Over 40 - Christmas Challenge

dfeledichuk

Hi to everyone!

This challenge is a weight loss challenge open for those of us over the age of 40, who would like to make some serious progress before Christmas.

We will weight in each Monday. Additionally I ask that each of you post a weekly nutrition or fitness goal with your updated weight and report your progress on previous week goal when you weigh in as well.

To begin please post a little introduction and your goal weight for Dec 25.

I am 44 and have lost 41lbs so far. I am married, work fulltime and have three teenagers. My goal weight for Dec 25 is 215lbs. My week 1 nutrition goal - drink at least 8 cups of water each day.

SW - 251
GW - 215 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

_gwen

Hi! I'll participate in the challenge.

I will weigh in on Sunday, and report my weight Monday am. I also take pics and measurements on the first Sunday of each month.

My name is Gwen, I'm 49 and I have lost 24 pounds since June. Thinking back, that is really quite remarkable. I found a note to myself on my calendar to lose 20 pounds. It felt good to think I accomplished that goal. Here's to another 20 pound loss.

I'm single and work full time as a writer. My goal weight for December 25 is 172, about a pound a week.

Week 1 nutrition goal, same as dfeledichuk, drink at least 8 cups of water each day and no more than 1 glass within an hour before I go to bed. :happy:

SW - 192.5
GW - 172 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Welcome Gwen, thanks for joining!

KeriA

Hi this is definitely the Challenge for me. I originally wanted to get under 200 lbs by Jan. 1st but I have just spent a couple of months trying to get out of a plateau.

My name is Keri and I am 58. I have a teenager and a YA at home. My daughter will be a Senior so we are thinking about colleges. My son is in law school (2L). He just got engaged this last weekend. Yay! I am unemployed so my focus is finding a job and getting fit. I will be celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary in December hence another reason for this challenge being perfect for me. I think I am out of my plateau so I should be able to lose the 10% of my weight now before the next one. I just need to figure out how to do it a little faster. My nutritional goal this week is to drink more than 8 glasses of water each day. I think that will help.

SW - 231
GW - 210 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Welcome KeriA! And congrats on being a future mother-in-law!

brobin41101

Hello:flowerforyou: I would love to take part in this challenge. Now a little about me. I have been married for 19 years, I work a full time job with a major grocery chain, as an Assistant Customer Service Manager. I haven't been blessed with any children of my own...but I am the proud mommy of a silly little dog ...who by the way doesn't know she is a dog, lol. I have been blessed with two wonderful step-children, who have given me three amazing grandchildren. I am well
over 40... To be exact, I will be 49 before Christmas, ...What a great birthday gift , to be able to lose 24 more pounds by Christmas. I have a few health issues at this point in my life, that limit me on certain exercises, but I am trying to tweek them a bit to help me along this journey. I really want this !!!! Feel free to add me for support. I need all the support I can get.. SW 209
GW - 185 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25) My first goal will be to drink more water. Thank goodness for Hawiian punch singles to go, or I would never make it to where I am today with the water.

dfeledichuk

Welcome brobin!!!

joyfulthanks

Count me in.

I'm 45 years old, happily married for 22 years, but never blessed with any children. I'm hoping to return to graduate school next fall to prepare for a career change. In the meantime, I'm taking good care of my hubby and doing some volunteer work with our church. I've been on a weight plateau for awhile, and I'm hoping that I will be able to break out of it soon.

SW - 154
GW for Dec. 25 - 135

Nutrition goal for this week - keep drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Welcome joyfulthanks, aside from working fulltime I am also in graduate school working on a PhD, a lot of work.. tough sometimes to balance work, school and healthy living, so anyone have any great ideas let me know. I dread September when I am back in school, working and kids are doing a zillion things!

tannyb

Oh, I'd like to play, too. I'm new to this whole forum thing (but I've been using the app on my phone for a few months) so let me know if I'm not doing it right.

I'm 43 and I've been married for 22 years. I have three sons; the oldest just finished college and is working from home, the middle one is soon to start his second year at university, and the youngest will be starting grade 12. I work full time in accounting and dabble in photography on the side (my profile pic is from a photo shoot of hubby and I on our 22nd anniversary last February.)

I, too, will add getting 8 glasses of water/day to my goals - I still have trouble with that one sometimes. I will have to weigh on Sunday also as Monday mornings are tough enough without having to find time for that.

