Countdown & Pre-Challenge Activity #1: INFORMATION and YOUR INPUT! ℹ️🔠
hicim705
Posts: 5,992 Member
On behalf of the overall leadership team as well as the leaders of our eight individual challenge teams, 👋WELCOME👋 TO THE 💐2023 SPRING 5% CHALLENGE💐!! We hope that you take some time to read about and take part in the pre-Challenge activities as they are designed to help you get prepared for success.
For the several hundred of us that join the Seasonal 5% Challenges from season to season, we come here because we are looking for friendships, support, structure, continuity. Most of our 5% Challengers have followed us from SparkPeople after they closed their site in the summer of 2021, but with our visibility, we’ve managed to pick up a few new Challengers from the MFP site. No matter how you found us, we are so happy that you did!!
In doing some research to write these activities, an older article was found on the internet that discussed Team Challenges and our own 5% Seasonal 5% Challenge was highlighted. Our own @kaliswalker (Lynn), one of the original founders of the 5% Challenge, was interviewed ~ here is the link to the article. It discusses the importance of teams, but our own 5% Challenge was in the spotlight in this article that was written in 2016: https://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=memberrun_challenges_can_help_you_find_success
When SparkPeople closed, we, the current Overall Leadership Team, realized that without SparkPeople and its team spirit, we (and hundreds of our 5% Challenge friends) would be lost and struggling. We sprang into action and searched for an alternate site where we could continue our journey; our story. Although many sites were considered, MyFitnessPal was ultimately chosen as our 'new home' with the start of the 2021 Fall 5% Challenge.
Bringing the 5% Challenge to MFP was a true labor of love, and with full disclosure was not smooth sailing as we had hoped, but the Overall Challenge Leader Team put their heads down and worked hard to continue. At this point, our Challenges are enjoyable and are doing what they were intended to do ~ to provide a space where you could practice healthy habits and where you could chat with other, like-minded MFP members and where you could chat with and meet a new friend or two!
🗬🤔 Now that you have been provided with a bit of a background of the 5% Challenge, please think about what you need and how you are going to be approaching the Spring 5% Challenge. Will you continue to practice healthy habits that you have already learned and are working for you? Are you looking to begin something entirely new? Are you still trying to identify where you are right now and what you would like to get out of the next 8 weeks? There are no right or wrong answers here as everyone’s healthy lifestyle goals/journey are unique - like we all are. 🤔🗭
📓Your assignment: Countdown & Pre-Challenge Activity #1: INFORMATION and YOUR INPUT!
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
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PLEASE NOTE: The Seasonal 5% Challenge Teams are very active. You will be expected to participate to the best of your ability.
ALL challenge weeks run from Saturday through Friday - you will be expected to record your exercise and Living the Good Life points based on weekly Challenge Themes. You are expected to record these points daily or at least as often as you can during the week but no later than 11:59 pm each Friday (your local time). In addition, you are expected to weigh in one time per week by 11:59 pm every Saturday (your local time). Your individual team leaders and/or team mates will help to answer any and all questions about where to record your points.
🔮Our individual Spring 5% Challenge Teams are currently being set up.
✉️You will be invited to your individual team soon, in enough time to get to know your team leaders and team mates. Until then, get to know some of the Challengers that will be participating right along with you.
📢Announcements will be made when invitations to your individual teams are sent. Please visit this team, the 2023 SPRING 5% COMMUNITY TEAM often as this will be the best source for up-to-date information.
For the several hundred of us that join the Seasonal 5% Challenges from season to season, we come here because we are looking for friendships, support, structure, continuity. Most of our 5% Challengers have followed us from SparkPeople after they closed their site in the summer of 2021, but with our visibility, we’ve managed to pick up a few new Challengers from the MFP site. No matter how you found us, we are so happy that you did!!
In doing some research to write these activities, an older article was found on the internet that discussed Team Challenges and our own 5% Seasonal 5% Challenge was highlighted. Our own @kaliswalker (Lynn), one of the original founders of the 5% Challenge, was interviewed ~ here is the link to the article. It discusses the importance of teams, but our own 5% Challenge was in the spotlight in this article that was written in 2016: https://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=memberrun_challenges_can_help_you_find_success
When SparkPeople closed, we, the current Overall Leadership Team, realized that without SparkPeople and its team spirit, we (and hundreds of our 5% Challenge friends) would be lost and struggling. We sprang into action and searched for an alternate site where we could continue our journey; our story. Although many sites were considered, MyFitnessPal was ultimately chosen as our 'new home' with the start of the 2021 Fall 5% Challenge.
Bringing the 5% Challenge to MFP was a true labor of love, and with full disclosure was not smooth sailing as we had hoped, but the Overall Challenge Leader Team put their heads down and worked hard to continue. At this point, our Challenges are enjoyable and are doing what they were intended to do ~ to provide a space where you could practice healthy habits and where you could chat with other, like-minded MFP members and where you could chat with and meet a new friend or two!
🗬🤔 Now that you have been provided with a bit of a background of the 5% Challenge, please think about what you need and how you are going to be approaching the Spring 5% Challenge. Will you continue to practice healthy habits that you have already learned and are working for you? Are you looking to begin something entirely new? Are you still trying to identify where you are right now and what you would like to get out of the next 8 weeks? There are no right or wrong answers here as everyone’s healthy lifestyle goals/journey are unique - like we all are. 🤔🗭
📓Your assignment: Countdown & Pre-Challenge Activity #1: INFORMATION and YOUR INPUT!
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PLEASE NOTE: The Seasonal 5% Challenge Teams are very active. You will be expected to participate to the best of your ability.
