Push-Ups and Double Shot Oatmeal

on August 26, 2009
in All Posts

I needed an extra something-something in my oatmeal today:

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So I made my favorite oatmeal variety:  Double Shot Oatmeal, which contains COFFEE!

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Double Shot Oatmeal contains:

 

  • 1/2 oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings:  brown sugar, pecans, and flax

 

Mmmm.  I feel more awake already!

IMG_0852

Real Women Do Push-Ups

 

I have been SLACKING on my push-ups lately!  I normally try to do 30 push-ups at least four times a week, but I keep forgetting to do my push-ups.

 

Why do I LOVE push-ups?

 

  • You can see a real increase in your ability to do push-ups within just a few days.  When I started doing push-ups, I could do 5 at a time (girl-style!).  But I kept at it and now I can out-push-up some of my male friends.
  • Push-ups build your chest, tricep, and shoulder muscles.
  • Push-ups work your abdominal muscles.
  • Push-ups make running more efficient — it’s easier to hold yourself in proper running position if you have a strong upper body.
  • Push-ups can be done any where at any time — I used to do them at work in my cubicle!

 

On that note, I’m going to get BACK in the push-up swing.

 

Today I did 40 push-ups (2 sets of 15 and 1 set of 10).  Whew!

 

Do you love push-ups?  Do you love to hate push-ups?  Are you going to drop down right now and bang out a set?  Why not!?!?! 🙂

{ 58 comments }

 

  • Rosey Rebecca August 26, 2009, 4:59 am

    I can't do push ups! I do them girl-style haha but I bet if I kept at it, I'd get better at it. I always stay in plank for the push up part of my pilates class! haha.

    How much coffee do you put in your oatmeal!? That sounds good!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point August 26, 2009, 5:02 am

    rosey – 1/2 cup of brewed coffee

  • Britt August 26, 2009, 5:08 am

    I HATE push ups, but this is why the kettlebell classes I go to have been good for me….. we do a lot of push ups! I'm also competitive, so if I see most of the other women doing regular push ups the entire time, I'll do everything I can to keep doing regular ones.

    I can now do 30 regular push ups at a time!!! I used to struggle to just do 5 maybe. Like you said if you do them regularly you quickly get better at them.

  • Rosey Rebecca August 26, 2009, 5:13 am

    Caitlin,

    I totally missed that in the ingredient section! Sorry!! Sounds great!!

  • lilybeans August 26, 2009, 5:14 am

    I have a serious love hate relationship with push-ups. In college we had to do 20 real push-ups on our coaches command to make the lacrosse team. I don't think he would have ever cut anyone, but it was still nerve racking.
    Now I honestly would rather use free weights for my back, tri, chest but I still go to them for days I don't head to the gym!

  • Whitney@whitsgettingfit August 26, 2009, 5:22 am

    Coffee in oatmeal.

    This is why I read blogs. Because some people are just smarter than me. On another note, I do push ups and do them well. Not bragging or anything, but I do love to bang out a set of push ups.

  • jenngirl August 26, 2009, 5:23 am

    I definitely want to start incorporating push ups into my routine, thanks for the reminder and inspiration! 🙂

  • Lexie August 26, 2009, 5:26 am

    I hate push-ups because no matter how many days I do them, I never feel like it gets any easier or I get any better.
    I know they are so good for you, I just wish I could see myself making some process in getting stronger when I do them 🙂

  • leslie August 26, 2009, 5:32 am

    i need to try coffee oats again – i tried them once but found them too bitter. which is strange, since i drink my coffee black.

    i used to do push-ups almost every day. somewhere along the line that slipped away – but i do so much yoga now that i think it's balanced out. 🙂

  • Tami August 26, 2009, 5:32 am

    i can now do about 20 real push ups in a row, it's something i have been working on-it's a love hate relationship

  • Ryan @ Greens for Good August 26, 2009, 5:35 am

    When I was on the rowing team, I LOVED push ups. You are so right, you can definitely see an improvement almost immediately from doing them! We used to do 3-4 sets of 30!!

