Debbie Does Push-ups! Day 24

The Finale (Calm Down Deb, It Was 24 Days) 

Dear Diary,

Well … here we are.  The end of an era.  A 24-day era.  And honestly, I’m pretty proud of myself. Jus’ sayin’.  Over the course of this challenge, I did 2,000 reps. Not all push-ups, but mostly. Some days when I felt blah, I swapped in sit-ups or squats. We adapt. We survive.  And my triceps.  Stronger.  My mind.  Stronger.  My discipline muscle.  Also stronger.  Today’s Target is 150 and I hit it.  And I did 11 push-ups from my toes today, my goal from the start of the challenge.  My buddy Mel Robbins had a doctor on her podcast who said if you can do 11 push-ups that’s the health standard.  I like that number because it’s realistic and doable but also not done over night.  Practice equals progress.  Are my push-ups perfect?  No.  Does my chest come a millimetre away from the floor?  Definitely not.  Are my arms shaking?  Yes.  Am I inhaling on the way down and exhaling on the way up?  Yes.  Am I sucking in my stomach and squeezing my glutes? Neutral spine? For the first few reps, yes.  After that … I’m just trying to survive. Full transparency.  Push-ups are hard.  Growth is hard.  Showing up is hard.  And yet here we are.  

My Why

For those just jumping in, yes, this challenge was about pushing myself physically and mentally.  But my deeper why is raising funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association.  This cause is very near and dear to my heart because of my dad, who has been in heaven since April 2023. It feels like yesterday. It also feels like a lifetime ago when I saw him last and a lifetime of watching him struggle.  Mental health is complex. The battles.  The confusion. The meds. The mind. The ripple effect of what’s happening internally and how it touches everyone around you. Some things we can control. Some things we can’t.  Some of us can manage. Some of us can’t.  Mental health affects all of us. Generational trauma is real. We all carry something.  Myself included.  Some are heavier than others.  As I’ve gotten older and invested in therapy, I’m learning about my own mind, my behaviours, my patterns. Who I am now is shaped by my childhood.  Overall, I’d say I’m pretty healthy.  And I also have self-doubt. Fears. Anxious thoughts.  I’m aware of that.  Because mental health runs in my family, I have to be extra mindful of what I’m feeding my mind and body.

Movement Changed My Life

When I found yoga in my late 20s, I was almost 200 lbs at 5'3".  But it wasn’t just the weight. It was what that weight carried; doubt, low self-esteem, lack of self-care.  Movement slowly shifted that.  Not overnight. Not in 24 days.  Over years.  And that brings us to today’s number. 150 Minutes.

“At least 150 minutes of physical activity is recommended each week for better health and wellbeing. Regular activity isn't just good for your body. It's one of the most effective ways to support your mind. Exercise can ease stress, lift mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.  Why it makes a difference. When you move, your body releases endorphins and other ‘feel good’ chemicals that boost energy and focus. Just 150 minutes a week (that’s about 20 minutes a day) can build resilience and improve overall wellbeing.”  AMEN.  I see this in myself.  I see it in my students.  They walk in like, “Ugh, I dragged myself here.”  They walk out glowing.  Is it because they survived a Deb Punishment Pilates class? (aka “Debified” says one of my regulars!)  Or is it the endorphins?  Probably both.

Who You Are On Your Mat

I’ve watched transformations over years.  Myself included. I had a student from my Toronto teaching days (hi Brenda, yes we’re calling you Brenda). When she first walked into class she was closed off, shy, hunched over, avoided the mirror.  She kept coming back.  And slowly she changed.  She stood taller. Smiled more. Made eye contact. Became open.  Super cool to witness. Also, instructors can tell a lot about a person in class. Jus’ sayin’. Watch out friends! ;)   Who you are on your mat is pretty much who you are in life. Determined. Distracted. Hard on yourself. Lighthearted. Present. Not present.  I once had a student who was always late.  Late to class and late energetically in the room. I'd cue a position and it took her minimum 10 seconds to join the party. I found out later that life was heavy. Special needs child. Full-time job. Newly single. Financial stress.  We never know what people are carrying.  That experience trained me. It helped me shift from reactive to responsive.  Instead of, “Why are they always late? Why aren’t they listening to me? ”It became, “I wonder what’s really going on?”  That shift took years.  Growth comes in pieces.

The Bigger Picture

When I don’t move my body, I feel it. I get blue. I get foggy. I feel less resilient.  Walking, jogging, Pilates, strength training, yoga.  They change my chemistry (big time!).  I’ve run 5Ks, 10Ks, even a half marathon (never without a goal, that’s how my brain works). I think jogging (slash eventually running) is next. Rui and I talked about doing the Barrie Waterfront 1/2 marathon in June. I did a 10k there 4 years ago (alone/single Deb). My nieces, brother and sis-in law surprised me and came to cheer me on. Tears. Sweaty Debbie. The whole thing. Maybe that’s the sequel challenge (and writing challenge).  We shall see!

What I Learned in 24 Days

Push-ups are hard.  I know I said that already (many times). Consistency matters.  People are generous.  Community is powerful.  Mental health deserves attention every month, not just one.  My arms shake and that’s ok.  Imperfect reps still count.  I can do hard things (and so can you).

The Close (But Not The Goodbye)

This isn’t farewell.  It’s a little intermission.  A sequel (maybe even a prequel) is coming.  I’ve always dreamed of writing and publishing a book.  Hear me universe?  Perhaps this is the first chapter and you’ve gotten dibs on the first draft.  Thank you for reading!  For donating.  For cheering me on.  For checking in.  I’m grateful for you.  I’m grateful for me.  I’m grateful for my sexy husband who just finished doing his final reps (shirtless obviously) and announced, “I’m done, my love.” Woop woop! Go Team! I'm grateful for my push-up buddy and yoga friend Anne!! Shout out to you girly for reading my blog on the daily, cheering me on, and inspiring me (even when you were sick like I was). You are a powerhouse. We pushed through together. Thank you!I

Move your body friends.  Do yoga.  Read.  Be grateful.  Twenty minutes a day. Start there.  And if you have feedback, I’d honestly love to hear it. What did you like? What resonated? What do you want more of? This 24-day era may be complete…

But we’re just getting started 

Yoga Debb

Building strength, mindset, and real-life consistency; one breath at a time 💗