SW - 287
GW - 265 (Dec 25)

Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Here is the link to the spreadsheet I will keep adding as we have other participants join us!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Al9TO0C9yuUFdDRUSTFvVkxJMlAtUVNMTk5qMTk5dmc&hl=en_US#gid=0

dfeledichuk

Thanks for joining us tannyb, I started out like you too, using the App on my iPhone for about 2 months before I started using the site. I will update the spreadsheet to include you. Welcome!

dfeledichuk

9 glasses of water today - see if I can keep it up!

_gwen

9 glasses of water today - see if I can keep it up!

Same here. It was some work to get there, but I did it.

BTW, I added the link to this thread as well as a progress ticker to the bottom of my signature. No excuses losing the group! :flowerforyou:

dfeledichuk

Thanks Gwen!

KeriA

Nice to see some new members. Great job withthe water Gwen and dfeledichuk I was a glass behind. I was doing really well and then my daughter and I decided to go to a movie. I needed a break from the norm. It was fun.

So today I am going to go to the gym and try some strength training. A while ago I researched and found a routine but only tried it once with mixed success. I feel a bit intimidated with the weight machines although I have used them before. I need to figure out a few more machines to add into it since I know some were not at my gym.

Wish me luck. Also anyone in this group is welcome to add me as a friend as well.

Keri

_gwen

So today I am going to go to the gym and try some strength training. A while ago I researched and found a routine but only tried it once with mixed success. I feel a bit intimidated with the weight machines although I have used them before. I need to figure out a few more machines to add into it since I know some were not at my gym.

What is your routine? I use Joyce Vedral's 'Weight Training Made Easy'. It's kind of an old book, but it explains everything about the equipment as well as free weights. I generally prefer free weights because they are more like functional exercises but there are a couple pieces of equipment that really are better.

I keep meaning to blog about how I decided on my program, my meal planning, etc., but I haven't gotten around to do it.

KeriA

I would really be interested in your blog. I have bought 2 books but I don't use them that much. This is what I did although I think there might have been a machine I used that I didn't remember to list.
Leg press
Leg extension
Calf raise
Seated hip abductor adductor
Core crunch
Machine Row
Cable Pulldown
Lateral front bar pulldown
Chest Press Machine
Overhead Press, Machine, Seated
Standing Biceps Curl, Dumbell
Triceps Extension
I also did th elliptical to warm up and the bicycle afterwards but not for long since the focus wasn't on cardio.
I really hardly have an idea what I am doing. My son suggested the free weight exercises.

dfeledichuk

Did not so great in the water yesterday after eating out and had a ton if sodium to boot so back at it today!

curlyjayne

Hi I'm in
I am 42, been married for 21 years, although we have been together for 24 years.
i have two kids toni (girl) who is 23 and gareth who is 18.
Christmas goal to be any weight under 150lbs
and i would like to be running 6 miles + at least twice a week every week
SW - 164
GW - 149 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

Swissy98

Hello!

Please count me in too. I'm 43 with one daugher (21) - she is starting her senior year in college this fall.

I recently joined MFP and this is the first challenge I've participated in - so if I do something wrong please let me know!!

My challenges for the remainder of this week are:

8 glasses of water
Gym 2 times for 60 min.

SW - 256.5
GW - 226.5 (Dec 25)

Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Thanks for joining us curlyjayne and Swissy98, nice to have you! I have added you to the spreadsheet, it can be viewed at

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Al9TO0C9yuUFdDRUSTFvVkxJMlAtUVNMTk5qMTk5dmc&hl=en_US&pli=1#gid=0

_gwen

My blog is http://ahealthandfitnessjournal.wordpress.com/

There is one official post, and lots of articles in progress. I realized the reason why I don't use the MFP blog is because I tend to jot down post ideas and then come back later to write and edit the full post. Wordpress lets me keep posts in various states of authorship.

Regarding strength training, I have two workouts that I alternate. Right now I'm using two 3 pound weights. It's pretty light, but I haven't trained in ages so I'm easing back in.

Upper Body:

Flat Press
Incline Bench Press
Incline Dumbbell Fly
Pullover
Lateral Raise, Dumbbell, Side
Lateral raise, dumbell, front
Alternate Shoulder Raise
Lateral Raise, Dumbell, Bent
Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl
Simultaneous Curl
Standing One-Arm Hammer Curl
Concentration Curl
Overhead Press, Barbell
Kickback
One-arm overhead extension
Cross-face Extension
Upright Row
Dumbbell Row, One-Arm, Bent-Over
Dumbbell Row, Two-Arm, Bent-Over
Seated Back Lateral

Lower Body:

