The Power Of A Pushup
The holiday season is a classic time to look back on your past, remembering both the good times and the bad. As we shuffle through the memories of our lives, there are often some moments that stand out more than others. In the past few years, I have had the good fortune to have traveled to over 20 countries and many famous cities of the world. During my travels, in addition to training, I have also investigated the foods, cultures, and customs of these wonderful places.
A common question I receive is, “Which place did you like the best?” This is a difficult question to answer because each place was radically different yet equally enjoyable. I was inspired by the relaxed feel of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, but also by the lighting pace of Tokyo, Japan. I stood in awe of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy the same way I did Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have made lifelong friends in chilly Helsinki, Finland as well as in steamy Bangkok, Thailand. Narrowing my favorite to one place is nearly impossible. If I am pressed, however, Russia stands out as my most intriguing trip. Having grown up during the years of the “Iron Curtain,” I was unsure what I was going to discover. One important thing I found is you can’t always believe what you hear.
Moscow is a progressive city pushing Russia into the future with modern businesses, cars and fashion. St. Petersburg is an incredible example of how architecture can instantly transport a person back hundreds of years. In between those two cities, however, is a lesser-known jewel of Russia, Yaroslavl. At 1000 years old, Yaroslavl is one of Russia’s oldest cities. It also houses some of the nicest people to some of the tastiest food I have ever eaten. My hosts were successful men that had established themselves in the city. Dressed impeccably, they radiated class and distinction. One night in Yaroslavl, however, they also demonstrated another important quality: compassion.
As we stood outside of a restaurant nestled against the Volga river, a small boy no older than 8 came up to our group. He wasn’t wearing any shoes and was quite dirty. I was stunned because I realized that this boy had approached to beg us for money. Although I had many experiences like this, never was it the child was doing the begging. Before I could search for loose change, my host told the child he had a deal for him. He said that if the boy could do 20 pushups, he would give him 100 dollars! The boy looked at the man in disbelief, but the other distinguished gentlemen assured the boy this was a legitimate deal.
My host got down on the ground in his fancy clothes, and demonstrated a perfect pushup the way it had to be performed for the boy to get the money. The boy got down on the ground and started. The first few looked good, but at 7 reps, my experience told me he wasn’t getting 20. He struggled and fought with everything he had, but at 13 his tiny arms gave out under his weight.
The little boy rose to his tiny, dirty feet with his head and eyes down looking absolutely dejected and defeated. Just as I started to resent my host for putting the boy through this hopeless challenge, the man took a knee, looked the boy in the eye and delivered the lesson. He stated, “If you continue to beg the rest of your life, you will always remain weak. If you do this exercise each day and get strong, some day you will build the strength so you no longer have to beg. Do you understand?” The boy nodded yes, and then, in what shocked both me and the boy, my host gave him the 100 dollars.
This experience made me appreciate not only what I had, but also what I have become. You see, I can remember being like that boy. Although I may not have been begging in the streets, I did not have many of the things I desired in my life. Through physical training I have been afforded opportunities that would not have been possible without the strength and confidence I have developed. The lesson my Russian host provided was true: With physical strength comes ability. And with ability comes confidence. And with confidence comes the courage to take on challenges. I am so passionate about fitness because I know that being fit means far more than having a low body fat or strong muscles. Being fit will help you lead a more productive life.
On the banks of the Volga, I began my training love-affair with the humble pushup. Since then I have traveled the globe finding over 100 variations of this powerful tool that builds both the body and mind. I consider my books, videos, articles and blog gifts that I give to everyone. My latest present is my PUSHUP WARRIOR app that shares everything I know about pushups. With over 120 variations and 60 workouts, I know you will find your “lesson” here:
The story should remind you that as 2011 comes to a close, you should not just reflect on what you have done, but also what you could have done better. Your hindsight should influence your foresight and, therefore, your actions for 2012. Every thing left unsaid and deed left undone is your guide for future behavior to achieve your dreams. If you choose to accept them, you will come to see that mishaps and missed opportunities will be the greatest gifts you receive. This story should also remind you that your purpose after receiving these gifts is to give them away so others can benefit from your mistakes. By sharing your experiences, you help others to move more quickly and safely toward their dreams. What my mom always told me is actually true. It is far better to give than receive. Happy Holidays.
