Christmas Countdown Challenge (Closed Group) - Week 4

JustJenn419
JustJenn419 Posts: 780 Member
edited October 1 in Motivation and Support
WHEW! What a week, huh?!? :noway: How are those claves feeling??? :sad: I hope you were all able to jump your way through the weekend and made it through all 30 minutes. If not, there's no reason you can't finish it now :wink: :wink: :wink:

Here comes the evidence of what a week it's been!!!

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Let's all give a WOOT WOOT to rosagee and mollybeslimmer for their 6.3 and 5.4 losses (respectively)!!!! LOVE IT!!! :heart: :heart: :heart:

I was happy to find myself on the losing end this week :happy: However..... I am noticing that a lot of us are thrown off for the last couple of weeks. I know that in the back of my head, Christmas feels like forever away! But that's not the case at all. We are now in Week 4 and that leaves about 18 weeks left. Want to get a real idea of what that means for your rockin' hot body??? :huh: Take your total left to lose and divide it by 18. So if I've got 30lbs left to lose, that's over a pound and a half a week! :noway: :grumble:

I'm not trying to scare anyone, just trying to put it into perspective. It's time to really kick things into gear! :bigsmile: Let's get those pretty little behinds moving! :bigsmile: Put away the candy corn (guilty), put away the chips, put away the guilt of last week's gain, and PUT AWAY THOSE $5!!!! It's a new week! It's a new day! Do NOT give up on yourselves and whatever you do, don't put things off until tomorrow!!! :flowerforyou:

And now the challenges....

Exercise Challenge
Let's get you guys lying down for a bit! You've had two weeks burning those legs up... Now it's time for some AB WORK! Your challenge is to complete 70 cross-over crunches. Please see the video link below for a demonstration.

http://youtu.be/ihSmBvM3tw4

In order to complete ONE, it requires that you do both sides. Right side crunch + left side crunch = 1 complete cross-over crunch. Break it up to 10 a day, do 5 in the morning and 5 at night. Do all 70 tomorrow! As always, listen to your body. Push yourself but don't hurt yourself and remember.... PAIN IS FEAR LEAVING YOUR BODY! :tongue:

Personal Challenge
Does anyone have any idea how important SLEEP is to your weigh-loss journey?!? Incredibly important!!! :yawn:
Most researchers indicate that the average adult needs approximately 7.5 to 8.1 hours of sleep per night. The average person ACTUALLY gets 6 hours and 52 minutes of sleep a night. :ohwell: Some more, some less, but I know must of us probably do not treat ourselves to the luxury of a truly good night's sleep. Check out this article to see how under-sleeping leads to WEIGHT GAIN! :frown:

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain

Now this may not be a possibility for all of you but I want you to try as hard as you can to make it happen. Your personal challenge is to get 7.5 hours of sleep OR MORE every night. I want you to TRY to do this. I know due to schedules and children and all of life's hiccups this can be close to impossible. But do what you can to increase your slumber time. YOU DESERVE IT!!! :drinker:

As always, I love you all! We went from 140 to 99 with a few missing this week and have still lost over 250lbs together!!! I want to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all of your dedication and hard work and for sticking with me through the last 3 weeks. You are all amazing and true warriors in your journey! Take it by the horns and DO IT!!!
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Replies

  • nerdyandilikeit
    nerdyandilikeit Posts: 2,185 Member
    Hmpf! I'm not off to a very good start on the sleep (being up at almost 12:30 when I need to get up early)! But I'm off to bed, now :)
  • meggers123
    meggers123 Posts: 711 Member
    Love how you put it into persepective with the 18 weeks! You're so inspiring! :) and the reminder with the junky snacks (guilty of chips and haribo this week! and wine... but that doesn't count. ;) )

    Going to start those crunches this evening, since I just got out of the shower (no need to get sweaty right before work).