  • Hi! I'm Erin August 26, 2009, 5:43 am

    Hate hate hate push ups. But, I just started taking a strength training class where we do A LOT of them. I can do like 5 regular and 10 girly. Ugh. I can't even do the plank position for more than a few seconds, either. Hopefully by the end of this 8 week class I'll be able to do a more than a few push ups and not hate them so much.

  • Angharad August 26, 2009, 5:52 am

    I don't hate them but I can't say I love them either! I need to get better at trying to do them as well because currently I only do them once a week in this one class and I don't think I've improved in like four months!!

  • tracik August 26, 2009, 5:59 am

    I love push ups! Well, I don't love THEM but I love the results.

  • Lizzy August 26, 2009, 6:01 am

    MMM i would have never thought to put coffee in oats, but that sounds so amazing!

    I have a love/hate relationship with push ups. I can do them but not many of them! way to jump back on the bandwagon!

  • brandi August 26, 2009, 6:02 am

    i've got to try your coffee oatmeal sometime. such a great idea!

    I don't love pushups….yet, but I would love to! I know I'm going to be doing more strength training once I start training for my races, so I'm hoping to start doing them more.

  • Eve August 26, 2009, 6:02 am

    I agree with you that push-ups are an amazing exercise. There's a reason we all hate doing them, and that's because they are hard! But you feel so good after, and really proud when you build yourself up. I'm with you – I can usually do 30-45/50 in total.

  • Emily August 26, 2009, 6:02 am

    I love push ups too! I even have a favorite push up memory – I was hanging out with a bunch of friends one Sunday watching basketball and one of us decided to do a push up pyramid. We all got down to the floor and got to it. It was hard, but super fun. 🙂

  • Leah @ L4L August 26, 2009, 6:10 am

    I pretty mush despise push-ups. My fiance and I started doing the 100 push-up challenge (you should try!) and gave up a few weeks into it because we hit a wall. Ugh. Maybe I should give it another shot.

  • Lauren @ Dragonflies Journey August 26, 2009, 6:12 am

    Hey, another FLAX question. Which flax did you buy that has no fish oil in it. The website doesn't show ingredient lists. And I've just gone full vegetarian. Thanks, Caitlin!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point August 26, 2009, 6:14 am

    lauren – the MeadowPure Ultra Milled Golden Flax contains Fish Oil and is thus not vegetarian-friendly. YAY veggies!

  • Anna August 26, 2009, 6:16 am

    I like 'em a lot more than I used to, because I'm now able to do more! REAL ones! I've gotten a lot stronger this summer in my upper body because I finally committed myself to regular strength training. Just yesterday, I majorly impressed some male relatives by pumping out ten "man" push ups… they didn't expect me to be able to do any!

  • Paige@ Running Around Normal August 26, 2009, 6:27 am

    Ohh, great idea with the oatmeal! I think pushups are awesome for strength training the upper body. Kind of a 3 in 1 workout. I like to do pushups at least twice a week.

  • Becca August 26, 2009, 6:32 am

    I DO love push-ups! I used to have NO upper body strength, and I thought I just COULDN'T do push-ups. But I was so wrong. I hate that society tells women that they shouldn't be able to do push-ups. It's such a lie. Now I can bang out thirty, and it is so gratifying. They are a great exercise because they work you're entire body (since you're in plank), and you can see the results in your upper-body strength. And, there's never an excuse not to do them!

  • Helga August 26, 2009, 6:32 am

    Oh, I hate push ups! That's mainly because that in gym class in high school we had to take a push up test every year – and I sucked!

    Hey, and coffee in oatmeal sounds good – I never would have thought of that!

