April Monthly Challenge

Mjtckwnow
Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
edited March 2017 in Social Groups
Welcome to the April Challenge!
1st of all congrats to everyone who completed, participated in, or even attempted the March Challenge!! I still can't do a full push-up but my modified ones are a lot stronger than before.

This month there will be 2 challenges....The 30 Day LBD (Little Black Dress) Challenge + a bonus 30 Day Free Weight Challenge. It is up to you how you want to tackle this:

Option A: Pick one or the other to complete this month
Option B: Really challenge yourself and do both
Option C : Alternate days and do both but just not on the same day
Option D : Follow along loosely, just incorporating some of these exercises into your current exercise program
It's up to you :) but just do something!

Know your body and what you are capable of before starting, these should be a challenge but not so much of one that you risk hurting yourself.

Modify, Modify, Modify as needed.

A quick google search will show you modifications for any of the exercises - there is even a non-impact burpee that can be done in place of the true burpee. If you need any help finding a modification that works for you, just reach out and let's find a good alternative!

I'll post each exercise daily but you can also print these out and hang up and cross off each day as completed - putting a big X through a workout is a good motivator for me.

Post along throughout the month in this thread as you complete a workout and share your triumphs and struggles - we can get through this together!


***I plan to do both challenges but if you look at the calendars, the rest days do not match up, so I will modify mine so that I do get a true rest day every 5 days.***

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Replies

  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    edited March 2017
    For the Free Weight Challenge....here are the descriptions of each from the website Refinery29:
    Rows: Bent over rows
    One of the best moves for your upper back, you’ll also get a little core work from stabilizing your body position. Grasp the weights by your sides. Hinge your upper body down by sticking your butt way back and letting your knees bend slightly; you want your back to stay flat and your head to be neutral to your spine. As you hinge, let your arms hang down in front of you, fingers facing your body. Inhale, then exhale as you pull your elbows back and wide out to the sides; you should feel your shoulder blades pinch together as if you’re trying to trap a pen between them. Inhale as you lower your arms back down. Take your time with both movements, feeling your upper back work on the way up and on the way down.

    Shoulders: Overhead Presses
    This exercise works the shoulders. Begin by holding the weights in your hands about level with your head, with elbows bent and wide and fingers facing forward — think of your arms being shaped like football goalposts. Soften your knees (no locking them!), and inhale; then, exhale as you press your hands up and above your head so the bells come close to each other but don’t touch. Inhale as you lower them down. Again, don’t rush the movement: Feel the resistance of the weights, both on the way up and on the way down. Be sure you’re not arching back with your body when you press up. If you notice this, sit back ever so slightly, with even softer knees, and stay firm through your belly button to keep your core tight and aligned.

    Biceps: Bicep Curls
    These work — you guessed it — your biceps (a.k.a. guns). Stand up straight with your knees soft, holding the weights by your sides. Turn your hands so your palms are facing away from you. Inhale; then, exhale as you curl the weights up toward your shoulders, keeping your elbows tight by your sides. Inhale as you lower your hands down. Take your time here, too.

    Triceps: Tricep Kick-Backs
    This is an excellent move for the triceps, the muscles on the backs of the arms. Because the exercise is performed in the same body position as the rows, you’ll also get some great core work here, too. Hold the weights by your sides and set yourself up in your forward hinge with knees bent, butt sticking out, and back flat. With your fingers facing in toward your body, pull your elbows up so your upper arms are parallel to your ribcage; your elbows will be bent, with your hands hanging. Inhale; then, exhale as you straighten your arms fully. Inhale as you allow your arms to re-bend. Keep it slow and controlled through both parts of the movement, and don’t let your torso position change during the entire set.