    Keep up all the hard work people!
  • PositivePower
    PositivePower Posts: 976 Member
    Sounds good Thanks Jenn - I better get off this darn computer...still have to hit the showers after enjoying a great 60 mins step class... I also signed up for a running class today...way out of my comfort zone.... I have 2 questions... I am going to get a complex... I posted 2 questions on the community boards with NO responses :cry:

    1. What is C25k??? My guess is an app or beginner running program - couch to 5k

    2. Does anyone have a good monitor they use for getting your calorie burn ???? I use my NIke IPOD chip for my walks but would like to know the real number for my step, body works, zumba classes.

    Thanks - Looking forward to an Awesome week - Keep up the good work friends and if it was a bad week don't look back!!!! Let's Do it!!!!!!
  • jcannon15
    jcannon15 Posts: 148
    bump
  • Trixtabella
    Trixtabella Posts: 471 Member
    Well done everyone on you losses, some awesome lbs coming off there :)

    I will read the sleep thing when I get in later today. I always have trouble getting to sleep early as I gym straigh from work then shred after I have had my dinner so I am always wide awake till about midnight.

    I need to kick my own butt on the weightloss side otherwise I am never going to lose that 36lbs.

    PositivePower I found the following on google

    C25K, is a fantastic program that's been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.

    I personally don't have a HRM so not sure about that it is on my to buy list :)
  • This is great work you are doing and good motivation.

    I'm back on track this week after having throat infection, got a busy one ahead with full time office hours (7am to 5pm) and then beauty clients for the next 3 evenings. I will still find time to do them cross crunchies - even if its in bed before attempting 7.5 hrs sleep :yawn:
  • Felesina1
    Felesina1 Posts: 142
    I don't remember the last time I slept for more than 5-6 hours; maybe 10 years since I was divorced. And now with 3 jobs (2 are nightshift) plus working out..... and other of life's aspects (boyfriend, family, house chores)... but I shall try to get more sleep time in on my day off this week.
    CW = 138.0
  • julietsingleton
    julietsingleton Posts: 126 Member
    Thanks for the support Jenn! Dividing the amount of pounds i need to loose by 18 gives me 1.6 pounds to loose each week, which doesn't sound so bad when you put it like that. I feel more motivated now that this task does not feel so unachievable!
    I am starting on the cross crunchers this morning before i go to work, so we shall see how it goes.
    I am quite good at sleeping as i love to sleep so i usually get myself 7.5 - 8.5 hours sleep per night, even when i am on night shifts i manage to sleep the same amount in the day time.
    Looking forward to this next week X :flowerforyou:
  • Great challenges!!! Good luck this week everyone :smile:
  • Mary_Kate
    Mary_Kate Posts: 25 Member
    Working it out I have roughly 1.3 pounds to lose per week so yeah you're right Jenn that is a great kick up the butt! I've lost 2 pounds so far in 3 weeks so need to get moving more.

    Again, Jenn thanks so much for all your hard work organising everything. I am definitely gonna hit those crunches. My calves were aching this weekend so I'm sure they're delighted to get a rest.

    Sleep will be much harder for me but your challenge came at just the right time as I am trying to get to bed before midnight. So this week will be the perfect opportunity for me to practice this.

    Good luck everyone with this week. I'm amazed looking at some of the numbers on the chart and it really inspires me to do better. I want a loss next to my name for next week so here I go!!! :)
  • kristinkt
    kristinkt Posts: 921 Member
    Sounds like an awesome week ahead!! It is hard for me to convince my body to get the whole 7-8 hour sleep time thing going, but with school starting this week my body may be thanking me after a day with 22 3rd graders. Gotta love it!!!
  • Cateyes0831
    Cateyes0831 Posts: 160 Member
    Sounds like another great challenge. I'll get right on it :happy:
  • MadBabysMama
    MadBabysMama Posts: 373 Member
    Sounds good Thanks Jenn - I better get off this darn computer...still have to hit the showers after enjoying a great 60 mins step class... I also signed up for a running class today...way out of my comfort zone.... I have 2 questions... I am going to get a complex... I posted 2 questions on the community boards with NO responses :cry:

    1. What is C25k??? My guess is an app or beginner running program - couch to 5k

    2. Does anyone have a good monitor they use for getting your calorie burn ???? I use my NIke IPOD chip for my walks but would like to know the real number for my step, body works, zumba classes.