  • Valerie (College Girl Eats) August 26, 2009, 6:36 am

    I LOVE push-ups! I feel like they are the most effective strength move I can do. The best part about push-ups is that after a week, I can practically SEE a difference in the toning of my arms and shoulders. I start with real ones and then drop to "girl-style" because I still get a good workout from them!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) August 26, 2009, 6:36 am

    You have so many great tips for fitting in exercise for busy people- I really appreciate them!

  • Kristen @ Simply Savor August 26, 2009, 6:45 am

    I used to hate pushups so I came up with the idea to do them while I'm waiting for the tea kettle to boil, or the microwave to turn off and I end up getting in a lot of extra pushups throughout the day without even thinking about it!

  • Sarah August 26, 2009, 6:55 am

    I LOVE pushups! People who take my kickboxing class hate me for it 😉

    I also love changing it up from "regular" pushups…you should try Elevator Pushups:

    Get in a regular push up position.
    Come down half way to the floor and hold for 2-5 seconds
    Come all the way down (not touching the floor, but just down like a regular pushup) and hold for 2-5 seconds
    Come up to the half way point and hold, 2-5 seconds
    Return to the top! That's 1!

    Your oats look delish today! Very creative with the coffee!

    FitTipExchange@Wordpress.Com

  • Jenna August 26, 2009, 6:56 am

    I am a push-up 'hate to love' type. I am working on my upper body strength, because I have none 🙂

    However, since I started the Shred awhile back and have been forced to do push-ups, I have noticed I am having an easier and easier time doing them. They really do work I must say!

  • Vicky August 26, 2009, 7:12 am

    I try and do push ups! Right now I don't like them, but I think they are a great way to fab arms… I am gonna keep working on doing them at the gym!

  • Maggie August 26, 2009, 7:13 am

    I love to hate push-ups but they're so amazing in the end. I can only do about 10 "real" push-ups at a time, but I can do a whole bunch of girl ones including some of the more challenging ones from the 30 Day Shred.

    And I'm not doing them right now because my office is in an open space at work and I'm wearing a skirt! 🙂

  • K13 August 26, 2009, 7:24 am

    I'm not going to do them right now in my office, but I am motivated to get back to my 100 push up challenge – fell off the wagon on them last week. thank you for the inspiration!

  • Kelly Blechertas August 26, 2009, 7:25 am

    LOVE pushups!!! I usually incorporate them into my workouts in a variety of ways…just moving your hand placement changes all the muscles you work!
    I'm taking a break from them right now — trying out a new routine — but I can't wait to get back to them!

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings August 26, 2009, 7:31 am

    I am BAD at push ups, which I think is because my hips are most DEF. my center of gravity! I have a little upper body and lots of hip. I still do my best though! I am able to do lots of girl push-ups now, it's the "man" ones I still can't do!

  • Dori August 26, 2009, 7:36 am

    I hate pushups, and now I can't do them anyway because of a shoulder injury. As much as I disliked them, I still want to be able to DO them!

  • Sally August 26, 2009, 7:39 am

    I love push-ups but I love pull-ups even more! One of my fitness goals for 2009 is to be able to do 10 pull-ups but I'm not quite there yet.

  • Sheri August 26, 2009, 7:40 am

    LOVE push ups!! I always do them with my weight workouts. They have defined my chest, shoulders and arms!

  • beesknees August 26, 2009, 7:47 am

    Yes – I love push-ups! I worked my way down to the floor for the real thing about a year and half ago. I think they are one of the best exercises you can do for your upper body – and you can do them anywhere.

  • platipus329 August 26, 2009, 7:48 am

    I do 40 push ups after every run. At first it felt a little like a burden but after getting into the routine of it they're super simple.

    And I love the idea of coffee in oatmeal. it's one of the few things I haven't tried in oatmeal, but I need to fix that.