    If you follow this link to the refinery29website, there are gifs of each exercise showing you the proper form:
    http://www.refinery29.com/30-day-arm-workout-challenge#slide-1
    

  • SmithsonianEmpress
    SmithsonianEmpress Posts: 1,163 Member
    Good Morning Jane! This is AWESOME! I'm up for the challenge :D Thanks for doing this. This group is my new found love on MFP <3

    *I'm able to do REAL push-ups now and that's thanks to March's challenge :# *

    GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
  • dmiller4129
    dmiller4129 Posts: 44 Member
    edited March 2017
    I will be doing both challenges!
    Thanks to the arm challenge I got a compliment for "bad *kitten* arms"
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    edited March 2017
    Another thing I forgot to add.....if the quantity in the LBD challenge seem too daunting, break the exercises down in reps:

    For example on day 30 instead of trying to do 60 high knees, followed by 60 squats, & 60 lunges try 20 high knees, 20 squats, 20 lunges - 1 minute rest break & repeat 2 more times.

    Or do half in the morning and the other half in the evening.

    Find what works for you!
  • gdneff
    gdneff Posts: 279 Member
    I am very new to excercising. I'm not even sure I want to start yet, but I know I need to.

    @Mjtckwnow Is there somewhere to get directions for the LBD challenge like you supplies for the free weight challenge? I have heard of burpees and some of these, but not sure I have ever done any of these.

    Thanks.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    gdneff wrote: »
    I am very new to excercising. I'm not even sure I want to start yet, but I know I need to.

    @Mjtckwnow Is there somewhere to get directions for the LBD challenge like you supplies for the free weight challenge? I have heard of burpees and some of these, but not sure I have ever done any of these.

    Thanks.

    Yes, I'll post info later. The 30 Day Fitness site is being weird right now and I can't access it. I'll try later from my laptop and see if that works. If you are very new to exercising, you will want to do modifications until you feel stronger but congrats on taking the leap in with us!
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Here is a traditional burpee

    Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, weight in your heels, and your arms at your sides.
    Push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body into a squat.
    Place your hands on the floor directly in front of, and just inside, your feet. Shift your weight onto them.
    Jump your feet back to softly land on the balls of your feet in a plank position. Your body should form a straight line from your head to heels. Be careful not to let your back sag or you butt stick up in the air, as both can keep you from effectively working your core.
    Jump your feet back so that they land just outside of your hands.
    Reach your arms over head and explosively jump up into the air.
    Land and immediately lower back into a squat for your next rep.

    Link to video below:
    http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/lose-weight/burn-fat/how-to-do-a-burpee/
    

    Modified Burpee:
    You can easily modify a burpee by doing them more slowly and by taking out the jumping movements. This can be helpful for people who are overweight or unfit or for those with sore joints. To compete a modified burpee, squat down, step your legs out into plank one by one, then step them back into a squat and stand up without jumping. This version is gentler on the body and takes less energy to complete.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Here is how to do a traditional plank:
    Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, shoulders directly over your elbows, pelvis tucked, and zero hike (or drop!) in your hips or upper back between your shoulder blades.

    Link to video below + includes plank (harder) variations
    http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/abs/exercises/how-to-do-a-plank/
    

    Modified plank:
    Position yourself on your hands and knees. If you're uncomfortable with your knees on the bare floor, place a yoga mat, thin pillow or other padding under your knees.
    Walk your hands slowly forward until your body forms a straight line from head to knees. Your hips should neither pike above, nor sag below, the line of your body.
    Lower yourself to your elbows, resting your forearms flat on the floor. Your elbows should be positioned directly below your shoulders.
    Hold the position for as long as you can, breathing normally and squeezing your abs to keep your body straight. If you reach a point where you can't keep your hips in line with the rest of your body, it's time to take a break.
  • camoballerina91
    camoballerina91 Posts: 257 Member
    I'm going to try to do both. Since I do alternate my strength and cardio days, would be acceptable if I did two days in one, that way I can get the full challenge done?
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Press-ups...I think this is just another phrase for push-ups


    Traditional Push Ups
    Get into a high plank position. Place your hands firmly on the ground, directly under shoulders. ...
    Lower your body. Begin to lower your body—keeping your back flat and eyes focused about three feet in front of you to keep a neutral neck—until your chest grazes the floor. ...
    Push back up.