    Thanks - Looking forward to an Awesome week - Keep up the good work friends and if it was a bad week don't look back!!!! Let's Do it!!!!!!

    Someone already answered about C25K, I'm doing it now, it makes starting to run far more accessible and less challenging than the way the typical newbie does it - run for as long as you can, collapse, and then never run again, at least not until the next desperate attempt :) I'm on Week 4, there are several groups on the message board that support each other.

    As for HRMs, I like mine, it's a Garmin Forerunner 60, and it's pink - love it - but it's a little pricier than some. A lot of people on MFP use a Polar, the FT4 and FT7 are very popular and more mid-range priced. Just make sure you get one that reports calories burned, if you get one too low-end, it might not report that but just your heart rate, which is useful but harder to track. Good luck!

    I have about 20 lbs to go, doable if I keep consistent and keep my eyes on the prize!
  • MelL1205
    MelL1205 Posts: 1,200 Member
    Well last night I slept for 8.5 hours (surprise surprise... first time in years since I have chronic insomnia) so I'm on my way.... haha We'll see how the rest of the week goes. I make no promises!
  • PositivePower
    PositivePower Posts: 976 Member
    Well done everyone on you losses, some awesome lbs coming off there :)

    I will read the sleep thing when I get in later today. I always have trouble getting to sleep early as I gym straigh from work then shred after I have had my dinner so I am always wide awake till about midnight.

    I need to kick my own butt on the weightloss side otherwise I am never going to lose that 36lbs.

    PositivePower I found the following on google

    C25K, is a fantastic program that's been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.

    I personally don't have a HRM so not sure about that it is on my to buy list :)




    Thanks a Bunch!! You rock ~ I am going to look into monitors too.. I also need running shoes which I have but I know how important it is to be fitted, also need a good bra for extra jarring :wink: Good thing I love to shop... I better get to work so I have the $$$
  • PositivePower
    PositivePower Posts: 976 Member
    Sounds good Thanks Jenn - I better get off this darn computer...still have to hit the showers after enjoying a great 60 mins step class... I also signed up for a running class today...way out of my comfort zone.... I have 2 questions... I am going to get a complex... I posted 2 questions on the community boards with NO responses :cry:

    1. What is C25k??? My guess is an app or beginner running program - couch to 5k

    2. Does anyone have a good monitor they use for getting your calorie burn ???? I use my NIke IPOD chip for my walks but would like to know the real number for my step, body works, zumba classes.

    Thanks - Looking forward to an Awesome week - Keep up the good work friends and if it was a bad week don't look back!!!! Let's Do it!!!!!!

    Someone already answered about C25K, I'm doing it now, it makes starting to run far more accessible and less challenging than the way the typical newbie does it - run for as long as you can, collapse, and then never run again, at least not until the next desperate attempt :) I'm on Week 4, there are several groups on the message board that support each other.

    As for HRMs, I like mine, it's a Garmin Forerunner 60, and it's pink - love it - but it's a little pricier than some. A lot of people on MFP use a Polar, the FT4 and FT7 are very popular and more mid-range priced. Just make sure you get one that reports calories burned, if you get one too low-end, it might not report that but just your heart rate, which is useful but harder to track. Good luck!

    I have about 20 lbs to go, doable if I keep consistent and keep my eyes on the prize!


    Thanks I knew I could count on my CCC friends. I will be making a trip to the sporting good store to check out monitors. Opps now that I think of it I have a Garmin I use for hiking. Maybe it will give me calorie burn too. It's ind of big though maybe the size of a Credit Card on your wrist. I'll have to pull out the good old manual.

    Thanks again for your help. I have 21 pounds... should be very doable if we just stay focused. Let's go kick some Butt!!!
  • liz4214
    liz4214 Posts: 63 Member
    So I started my walking during my lunch 1/2 hour at work and boy do I hurt today. Ugggg... I'm so tired right now but I know I will get used to it and it will be worth it.