Squat
Side Leg Lift
Leg Curls
Lunge
Standing Butt Squeeze
Standing Back-Leg Extension
Straight-Leg Kick-Up
Bent-Knee Kick-Up
Concentrated Butt Lift
Abdominal Crunches
Ceiling Lift
Knee-Raised Crunch
Seated Calf Raise
Standing Calf Raises
Seated Angled-Out-Toe Raise
Standing Angled-In-Toe Raise

Keeping up my water intake is a fight, but it's 10:43 am and I'm finishing my 6th glass of water for the day. <gurgle..>

whitesquirrel

I'd like to join too please to keep me motivated as would love to be a certain weight in December:) I am 41, have a busy job and no kids - but have a partner instead - who is a slim man who can eat anything he wants! (this doesn't help my cause) My goal weight for Dec 25 is 167lbs. My week 1 nutrition goal - eat more fruit, I am so rubbish at eating fruit!

SW - 185
GW - 167 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

laughingnome

Hi all...... I'm 55 and need to get into shape. I have gotten lazy and have a gym in my basement for my son who is in shape.. I am determined to use the gym and eat right to lose wright. Everytime I see pictures of myself I am embarassed. Unfortunately I have a job which I sit all day, driving, Hope with support I can lose at least 15 lbs by Christmas. I have been in a walking cast for 6 weeks hope it comes off next week and I can start walking everyday.

gabbygirl37_2001

Hey everyone! I'd like to join this challenge. Im 46, married, but my husband and I live in separate places right now, due to some personal issues. Anyway...we talk everyday, but it can be stressful. I eat, to fill in the lonlieness. I eat for many reasons though...not just that! I have many excuses! Im a mom too...both my kids are adults 25, and 20, and the 25 year old just moved back in with me. I love it, but its stressful at the same time. I love to eat, I hate to exercise, and Im bigger than Ive ever been in my life, pretty much. My goal for this week is just to get back into recording my calories every day, and of course the 8 glasses of water too.

SW - 224
GW - 200 (Dec 25)
Week 1 - xxx (Aug 22)
Week 2 - xxx (Aug 29)
Week 3 - xxx (Sep 5)
Week 4 - xxx (Sep 12)
Week 5 - xxx (Sep 19)
Week 6 - xxx (Sep 26)
Week 7 - xxx (Oct 3)
Week 9 - xxx (Oct 10)
Week 10 - xxx (Oct 17)
Week 11 - xxx (Oct 24)
Week 12 - xxx (Oct 31)
Week 13 - xxx (Nov 7)
Week 14 - xxx (Nov 14)
Week 15 - xxx (Nov 21)
Week 16 - xxx (Nov 28)
Week 17 - xxx (Dec 5)
Week 18 - xxx (Dec 12)
Week 19 - xxx (Dec 19)
Final - xxx (Dec 25)

dfeledichuk

Hi all...... I'm 55 and need to get into shape. I have gotten lazy and have a gym in my basement for my son who is in shape.. I am determined to use the gym and eat right to lose wright. Everytime I see pictures of myself I am embarassed. Unfortunately I have a job which I sit all day, driving, Hope with support I can lose at least 15 lbs by Christmas. I have been in a walking cast for 6 weeks hope it comes off next week and I can start walking everyday.

Welcome to our group laughingnome, glad to have you!

I am like you I have a job that I sit at all day long as well, fortunately for me I am not in a walking cast however and have been walking each day at lunch and sometimes in the evenings. I have a goal of walking 100 miles a month, at 64 so far.

Can you please note your starting weight and your goal weight when you get a chance so I can add all the necessary information to the spreadsheet for the challenge.

Thanks

dfeledichuk

Welcome to our group gabbygirl37_2001. Sorry to hear about your personal situation it can definitely make staying on track pretty tough. Hopefully we can all support you through the process. Great goals for this week!

KeriA

I am on my 7th cup of water for the day and it is just after lunch. Thanks Gwen for the link to your blog and the list of exercises you do. I want to up to 2 days a week eventually but have too much other exercise going for now! Welcome to the new members too.
Keri

curlyjayne

hi guys
i have been trying to run for about a month now, and tonight i managed the 6 mile route in one go, without stopping. I am so chuffed with myself, and i managed to knock 4 minutes off my best time yet.
I go running with my dog, she is a 4 year old white german shepherd who really needs the exercise. She is my best friend at the moment!

dfeledichuk

hi guys
i have been trying to run for about a month now, and tonight i managed the 6 mile route in one go, without stopping. I am so chuffed with myself, and i managed to knock 4 minutes off my best time yet.
I go running with my dog, she is a 4 year old white german shepherd who really needs the exercise. She is my best friend at the moment!

That is awesome! Great for you and personal best time to boot! My dogs love the walks I take them on too!