Month: November 2018

Founder’s Challenge, The Second Ten Days

This second series of 10 days of pull-ups proved to be more difficult than I had anticipated. Not only was it tough to do some of the pull-ups in a single set where I had to break them up into multiple sets on several occasions, but it was also difficult maintaining a consistent schedule throughout my days.

Even though we were on vacation, it was sometimes tough to make time to do the pull-ups and stay committed to the cause. There were times when I would catch myself selfishly thinking, "Oh, I'll just do two sets tomorrow," without fully analyzing just how challenging that in itself would be. I even started to question why I designed this challenge to last a whole 30 days!? Despite our crazy schedules, I still made time each day to crank out some pull-ups for bullying, and it was worth it.

There's an odd feeling of accomplishment mixed in with some relief after I completed the challenge each new day. I even found it somewhat interesting to seek out new places to do the challenge with such seemingly limited options around Hawaii's Big Island. There were a lot of towel grip pull-ups.

Day 11, Busy Errand Day, Gotta Do Pull-ups

Today, was a day of running errands around Kona and picking up family from the airport. We got in a lot of car time and made sure that everyone arrived safely!

Running around all day will tire a guy out. However, the show must go on! 11 Pull-ups. Again.

Day 12, First, a Run, Then Pull-ups

I got an early morning start to my vacation fitness routine. Just finished another 6 mile run and now it's time to do some pull-ups for bullying before breakfast!

I was feeling ambitious. Using a towel, here are some more palm tree pull-ups!

Day 13, Pull-ups on Big Island's Beach 69

Day 13 of my challenge was a day to take care of some reconnaissance ahead of our photographer's arrival to the island. My parents and I checked out Kua Bay (Manini'owali Beach) and Waialea Beach (Beach 69) where I did some more pull-ups!

Day 14, Pull-ups are Best Before Dinner

The plan was to go out for dinner tonight with some friends. To be honest, day 14 was a tough set. Also, I've had a knot and muscle strain in my left shoulder for the last 3 months, and today was not the day to test it. Regardless, I finished my Pull-ups and then got ready for the evening. A thousand apologies for the 'R' rating on today's session due to my strong language.

Day 15, Twas the Night Before the Wedding

I didn't have my camera operator today as we were honouring the age old tradition of not seeing each other the night before the wedding until the ceremony the next day. We had just finished the rehearsal where I got distracted by a sea turtle, and a lovely dinner with family and friends at Island Lava Java in Kona.

Day 16, Pull-ups on the Big Day

This day was full of many challenges. It included some last minute decorating, moving and setting up equipment, and coordinating with wedding planning staff. All of this needed to be completed in time for the photographers to arrive to my condo for the getting ready shots. It was a little stressful to say the least, but I had great friends who helped make everything happen! Still, even on my big day, I could not forego the pull-ups. Today was 16 and a tough set they were.

Day 17, New Husband Doing Pull-ups

Mental note, "When doing pull-ups, remember to take off your wedding ring!" Yeah it hurt a little, but I still got them done! My beautiful wife was there to capture the moment. 17 Pull-ups!

Day 18, Photoshoot then Pull-ups

I must say, that despite the trials we faced over the last year in planning and preparing for the wedding (yes, we have crazy wedding planning horror stories to tell), we managed to find an amazing photographer. Today, we drove around to take photos on beautiful Big Island landscapes with sunset backdrops and colourful Kona nightlife. After an amazing day with Sofia Katherine Photography, I had to make sure to do my pull-ups.

Day 19, Pull-ups on Giant Pizza Beach Day

So, we couldn't figure out who made the amazingly large pizzas on the Big Island (we found out later that it's Longboard Legends Pizza). In any event, more pull-ups on trees at Big Island's Beach 69.

Day 20, Sticks, Stones, and Pull-ups

To conclude my second series of 10 days of pull-ups, let's take a minute to reflect on why we are doing these pull-ups.

Founder’s Challenge, The First Ten Days

So, 10 days of pull-ups have come and gone. How did I do? Well, I can confidently say that I am able to do each full set without breaking them up. Although, Days 9 and 10 were a little challenging, I was able to hammer them out.