    Modified Push Ups
    1) Push-up in table top
    2) Push-up on knees
    3) Incline (or wall) push-up

    Follow link below for video
    http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/how-to-do-a-push-up-variations/
    
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditonal Mountain Climbers
    Get into plank position. Get down on the floor on your hands and knees. ...
    Pull one knee up and in toward your midsection. Lift one foot and begin bending the knee as you pull it up between the front of your body and the floor. ...
    Repeat the action with your other knee

    Link below:
    http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Mountain-Climbers
    

    Mofified Mountain Climbers
    Starting in a plank position, drop your knees, making sure to keep your weight positioned on your hands. Straighten one leg behind you, keeping the other knee planted. Bend your extended leg and bring it out and towards the shoulder of the same side. Your knee will end up parallel with the floor.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional Jumping Jacks
    Stand with your feet together and your hands down by your side.
    In one motion jump your feet out to the side and raise your arms above your head.
    Immediately reverse that motion by jumping back to the starting position.

    Modified Jumping Jacks
    The standard low-impact variation on jumping jacks is also known as a side jack. Instead of jumping to spread your feet, then jumping to bring your feet back together, substitute a heel tap to the side for each jump out. So instead, your foot movements are right heel out, feet together, left heel out, feet together.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional High Knees
    Stand straight with the feet hip width apart, looking straight ahead and arms hanging down by your side. Jump from one foot to the other at the same time lifting your knees as high as possible, hip height is advisable. The arms should be following the motion. Touch the ground with the balls of your feet.

    Link to video below
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/195318-high-knee-exercises/
    

    Modified High Knees
    Replace with marching steps in place
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional Squats
    Stand with your head facing forward and your chest held up and out.
    Place your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider.
    Sit back and down like you're sitting into an imaginary chair.

    link to video below
    http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/butt/exercises/how-to-do-squats/
    

    Modified Squats
    These are a must if you have bad knees or feel pain when trying to do a traditonal squat. Try not going as deep as a traditional squat or doing a wall sit instead

    link to video below
    https://www.verywell.com/squat-modifications-for-sore-knees-1231332
    
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional Lunges
    Keep your upper body straight, with your shoulders back and relaxed and chin up (pick a point to stare at in front of you so you don't keep looking down). Always engage your core.
    Step forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle

    See link below
    http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/know-your-basics-how-do-lunge
    

    Modified Lunges (again a must for bad knees)
    Do a stationary lunge for added stability. Stand about 2 feet away from a wall or sturdy piece of equipment. Place one foot in front of the other, about 3- to 4-feet apart and keep your balance by lightly touching the wall for support. Keeping your torso upright, contract your abs and all the muscles in your legs to support your joints. Bend both knees until the front knee is at a 90-degree angle and the back knee is a few inches off the ground. If this is too intense, only lunge as far down as you feel comfortable. Squeeze your leg muscles to come back up to the start. If it hurts your knees to repeatedly move up and down, lower into the lunge and hold the position for five to 10 seconds.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional Bridges
    Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
    Raise your hips of the floor so that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
    Pause at the top then slowly lower your body back to the floor.

    Link to video below
    http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-the-Bridge-Exercise
    

    Modified Bridges
    If you feel that you can’t go all the way up until your body forms a straight line, that is ok. Even just raising the hips an inch off the ground will activate the muscles. Do what works for you.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Traditional Tricep Dips
    Wherever and however you dip, the key is arm position. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart on the surface you are dipping from, with your arms straight. From there you dip down until your arms are at a 90-degree angle, then straighten them out again, raising your body

    link to video below
    http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/arms/exercises/how-to-do-tricep-dips/
    

    Modified Tricep Dips
    Use a chair or bench with a firm surface & keep legs bent. Use smaller motions & do not dip as far down.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    I'm going to try to do both. Since I do alternate my strength and cardio days, would be acceptable if I did two days in one, that way I can get the full challenge done?

