapsed in a puddle of my own sweat this morning while exercising. Was breathing heavily, sort of like an old locomotive puffing it's way up a steep hill. And this happened multiple times during my workout - each time, I felt I couldn't go ANY further - but go further I did - until I completed my routine. I'm sitting here writing to you after I've finished - and I'm STILL sweating. My arms feel a bit numb, as does my chest - but they're going to be talking to me later for sure. HA!

And that, my friend, is what is liable to happen to YOU as well when you bang out 500 pushups in a single workout - which is what I did today.

Remember that 500 pushups per day is not something I currently do - so it was something different. It was also a real challenge - and making it past 300 odd didn't seem like it would be possible at one point - but I puffed, panted and somehow pushed my way to the magic 500. In fact, I was sweating so heavily that the carpet on the living room (where I work out) was damp as well - I kid you not on that one. And remember that winter's not gone as yet from these parts; I'm wearing a thick vest and a T-shirt on top of that - both of those should be enough to absorb the sweat, but evidently not - I was literally dripping sweat all over the place. And even if you leave the strength benefits aside for a minute - talk about a GREAT cardio workout - WOW!

Pushups are a workout all unto themselves - strength and cardio combined into one simple, and highly effective exercise. And the amazing thing about them is that even the easiest pushup is enough to humble the toughest guy. There is a very good reason that pushups (along with pullups) are a mainstay for soliders in the army. I teach you how to do different style of pushups in Fast and Furious Fitness, as well as how to progress up to higher numbers, so if your looking to get better at pushups, this is where you need to start.

Now, I know that some of you reading this are going to get pumped up and are going to want to do hundreds of pushups daily, even if you haven't been doing them a while. And while getting pumped is good - remember that it takes TIME to work up to 500 a day. I do pushups on an almost daily basis, and 500 is hard as heck for me as well. A good goal for most folks would be 50 pushups a day - believe it or not, that in itself is more than what most folks can handle.

If your working out regularly, shoot for 75, or 150 pushups per day - but whatever you do, remember that working up to higher numbers takes TIME and dedication. There's no point in busting your butt trying to do 500 if you can't do 10 in good form - do what you can, and work up from there.

And that's it for the day. I'm off to shower now - provided I can get my shirt off my back! 

Best regards,

Rahul

PS: Pushups are great, and you should be doing them on a regular basis as well. Grab a copy of Fast and Furious Fitness NOW, and catapult YOUR own strength and levels of conditioning to a whole different level.