Why I’m Committing to Daily Push-Ups and Sit-Ups

This is the third and final goal / habit I’ll be focusing on during February, and it’s perhaps the one I’m dreading the most.

I’ve tried versions of it before and, if I’m honest, I’ve never made it past a few days. And yet… I’m intrigued to try it again. I have a friend in Halifax who does 1,000 push-ups a day! He talks about the benefits with such conviction that it’s hard not to be curious.

I’ve often said about swimming, “If you can do it 10 days in a row, you’ll love it.” I’m hoping the same might be true here.

What draws me in isn’t the number - it’s the identity behind it. I’m attracted to the idea of being someone who doesn’t need a gym to stay strong. I’ve paid for more than a few expensive memberships in the past and used them less than I should have. The simplicity of an at-home, bodyweight routine feels empowering… even if I’m not entirely sure how realistic it will be.

The Science Behind It

Resistance training plays a crucial role in maintaining strength, bone density, and independence as we age.

In “Strong for Life,” Miriam Nelson highlights how consistent, simple strength exercises, even done at home with minimal equipment, can significantly improve mobility, prevent injury, and support long-term health.

My “Why”

For me, committing to 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups a day isn’t really about hitting a number.

It’s about:
Showing up daily
Building trust with my body
Proving to myself that I can keep up this habit beyond just a few days

I want to experience what happens when effort becomes routine instead of a negotiation.

Connection to My Values

Consistency over intensity
Self-reliance and simplicity
Aging with strength
Doing hard things without overcomplicating them

What I Hope to Learn

This habit feels uncomfortable  - and that’s part of the lesson.

I’m curious:
How long does it take to “love it”?
What stories do I tell myself when something feels hard?
Can discipline become a form of self-care?

If nothing else, I want to see whether this challenge pushes me beyond a previous barrier I wasn’t able to work past.

Invitation

You don’t need to do 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups a day - but you certainly can if you want to, or you can do even more.

Or maybe there’s a strength routine you’ve been avoiding because it feels intimidating. Try meeting it gently. Start small. Stay consistent.

Notice what changes when you stop waiting to feel ready and simply begin.
We’d love to hear what calls to you, if anything.

No right answers - just curiosity.