Personal Stories

From 3 to 20 Push-ups: My Personal Journey to Strength

Ben Hajdahman
2024-03-258 min read

We all start somewhere. For me, that "somewhere" was struggling to do even three proper push-ups. Today, I want to share my personal journey of how I went from barely being able to do a few push-ups to confidently cranking out sets of 20, and how this experience led me to create SportifAI.

The Beginning: Facing Reality

I'll never forget that first day when I decided to get serious about my fitness. There I was, in my room, ready to start my fitness journey. I dropped down to do some push-ups, confident that I could do at least 10-15 since I considered myself "reasonably fit." Reality hit hard. After three push-ups, my arms were shaking, and I could barely hold proper form. It was a humbling moment, but instead of getting discouraged, I decided to turn it into a challenge.

The Simple Steps That Changed Everything

1. Starting with the Basics

Instead of forcing myself to do regular push-ups with poor form, I started with:

  • Wall push-ups to learn proper form
  • Incline push-ups using my desk
  • Knee push-ups to build initial strength

2. Consistency Over Intensity

Here's what made the real difference:

  • I did push-ups every single day
  • Started with just 3 sets of whatever I could manage
  • Focused on form over numbers
  • Never pushed to complete failure

3. The Progress Tracking Method

I kept a simple log:

  • Recorded every set
  • Noted how I felt
  • Tracked form quality
  • Celebrated small wins

The Unexpected Breakthroughs

What amazed me most was how the progress seemed to happen without me noticing. It wasn't linear—some days I felt stronger, others weaker—but the trend was consistently upward.

Week-by-Week Progress:

  • Week 1: 3 push-ups max
  • Week 3: 5-6 push-ups consistently
  • Week 5: 8-10 push-ups becoming normal
  • Week 7: 12-15 push-ups feeling strong
  • Week 8: Hit my first set of 20!

The Mental Game

The biggest lesson wasn't about physical strength—it was about mindset:

  1. Small steps add up to big changes
  2. Consistency beats intensity
  3. Progress isn't always visible day-to-day
  4. Form and technique matter more than numbers

The Birth of SportifAI

This experience actually inspired a key feature in SportifAI. I realized that what helped me most was:

  • Having a structured progression
  • Daily accountability
  • Form feedback
  • Progress tracking These elements became core features in SportifAI's AI-powered workout planning:

How SportifAI Makes It Easier

  1. Smart Progression: The AI analyzes your current level and creates a custom progression plan
  2. Form Analysis: Real-time feedback on your exercise form
  3. Adaptive Programming: Workouts that adjust based on your progress
  4. Progress Tracking: Detailed analytics to visualize your improvement

Tips from My Journey

If you're starting your own push-up journey, here's what worked for me:

  1. Start Where You Are
  • Don't compare yourself to others
  • Focus on quality over quantity
  • Use modifications when needed
  1. Track Everything
  • Record your sets and reps
  • Note how each session feels
  • Take videos to check your form
  1. Be Consistent
  • Do something every day
  • Listen to your body
  • Celebrate small wins

The Bigger Picture

This journey taught me that fitness isn't about dramatic transformations—it's about showing up every day and doing a little bit better than yesterday. It's this philosophy that drives SportifAI's approach to fitness.

Your Turn to Transform

Whether you're struggling with push-ups like I was, or facing any other fitness challenge, remember that progress is possible with the right approach and consistent effort. With SportifAI, you get:

  • Personalized progression plans
  • AI-powered form feedback
  • Daily workout adjustments
  • Progress tracking and analytics
  • A supportive community Ready to start your own transformation story? Let SportifAI guide you through your fitness journey, just like I wish I had when I started mine. Remember: Every rep counts, every day matters, and everyone has to start somewhere. Your journey begins now.

Ready to Transform Your Fitness Journey?

Join thousands of users who have already revolutionized their fitness with SportifAI's AI-powered platform.