One-at-a-Time

When I was in Penang I learned about an exercise called a pistol. I tried to do it, but was unable to do so.

A pistol is a one-legged squat. They work a huge range of muscles for one, relatively, simple movement. You need to have a combination of strength, balance, flexibility, etc. in order to pull it off.

Additionally, during that time, I learned about one-arm push-ups. Again, I was unable to do it.

I gave on both of these for a long time.

After we moved to K.L. I tried to do a pistol
again at a later date. . . and was able to do it. Without having done anything to build up to doing pistols I was able to do them.

I attribute this to stairs. We live in a place that has no elevator, fifth floor, so we have to walk up and down anytime we leave or arrive. At work I never use the elevator either, fourth floor. I am not a fan of elevators, my own legs are just fine. I have to assume the stairs strengthened my legs enough to enable me to be able to pistols.

While I was in Penang I had started to work on getting to a point that I could do one hundred push-ups. I found that following this exercise plan hurt my neck, severely, so I stopped. I had also been doing a lot of pushups in my classes. I had a rule that if anyone, including myself, was late, they had to do pushups. I was not often late, but was challenged to pushup competitions a few times.

There was one time that the students challenged me. I had to match, and beat, three people, adults, at pushups. I knew that one guy was better at pushups than the others, and tried to get him to go first, but he did not. Instead, another guy went first, then I matched his count. Then the next, and I matched his count again. The third went and did a lot of pushups, so I tried to match his count. I did it, but I had to cheat a little and take short breaks before continuing. After I matched his, I did one more just to be "better" than their total score. That day I did over one hundred pushups. It was very painful for many days after that!

Pushups have never been my strong point. My legs and abdomen, especially my abdomen, have always been my strengths. But, thanks to the Army, I am better attuned to pushups than most people.

The catch on this is that my left wrist has problems and pushups tend to hurt my wrist. Using pushup handles helps a lot, however.

Yesterday, some of my students asked me if I can do one-arm push-ups. I had not tried that in a long time, so I gave it a shot. . . and found that I can do them now.

I was shocked. I have not been exercising at all recently. Felix takes up too much time and I have been pretty lazy. I do not even go to Bujinkan classes at the moment!

So, what happened. The only thing I can think of is what Siew suggested is the solution. Chores.

You see, I help out around the house quite a bit. Including washing clothes, by hand. We do not have a washing machine, and have decided not to purchase one at this time either.

I knew my hand strength was increasing from washing, but I did not think my arm strength had improved. But, apparently, it has because I can do one-arm push-ups now.