  • Jenna August 26, 2009, 7:57 am

    i am not a big fan of push-ups at all! but after there over and done with i feel great!
    that oatmeal w/ coffee looks so yummy!
    jenna

  • Jolene - EverydayFoodie August 26, 2009, 8:01 am

    I am terrible at doing push – ups 🙁 I tried the 1st level of the 30 Day Shred, and felt SO out of shape because I could barely do the push ups "girl style". I know that I should keep at it, and knowing that it was hard for you to do more than 5 in the beginning makes me feel like I can improve too 🙂

  • Elsa August 26, 2009, 8:07 am

    I love push-ups, girlie and regular! =-) I always try to add them to my workouts. You can drop and do them anywhere.

  • K from ksgoodeats August 26, 2009, 8:14 am

    Adding coffee to my oats is my next project – you know I love the java 😀

    I LOVE push ups! They make me feel so strong and they don't require any equipment.

  • Shannon August 26, 2009, 8:41 am

    I hate push ups. But you're right, they work! Which is why I just dropped and did a set. Yeah!

  • Kate August 26, 2009, 8:57 am

    Coffee oatmeal; that's a new one! It seems like that would be a lot of liquid, but I'll try anything once 🙂

    As for push-ups. I love them too. Especially chaturangas in yoga… same thing. In my "Powerflex" (read: strength training) class at the gym she has us do lots of pushups in quick succession, and then go directly in to chest presses. Tough stuff! Certainly feels good though.

  • Trainer T.s Fitness August 26, 2009, 9:01 am

    Love pushups (BIG FAN)
    Diamonds, spiders, walking and clocks…. and this yummy oatmeal, thanks for sharing.

  • Anne August 26, 2009, 9:13 am

    have you heard of the hundred pushup challenge? its fun. and it WORKS! its insanely satisfying.

    http://www.hundredpushups.com/

  • Annamarina (Running Tails) August 26, 2009, 9:15 am

    You have totally motivated me to start doing push-ups! I'm adding it into my running routine today. Thanks!

  • seesaraheat August 26, 2009, 9:22 am

    I suck at push ups but that's because I don't do them very often. I love planks though, I'm so weird. I really like your idea…I think I will start today!

  • Emily @ Relishments August 26, 2009, 9:33 am

    I hate push ups…but mostly because I can't do them. I keep intending to get into the routine, but forget. I'm too embarrassed to do them at the gym 🙂

    Your post inspired me to do a set.
    I got to 7…hey, you have to start somewhere. Thanks!

  • Melissa August 26, 2009, 9:53 am

    I LOVE push ups (ok well I don't love them that much, but I love the way they make me feel and look)! I started with the "girl-style" pushups a few months ago, but now I can even do a few on one leg. I think I'll go do some now.. thanks for the inspiration!

  • Mary August 26, 2009, 10:37 am

    I also love push ups! I can now do 20 'boy' pushups at a time. I was so proud of myself when I could do 10 and now I'm up to 20. I usually do 3 sets of 20.

    Now I am working on the pull ups…boy are those tough!

  • Becky August 26, 2009, 10:43 am

    mmmm coffee oats! I still need to try this, sounds delicious!

    I love push-ups and agree that you can see progress quickly. I am working on doing push-ups and clapping in between….definitely not graceful. Have a great day!

  • Anne Marie August 26, 2009, 11:15 am

    I love this post!! I, too, have been at the point where I thought I could keep ice cream in the house and portion it out. I think I ate my way through three gallons of ice cream over the course of a few weeks before I realized that I had a minor problem.

    Now I keep Aldi's brand ice cream pops on a stick in my freezer. It's pre portioned and ready to go. Funny thing is that I have only eaten 1 in the entire month that I've had them. Go figure!

  • Susan August 26, 2009, 1:47 pm

    Love the idea of adding brewed coffee to your oats! I've used tea before, that's good too 🙂

    I suck at push-ups. I can maybe do 12 on an incline, 15 or so on my knees. I tried to do the 100 push-up challenge and quit after doing Week 2 four times. Maybe I should try it again…

  • circusdreams August 26, 2009, 1:48 pm

    I've also been slacking in my push-up goal (10 pushups by Sept 7). Thanks for the motivation! I just did 7!! Manly-style lol.

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