The Simple Yet Effective Challenge That Will Hold You Accountable

Back in April, I started a 30-day pull-up challenge—not just for fitness, but as a way to finally put myself out there. I’d recently launched Fittux, my clothing, home gym, and outdoor gear brand. Between managing products, content, and marketing, I barely had time for the gym. So I turned to something simple: a steel pull-up bar I could use at home. That small decision sparked a bigger transformation than I expected.

You Can’t Grow Without Failing

On day one, I was hyped. I posted across all the socials—YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, the works—ready to show the world what I could do. But within minutes, the comments came in: “That’s not a real pull-up.” And they were right.

What I thought was a pull-up was barely a chin-up. My arms weren’t even fully extended. It was awkward, slightly embarrassing… but honestly, it was one of the best wake-up calls I’ve had. Sometimes you need the internet to humble you—and teach you fast. I could’ve taken the videos down. Instead, I kept going.

Week Two: The Reality Check

By week two, the adrenaline had faded and the real challenge began. I caught myself thinking, How am I going to stick with this for 30 days? I even considered taking a break or a short trip—until I realised I’d have to pack this bulky pull-up bar with me or fail the challenge. That wasn’t happening.

I’m a bit of a David Goggins fan. Yeah, the “who’s gonna carry the boats and the logs” line is overused, but the mindset behind it—accountability, grit, and pushing past comfort—is what kept me going. I wasn’t chasing six-pack abs in a month (though I wouldn’t have said no). I was chasing consistency, routine, and the mental win of finishing what I started.

Learning New Tricks Mid-Challenge

What surprised me most? How much I learned in such a short time. Viewers dropped tips in the comments about form, technique, and muscle groups I hadn’t thought about. One of those tips led me to Goggins’ “Nickels and Dimes” routine: 5 pull-ups is a nickel, 10 push-ups is a dime. Do as many nickels and dimes as you can and tally your score.

By day 14, I put my own spin on it: Pounds and Pennies. Every pull-up was worth 10p. Every push-up, 1p. Suddenly I was competing with myself, not just trying to survive the challenge.

And yes—midway through, I still mixed up pull-ups and chin-ups. I had to Google the difference: chin-ups = palms facing you, pull-ups = palms facing away. Simple mistake, but again, part of the journey.

What 30 Days Actually Did

No, I didn’t transform into Arnie. But my core strength improved. My reps got cleaner. I was moving with more control. Most importantly, I learned to follow through on a commitment—even when no one’s cheering.

The biggest win wasn’t physical. It was the discipline to show up every single day, record my progress, and stay accountable—even when progress felt slow.

For the Underdogs

I’m not the fastest, strongest, or smartest guy in the room. I’m not some elite athlete. I’m just someone who refuses to quit once I’ve said I’ll do something. That’s it.

We scroll past so many fitness challenges and “life hacks” every day. But what if you actually picked one, and stuck with it? What if you didn’t stop halfway?

If you’re curious, you can check out my daily pull-up videos here:

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Thinking of trying your own 30-day pull-up challenge? Tag us—I’d love to follow your journey.

And if you’re wondering, yes, this is the exact bar I used: Steel Doorway Pull-Up Bar