Welcome to Sit Less Boot Camp and a Pre-Challenge Challenge!
themedalist
Posts: 3,218 Member
Welcome to Sit Less Boot Camp!
We will officially begin this Tuesday, May 1 with a series of daily sit-less challenges. I can't wait to begin. So many of you have signed up, sent me email reminder requests, watched the Boot Camp video, and enthusiastically told me that you are IN. Your enthusiasm is very motivating to me!
Our Main Goal
Our main goal for this session is to help you find one way that you can sit less every day. Something that works for you that you can develop into a daily habit. Something that you will just do as part of your daily routine and will want to keep doing long after Sit Less Boot Camp is over. Our tendency is to try to change lots of things all at once, but trust me, that's a mistake. Those who study habits tell us that the best way to develop a new habit is to proceed slowly, deliberately, and to repeatedly practice the new behavior until it becomes just part of our daily routine.
New habits are like seedlings. Just as new plants need the right amount of water, sunlight, and soil nutrients to grow and thrive, new habits need focus, time, and space in your life to grow. Good habits don't take root on their own. They need practice and attention. That's really what Sit Less Boot Camp is all about: 3 weeks of focused attention and giving these new sit-less habits time and space in your life so that they can have a lasting positive impact on your well-being. It isn't about sitting less. Sitting less is just the tool that can open the door to the kind of life that you want.
How to Get the Most Out of Sit Less Boot Camp: A Few Suggestions
1. Check in every day. We have a reminder system in place if it's helpful to you to get a daily email with each day's challenge. Or bookmark our website and make a note to yourself to check in daily. Whatever works best for you, but check-in every day. New habits require daily commitment.
2. Keep your expectations reasonable. I wish I could say that these next 3 weeks will be the most thrilling experience that you've ever had, but I won't make that claim. We are talking about sitting less, not skydiving. What I will say is that Sit Less Boot Camp can give you tools, ideas, and strategies to make sitting less a habit and a natural part of your day. And as such, sitting less can open doors that can lead you to a richer and more joyful life. And that's pretty exciting!
3. Remind yourself of both your short term and long term goals and stay focused on those. Why do you want to sit less? What do you hope it will do for you? Do you want to feel better, lose weight, have less joint pain and more energy? Let these short-term objectives motivate and inspire you through Boot Camp. Want to remain living independently and watch your grandchildren graduate? Let those long-term goals help you keep your focus over the next few weeks.
4. Participate and post When you post your comments and thoughts on our daily challenge threads, you give people an opportunity to learn from you and encourage you. Boot Camp is a community-based program and it's the support of the community that can make the difference between wanting to sit less and actually sitting less. Most of us have tried to sit less on our own and it didn't work out too well. Now let's tap into the power of working on this together. Let your voice be heard. Post frequently.
Your First Challenge
Our first few daily challenges will be geared to helping us find and select a new sit-less habit. I'll have a lot more to say about that in the coming days, but for now, if you are eager to get started, here's what I suggest. Over the next few days, just observe your sitting habits. When do you sit most often and what are you doing? Are you receptive to finding new ways to do that activity that would result in sitting less or is it something you really love doing and just don't want to change? It's hard to change something when it's not a good fit for you. You'll be far more successful if you choose a sit-less activity that fits well into your life.
More to come very soon. Thanks for joining us for Sit Less Boot Camp. See you Tuesday!
Best Wishes,
Denise
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Replies
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Why can’t I “favourite” this page? It says I need “the Vanilla.DiscussionsView permission to do that”.
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Why can’t I “favourite” this page? It says I need “the Vanilla.DiscussionsView permission to do that”.
Right now @LogR4Life , if you or anyone tries to "favorite" this thread or any thread in any MFP community group, I think you will get this error message:
There is currently a problem on MFP with “starring” or bookmarking the group threads you are interested in following so that you get a notification when someone makes a new comment. I believe they know about the error, but I’m going to see if there are any updates on the MFP Help desk.
Frustrating, for sure, but it shouldn't affect us too much. People can still read the daily challenge links and post and view comments. They just won't get an automatic notification from MFP when a new comment has been made on a group thread.
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Hmmm... might be the browser you're using. I use my computer and Firefox, and I just starred this discussion with no problems.2
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poisonesse wrote: »Hmmm... might be the browser you're using. I use my computer and Firefox, and I just starred this discussion with no problems.
Good point, @poisonesse. I use Chrome on my laptop and I can't bookmark threads using that or when I use the iPhone and iPad MFP app. It does not seem to be a universal problem, but enough people are having this issue that I easily found a couple of threads devoted to the topic.
No matter, it really won't impact us. Welcome, Everyone, to Sit Less Boot Camp! Please chime in with anything you'd like to share about yourself and perhaps why you want to sit less?4 -
Hello everyone!! I am so excited to be here. This group has helped me tremendously and I am confident the Sit Less Boot Camp will steer me into the right direction.
I was a diabetic 5 years ago and was told I needed to turn my life around. I got depressed and very anxious, as you know, diabetes is a serious illness. Little by little, working hard every day, changing my eating habits things were looking bright. From diabetic went down to pre diabetic, losing at least 25 lbs and feeling great. Then I gained it all back. It was terrible.
