The Weekly Health Challenge (Stretching and Pushups)

Weekly Challenge (Level One):

Stretch your calf muscles three times this week

As a martial arts instructor, I see many people have problems with this stretch on an almost daily basis. It seems difficult for most people, and that's why I'm including it here.

Put one foot squarely on the floor, then put both hands on the floor. Then walk yourself forward on your hands, keeping your heel on the floor, until you can feel the stretch in your calves. Hold, then switch feet.

Don't worry about going forward a great distance. The goal is to stretch, not go as far as you think you should. SO if it hurts, you need to ease up a bit. Just go until you can feel the stretch.

Weekly Challenge (Level Two):

Do twenty pushups five days this week

We've upped it by five again. By now, unless you already have well-developed arms, you can probably feel some muscle pain. Make sure you're sleeping and taking two days a week to rest. Your muscles will not get stronger if you're constantly breaking them down. Make sure you maintain that good form!

Extra Challenge:

Is that too easy? Try adding another five pushups!