    Yay for sleep. I make sure I get my sleep. That is a requirement in my life right now. I get about 8 hours every night with a few exceptions here and there. As for the exercise challenges, I need to work on that. I have yet to complete any of them.

    Here is to a new week! :drinker: Have a good one everyone!
  • MakinMoves
    MakinMoves Posts: 364
    Wow Jenn..
    You are really covering all bases with these challenges! THANK YOU!

    Sleep is my hardest thing to come by and lately I've been reading so much about how sleep plays a huge part in this journey!

    For me...to get the 7+ hours, I would have to go to bed at 5:30pm...hahaha...but I dont get home from work until 4pm...:noway: But every little extra helps, so I will try to fit some more in!

    You're awesome...and Thanks Again!!!
  • azeria
    azeria Posts: 527 Member
    Thanks for your inspiring message Jen! It gave me the motivation to try twice as hard! This week I am going to lose some pounds! I look forward to my weigh in so that I can prove to myself that I can do it again
  • mollybeslimmer
    mollybeslimmer Posts: 215 Member
    Thanks so much Jen!!
    I have to say that sleep is very important!
    And once I thought about it-the good loss was last week and I was on a good rountine and getting 7 1/2 to 8 hours sleep!
    Yes! it does help so much.
    Crunches started (man I am out of shape) money placed in bank and water started.
    Thanks <3<3:wink:
  • Sugs94
    Sugs94 Posts: 375 Member
    Thanks for the mathmatical equation to figure out how much we need to lose to make our goal. I need 2.2lb/week at this point. You do start to think..."got plenty of time" until you look at something like that. Now I feel like I have had a little cold water to the face...which I needed....I have been slacking off and getting lazy. Will start with my crunches as soon as I am done with this note. Thanks again Jen for the challenges. Lets go peeps!!!!!
  • want_it_25
    want_it_25 Posts: 219 Member
    I just did the math and I have to lose 2.72 lbs each week until Christmas. This is totally an eye opener for me. Time to get my exercise and food under control. It will help once I start teaching again next week. I have been on summer break since the last week of May. I am one that needs a routine.

    Hope everyone has a great week. Good luck on this weeks challenges.
  • Wow.. I can't beleive it's already week 4 and I haven't really gotten far. I really need to use these next 18 weeks doing my best. I'm excited about the challenges - these are great. :)
  • Bump
  • beautynthalight
    beautynthalight Posts: 167 Member
    saturday was my bday so i didn't weigh in..didn't wanna see the damage...:grumble:

    anyhew...saw the challenge today and went on and did 20 cross over crunches to catch up n surprisingly i slept 7.5 or so...by shear accident...how sweet!!!

    good luck everyone!
  • Nita_Bita
    Nita_Bita Posts: 136 Member
    Bump.
  • abeks
    abeks Posts: 68 Member
    Thanks for the motivation Jenn. We sure need it.
  • great challenge this week, jenn! def need to work on the belly here (in hopes of finding the abs!! lol). good reminder to take remaining lbs and divide...eye opener!! :) and i hope to do well with the sleep challenge...i start back to RN school tomorrow, so my fingers are crossed i can get some shut eye!!
  • coloradotara
    coloradotara Posts: 29 Member
    Sorry I am late checking in...down 1 lb...so I'm at 170 now. Thank you!

    Actually quite surprised aswe've had family the last almost 2 weeks and my birthday and then just had my husbands birthday Friday! We have more family coming in the next month to visit, but I'm not too worried, as this group likes and prefers home cooked meals...the group we just had likes going out to eat. Good luck everyone!
  • JustJenn419
    JustJenn419 Posts: 780 Member
    saturday was my bday so i didn't weigh in..didn't wanna see the damage...:grumble:

    anyhew...saw the challenge today and went on and did 20 cross over crunches to catch up n surprisingly i slept 7.5 or so...by shear accident...how sweet!!!

    good luck everyone!


    WELL WELL WELL!!!! I HOPE IT WAS A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!!!!
This discussion has been closed.