Still I was determined to keep working hard and 2 yrs ago I got a Fitbit. What an eye opener. I moved almost 2,000 steps each day. My eating habits were getting better but I needed to step it up, sit less, move more and thanks to that and this wonderful group I have accomplished so much. Boot Camp starting May 1st will help me find more ways to get moving. Cannot wait to read your posts and learn!
I want to sit less because I do not want my kids to have to take care of a sick mommy, I want to sit less because I want to be fit, thinner, not a diabetic. I want to Sit less because sitting down so much will kill me. Repeating this to myself everyday!!
Thanks Denise!9 -
I'm excited.4
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Hi all! I'm so excited for another Sit Less Boot Camp! I'm Kathy from North Hollywood, California. I'm an adjunct college instructor for English and Spoken Communication.
I have been on MFP since 2011 and working on getting healthy since 2007. I have transitioned from a totally sedentary woman in her 40's to an strong and very active woman in her sixties. My motto was "Getting Fit in My Fifties," Now I guess it is "Got Fit in My Fifties - Sticking with it in my Sixties."
I often say I'm a lifer on MFP because tracking my food and exercise is what has worked for me.
I want to be fit because I'd like to stay healthy, not be a burden to my kids, and preserve my mental faculties.
So here's to sitting less and moving more!6 -
I am ready to get moving.6
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This will be my first time Sit Less Boot camp. I am excited and looking forward to this challenge.
I do try to implement sitting less in my day to day life. There is a lot of room for improvement. I am stay at home wife and nana. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries with titanium rods fused to my spine. These surgeries left me with chronic pain and neuropathy in my feet. Then in 2014, I had a heartache while sitting in my recliner. I pretty much sat all day and snacked. My heart attack was my wake up call and a blessing in disguise. I love being active and living a healthier lifestyle. Nothing feels as good as feeling healthy and strong.
Cheers to those of us taking on this Sitting Less Boot Camp! Let's this!
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this will be my first ever bootcamp, I'm looking forward to it.7
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Good Morning Everyone! I am looking forward to this challenge. Although I am not much for challenges, this is one I WANT to do. I have already incorporated walking into my day, but need more, if all possible. I am a receptionist and sit pretty much ALL day.....except for (2) breaks a day, which is when I walk. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I, like some of you, have health issues and NEED to get this done.
So happy to be here. WE CAN DO THIS! Hope you have a Marvelous Monday.
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I am enjoying reading your posts and seeing your enthusiasm! Yes, as @SilverSheWolf55 said, WE CAN DO THIS! We can develop new sit-less habits that will have us moving more and feeling better over time. No, it won’t happen immediately. No, I don’t have any special tips and tricks to share with you that will make it super easy to quit sitting. It’s hard work sitting less, I won’t sugar coat it. But if you are committed to sitting less and willing to put in the time and effort over the next few weeks, I think Sit Less Boot Camp can help you start moving towards a healthier and happier life.
I’m a big fan of infographics. This one really gets at the heart of Boot Camp: carving out a little time and space in our lives to change our daily routines.
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Hi! I’m a retired Speech Language Pathologist from Nebraska (hence my handle). I’ve been using MFP since Jan, 2011, and have only missed a handful of days of checking in due to lack of internet service. Since starting, I’ve lost around 25 lbs and gained so many benefits. I spend my time reading, playing 1 silly game on my iPad to which I may be addicted6
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OK. Only half of my post appeared so I will continue where I think I left off. I’ve had 3 great trips since September and am ready to stay home for awhile. I have plans to clean my house from top to bottom and have some ideas on how I can change my sitting habits to accomplish that goal which I will share later. My goals in life, aside from getting stronger and leaner, include learning to speak French, becoming more knowledgable about birds, and writing. I’m ready to get things started!!!5
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Sedentary job (School district administrative offices receptionist, switchboard & data entry on computer)...but trying to stand and move more at my small area... Don't have much opportunities to get up and move other than standing and moving side to side, but I am trying. I try to walk a bit before work and at lunch break when I can. Other than that and standing to cook and clean supper for dh and kids I am needing to move more. My hobbies include knitting and crocheting for charity (LOTS of sitting), small hikes when I can get one of my kids to go with (seldom/rarely last 2 years), and small rides on my horse whenever I can. Perpetual exhaustion and very little sleep rule my days. I average 3-4hrs. sleep at most unfortunately...with work, family, driving kids, cooking and care of assorted animals at home.6
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I am very excited to do this boot camp - my first one online! I need to MOVE MORE - I am grossly over weight, a diabetic and suffer with depression! I need to lose weight to save my life - I need to lose weight so I can see my 4 grandchildren grow up!! Thank you for this group and the support! I am ready to Sit Less5
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My first boot camp. Looking forward to it. Just curious if any of you ladies has an apple watch? Would love to have the extra accountability.7
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I am really looking forward to this - this is my first boot camp (is good to see I am not the only one)... Good luck everyone!4
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Sedentary job (School district administrative offices receptionist, switchboard & data entry on computer)...but trying to stand and move more at my small area... Don't have much opportunities to get up and move other than standing and moving side to side, but I am trying. I try to walk a bit before work and at lunch break when I can. Other than that and standing to cook and clean supper for dh and kids I am needing to move more. My hobbies include knitting and crocheting for charity (LOTS of sitting), small hikes when I can get one of my kids to go with (seldom/rarely last 2 years), and small rides on my horse whenever I can. Perpetual exhaustion and very little sleep rule my days. I average 3-4hrs. sleep at most unfortunately...with work, family, driving kids, cooking and care of assorted animals at home.
