This post was originally going to be called “Push-ups in the Age of Pandemics,” but something made me change my mind.
ELBEE You’re welcome.
I think I’ve done more push-ups in the past few months than the average prisoner. I’ve probably done more than I have in the rest of my life. As an athletically challenged nerd growing up in Syracuse, I don’t think I’d ever heard of one, let alone done one. I’ve definitely done more than the average grandma. Note to self: Does the Guinness Book of Records recognize most consecutive push-ups by a grandma?
As a exercise aficionado since the early 80’s, I was selfishly devastated when the gyms closed because of the pandemic. I had to do something.
ELBEE Exercise aficionado? I believe the expression she’s looking for is “gym rat.”
Push-ups are a great upper body work out. You can do them anytime and you don’t need equipment. Best of all, you can do them anywhere.
Although I’m definitely not good about working out at home, I started doing push-ups during commercials on the Hallmark Channel, my antidote to reality. Gus and Stanley found it quite entertaining.
GUS & STANLEY We’re so confused.
Then I had a better idea. I have done an occasional push-up while hiking in the Santa Monica mountains so why not add a few more. At first I tried to do them when no one was around but then, inspired by the views and the freedom, I just decided to go for it. 
A lot of people enjoy exercising in the mountains so there is much less judgment. No one laughed when they happened to see me.
ELBEE At least not out loud
Last week, despite the July heat and the disapproval of the daughters, I went on my traditional challenging birthday hike. I added lots of push-up and was feeling pretty proud of myself until I got the dreaded “Good job. You can do it,” compliment from a young hiker.
In the face of COVID-19 we’re all looking for ways to cope. My mountain work outs have helped me meet the challenge of these impossible times.
I’m in one of my favorite places, exercising and enjoying the comforting embrace of nature. Doing push-ups on an outcropping of rock with incredible views lets me experience a combination of strength and peace. For a few moments it takes me away from all of the craziness, stress and sadness.
ELBEE Sorry, but doing push-ups in the middle of the mountains is its own kind of crazy.