    Do whatever works best for you :)
  • TheCupcakeCounter
    TheCupcakeCounter Posts: 606 Member
    Not excited to do more mountain climbers (at least it isn't every day) but I'm in for both

    Since printing them up as is takes a lot of ink, I input everything into a spread sheet made to look like a calendar and printed that - still get the X satisfaction (plus I am an accountant and love spreadsheets). Makes it pretty easy if you are trying to match up the rest days or need to put in different exercises for modifications.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    Not excited to do more mountain climbers (at least it isn't every day) but I'm in for both

    Since printing them up as is takes a lot of ink, I input everything into a spread sheet made to look like a calendar and printed that - still get the X satisfaction (plus I am an accountant and love spreadsheets). Makes it pretty easy if you are trying to match up the rest days or need to put in different exercises for modifications.

    Great idea!
  • gdneff
    gdneff Posts: 279 Member
    thank you @Mjtckwnow and everyone else for the great ideas and information. I am going to do what I can and try and get myself in gear this month. Thanks so much.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    gdneff wrote: »
    thank you @Mjtckwnow and everyone else for the great ideas and information. I am going to do what I can and try and get myself in gear this month. Thanks so much.

    You are already doing great with your weight loss, you've lost 36% of your total challenge goal :)


  • hannahhooter
    hannahhooter Posts: 129 Member
    Yay for April Challenge! This week I've been slacking a bit and having a new challenge to start is very motivating! Looking forward to getting stronger and looking good in my Little Black Dress :smiley:
  • Lapoof420
    Lapoof420 Posts: 56 Member
    Very excited for the free wieght challenge! I've been trying to build upper body strength and my boyfriend got out his weights for me to use.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    POSTING DAY 1 WORKOUT FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST:

    LBD CHALLENGE:
    30 SECOND PLANK, 10 PRESS (PUSH) UPS, 10 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

    FREE WEIGHT CHALLENGE:
    15 BENT OVER OVER ROWS
  • hannahhooter
    hannahhooter Posts: 129 Member
    Wanting everyone's advice/thoughts on the amount of sets for this challenge...I know I always tried to do 3 sets for March challenge, but even in the last week the rep #s weren't super high.

    Part of me wants to say "YEAH! I'll do 3 sets of everything everyday!" But I also don't want to get too burnt out and am wondering if this seems realistic?

    Would love to hear others thoughts.
  • dbackgrammy
    dbackgrammy Posts: 229 Member
    I had the same thoughts. I am planning to do 3 sets of each as long as my old body can handle it. March's challenge helped me to feel stronger so I am putting my faith in this challenge and you ladies.
  • Mjtckwnow
    Mjtckwnow Posts: 528 Member
    edited April 2017
    Wanting everyone's advice/thoughts on the amount of sets for this challenge...I know I always tried to do 3 sets for March challenge, but even in the last week the rep #s weren't super high.

    Part of me wants to say "YEAH! I'll do 3 sets of everything everyday!" But I also don't want to get too burnt out and am wondering if this seems realistic?

    Would love to hear others thoughts.

    My plan is to do 3 sets while the numbers are low to keep my workouts similar to how our last challenge ended. But once it exceeds that then scale down to 1 set. This LBD challenge uses much higher reps than the last challenge. Plus I'm doing both challenges so it will be more.

    You can definitely do three sets for the 1st week after doing the March challenge so do that and then evaluate as go on when to scale down to 1 set.
  • trinitymwilson
    trinitymwilson Posts: 108 Member
    My advice is to take it one day at a time. Go by how you feel that day.

    I've been fit and very unfit. I just got back into fitness after having my daughter almost 8 months ago.

    if you put too much pressure on yourself you might develop a negative association to doing it.

    aim for consistency everyday instead of 3 sets if you're new to working out. This approach i have found to be very successful for me the last two months I've been working out.

    if you know you can achieve 3 sets every day then go for it!

    Good luck
  • trinitymwilson
    trinitymwilson Posts: 108 Member
    What I mean by consistency is to just do the workout one set and done. it is achievable and will build confidence to keep going.
    hope this is helpful
This discussion has been closed.