@jor3c, simply standing up and stretching or moving in place every 30 reduces the risks from sitting. Yes, the total amount of sitting hours also is important, but breaking up the sitting and not sitting in one place/position for too long also is important. Fidgeting while you sit is a great strategy!4 -
LHarris0811 wrote: »I am very excited to do this boot camp - my first one online! I need to MOVE MORE - I am grossly over weight, a diabetic and suffer with depression! I need to lose weight to save my life - I need to lose weight so I can see my 4 grandchildren grow up!! Thank you for this group and the support! I am ready to Sit Less
Posts like yours @LHarris0811 are so motivating to me! When you have a lot of health issues and are overweight, it's hard to get started and be more active...even when you know you need to be. To me, simply making a conscious effort to sit less and move a little more is....err, pardon the pun, a great first step. Sit a little less, move a little more, commit to the process and over time you WILL start to feel better and your health will improve. I am glad you are here!2 -
I am so pleased to see so many first-timers here, as well as our Boot Camp alumni!
Welcome All!3 -
LHarris0811 wrote: »I am very excited to do this boot camp - my first one online! I need to MOVE MORE - I am grossly over weight, a diabetic and suffer with depression! I need to lose weight to save my life - I need to lose weight so I can see my 4 grandchildren grow up!! Thank you for this group and the support! I am ready to Sit Less
You are in the right place and have the right plan. I am a pre diabetic and have to lose weight like my life depends on it. Hugs and welcome! You can do this!3 -
I am really excited to do Sit Less Boot Camp again! The very first time around I didn't really get the concept of "finding one way that you can sit less every day". There seemed to be so many changes that I needed to make that I really didn't learn how to focus on the main thing. At least that is what I think happened. I am still not sure what the "main thing " actually is. I really do need to do some thinking on what this would really be or what it would actually 'look like'.
But.... on the other hand since my first boot camp a number of things I learned really have stayed in my mind, and there were some things that actually changed that have really stayed with me, but when it comes down to it, the areas that need to be changed the most still need to be changed the most.
I'm pretty tired so I will stop trying to explain it to myself, let alone y'all
. But I did want to check in before going to sleep. I'll have to re read this in the morning 
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But, even for all of that, there is one thing that I do know without a doubt, and that is that even though I haven't mastered the sitting less, is that I have changed how much I do sit, and that when I do sit way too long at any one time I definitely know that it was too long. Before my first Boot Camp I truly had no clue, and never heard of this before.
And for that I truly have remained grateful.
Blessings,
:flowerforyou:
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Good Morning and Happy May Day, Everyone! I am really excited to be doing this challenge, (even though I'm not much of a "challenge type of person"), however, this is one I know I will enjoy doing! Like some of you posted, I have a secondary job. Receptionist for a Major Advertising co. About 2 years ago, I decided to start walking on my breaks, and I still continue today! NOW, I need someway to get more movement in my routine. I think I will start walking around my desk, which will be tricky, since the phones ring pretty much all the time...however, I will do what I can!
So, let's do this guys! 
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Hi everyone! I'm a day late and a dollar short it appears! Story of my life...
This is my second Sit Less Boot Camp and I'm really looking forward to it. I think I was much like @texasgardnr the first time, in that I didn't know what I was looking for...trying to do it all and fix everything in one go-round. I need to focus on doing 1 thing consistently so it becomes second nature to me.
Last year after the challenge I persuaded my leadership at work to purchase a portable stand-up desk, which I had to promise I would use 50% of my day. I was sitting 30 minutes and standing 30 minutes alternating throughout the day. It was wonderful! I have since changed employers and do not have the stand-up desk anymore. I can tell that I am way more sedentary than I was, so this is perfect challenge at the perfect time for me.
Let's do this!
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@OConnell5483, That's it exactly! I was trying to figure out what was going on with me and how to explain it properly when I was posting :noway:!!OConnell5483 wrote: »Hi everyone! I'm a day late and a dollar short it appears! Story of my life...
This is my second Sit Less Boot Camp and I'm really looking forward to it. I think I was much like @texasgardnr the first time, in that I didn't know what I was looking for...trying to do it all and fix everything in one go-round. I need to focus on doing 1 thing consistently so it becomes second nature to me.
Let's do this!
You put it into a nutshell as they say!
Trying to fix everything surely didn't work for me either. Even though I do sit much less than before, I am not consistent in the way I would be if I had a true habit going on!
:flowerforyou:3