"Why am I do thing this?" you might ask. Well to be honest, I've always wanted to do something for a social cause but never really figured out what that cause might be, or how I could support it. Then one day not long ago in October 2018, I read a post on facebook about a child that had died by suicide at the age of 13 because he was bullied so much. It was the saddest thing that I have read in quite some time. It was then that I decided that with my marketing background I could build something to help create awareness for situations like this and help people remember that not only do our children matter greatly, but that we also need to be kind and respectful to one another to stop bullying in its tracks.

Here's a recap of my first 10 days of progress for my Bullying Pull-up Challenge:

Day 1, Ahead of Schedule at Anytime Fitness

I decided to get a head start on my pull-up challenge ahead of my original schedule.

The first day was pretty easy. I used the combo machine at my local gym and cranked out my first pull-up without hesitation.

Day 2, L-sit style Pull-ups

Here's to doing pull-ups at home using my Duonamic Eleviia pull-up system. Here, I tried a couple of L-sit style pull-ups. Tough abdominal muscle workout too. I need to work on my form a bit.

Day 3, Hotel Pull-ups Before Travel Day

After some searching, I found a way to do my pull-ups for Day 3 of my challenge. It was a little sketchy but not entirely unsafe. I did bop my knee on the combo machine handle.

Day 4, First night in Hawaii Cranking Out 4

After a long day of traveling, we made it to our condo. First order of business was to set up our Duonamic Eleviia and complete day 4 of my bullying pull-up challenge!

Day 5, First Day in Hawaii Doing my Pull-ups

Yep, Bullying Pull-up Challenge upside down! 5 + 1 Pull-ups for the win on a beautiful Hawaii morning.

Day 6, Outside Trying Towel Grip Pull-ups

Just before breakfast, I ventured out onto the lawn of our resort to try some palm tree supported towel grip pull-ups.

Day 7, Dedicating This Set to Owen Miller

To the boy, and many unfortunately children like Owen Miller, I dedicate these pull-ups to you. No child should go through this. More Pull-ups to help stop the scourge of bullying. Please join me in this challenge while we spread love, kindness, and respect for one another.

Day 8, Windiest Day Ever at Maks

There are no words. So, I pumped out 8 pull-ups no matter the weather!

Day 9, Pull-ups Before Beach Time

What a great day for the beach! I can't forget about my pull-ups and why I am doing this though. Here's to day 9!

Day 10, Fight the Chocolate, Do the Pull-ups

When you spend a day of eating chocolate, what better way to defend against the impending sugar crash. Do pull-ups! My first 10 days completed.

Doing Pull-ups Can be Easy!

Man doing an Australian pull-up on a playground.

You might be telling yourself that pull-ups are too hard and that you don't work out so this challenge isn't for you. You might also be wondering where you can do your pull-ups since you don't have a gym membership. I'm betting that I can get you to do your first very easy pull-up. You don't need to be a work out junkie, have a gym membership, or buy fancy workout gear in your house do a single pull-up. In this short video I'll show you just where and how to do easy pull-ups in your neighbourhood!

Easy Australian Pull-ups

If you're having trouble doing your first pull-up or avoiding the challenge at all because full body pull-ups are hard too hard for you, wait no more! Introducing the Australian style pull-ups! Australian pull-ups are a variation that are designed to be much easier. In fact, they're totally like doing those knee push-ups! You can even switch it up and mix in other types of grips from other pull-up variations to make the Australian pull-up more challenging! For now, let's start with the basics.

Australian Pull-up guide

Refer to the following steps on how to do an Australian pull-up.

  1. First, find a bar that's about waist height. If you're in the gym, you can use a Smith Machine or a bench press bar in a lifting cage. A neighbourhood park will sometimes have some kind of bars like I've shown, in the video. Some parks even have low bars designed for outdoor fitness.
  2. Grip the bar with your hands a little wider than shoulder width apart. Your grip will be similar to the traditional full body pull-up.
  3. Slide your body underneath the bar so that your chest is positioned directly under it.
  4. Keep your heels on the ground and your body straight like a board. Ensure that your shoulders are 'packed' (flexed slightly holding your body up).
  5. Pull your body up towards the bar until your chin reaches the height of the bar. Once you've lifted your upper body fully, that's one repetition, or otherwise known as a rep.
  6. Lower your body back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to continue doing your Australian Pull-ups.

I want to thank you all for your support with the Bullying Pull-up Challenge movement. I'm so glad to see and hear many of you are interested in not only the challenge itself but also the cause that we're supporting as a community. Thank you for your support and good luck!