ALL challenge weeks run from Saturday through Friday - you will be expected to record your exercise and Living the Good Life points based on weekly Challenge Themes. You are expected to record these points daily or at least as often as you can during the week but no later than 11:59 pm each Friday (your local time). In addition, you are expected to weigh in one time per week by 11:59 pm every Saturday (your local time). Your individual team leaders and/or team mates will help to answer any and all questions about where to record your points.
🔮Our individual Spring 5% Challenge Teams are currently being set up.
✉️You will be invited to your individual team soon, in enough time to get to know your team leaders and team mates. Until then, get to know some of the Challengers that will be participating right along with you.
📢Announcements will be made when invitations to your individual teams are sent. Please visit this team, the 2023 SPRING 5% COMMUNITY TEAM often as this will be the best source for up-to-date information.
Heidi (hicim705)
Overall Co-Leader, Seasonal 5% Challenges (hosted on MFP)
Overall Co-Leader, Seasonal 5% Challenges (hosted on MFP)
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
🌷🌷For the 2023 Spring 5% Challenge, I want to FINALLY find an exercise/eating plan that actually works for me. Yes, to be completely honest - I start a plan and when I don't see fast results, I begin to lose interest. I need consistency and in my life and in my healthy lifestyle plan. Years ago, I was invited to try to 5% Challenge and have been a member for most rounds ever since. Even when I feel as if my motivation is not as strong as it was in other rounds, the friendships I have made as a result of joining are incredibly important to me.
I've received many messages and notes of gratitude over the years from Challengers that have thanked me for helping them on their 5% Journey. In truth, I believe that they have helped me more than I could have ever helped them and those messages and the friendships (although mostly virtual) keep me coming back, Challenge after Challenge.
In truth, my personal life is a roller-coaster of things that I just can't control. But what I CAN control is me! I can take control of my eating and of my exercise and do something good for me! I know what I should do: eat less processed foods, drink more water, etc. Now that Spring has arrived, I'm going to work that plan and attempt to drink more water; eat more fruits and vegetables; eat lean meats; eat more fish. During the winter, I 'walked' at home in the L/R in front of the TV to get in my daily steps. For Jan/Feb/Mar, I did relatively well, only missing my step goal 3 or 4 days, yet - now that the weather is getting better and the days are getting 'longer', I need to ensure that I walk outside in the fresh air and sunshine a little more often. Not only is that a better way to exercise, but getting outside in the fresh air helps to clear your head and provides a true sense of accomplishment when done.
My 'plan' is not all that rock-solid, but it IS a start. I truly hope that many take the time to write their plan and what they want out of their journey. Inspiration comes in all forms and it is my hope that I inspire all of you as you have all inspired me.
Thanks for reading!
Heidi (hicim705)
P.S. As a leader, I am allowed to edit my posts ~ just wanted you all to know that once I wrote this - I shut my laptop off and got OUTSIDE to walk! WooHoo ~ a *win* for me!! Let me hear some of YOUR plans for your own wins!!Heidi (hicim705)
Overall Co-Leader, Seasonal 5% Challenges (hosted on MFP)
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
My motivation is my health which scares me often. I am still dealing with low potassium so much and it drains me out so much. I am so hopeful it may be figured out! If so I'll come back and redo my responses. I am writing this as where my body is at the moment. I have SO MUCH to be very very grateful for. These are my motivations: My personal service and volunteer work for the congregation. I had been able to volunteer for 15 hours which I was able to do from home on Zoom. It lifted me up in a very special way I want to do this again in May and October or November.
I have a 5 year old GGS who's so foolishly cute it's ridiculous!! This week I was going to babysit him for a few hours, but instead, I've asked his Mom to ask his Nana. BUT on Saturday I'll see him at her baby shower!! Yes, baby #2 is doing well so far!! The due date is the 4th or the 10th, I can't remember because we know he'll be arriving before that for my GDs health. He'll be here in awwwww around the last week of April they are watching her so carefully. My arms long to him and yet, I've not met him!!
I have a lot of family and friends I cherish. We are a very tough bunch who all love life. I am not at all ready to give in or up!! Here on MFP there's a ton of support also. I live in a 55 plus high rise where I sadly see MANY who have no visitors and yet, I have a lot. Strong advice to all, never stop having friends and never stop making friends of all ages. They'll stand by you as we do them. Same with family keeping in touch with as many as you can it'll do you so well also. Keep having fun, learning not only book things but keep on learning new skills. It'll help you to be interesting and interested. These are my motivations.
I NEED TO AMP up my exercise. During the break, I've been so laid back!! I've not pushed myself. Somedays I could not others I could not of. I have the videos and I am worth it. It's the doing it, like anything else we prioritize I just need to schedule it in.
TY TY TY @Hicim705 for doing these!! Hopefully many will see the great value in doing these.
If I hadn't done this, I'd not found my motivation nor would I of been focusing on a very doable plan.
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Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
🌷🌷For the 2023 Spring 5% Challenge, I want to finally reach my 5% goal and plan on achieving it by getting in 2 45 min workouts a day and also nailing my macros each day. My motivation is to be a better version of myself and help others to reach their goals.5 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
I don't usually participate in these kinds of activities but after reading the first ones decided that maybe it would be good to have a goal to reach to. The dress above is one I bought during Covid and when I bought it, it was ok but a tad tight and I THOUGHT - oh I'll loose some weight then it will be ok. Well that weight went UP like a sky scraper and not down as i hoped. I truly hope to wear this dress for our Practise Peace Convention this June/July so this spring I just have to get to ONDERLAND not fast but during the 8 weeks safely and healthy. I'll be following the DASH Diet as my doctor wants me to do this one, and I will also vamp up my exercise as best as my nerve issues allow. I would like to say my biggest challenge is "snacks" but it's not, it's my ATTITUDE toward snacks that is my challenge. Snacks are allowed on the Dash Diet, just not every 2 hours !!!
I also want to be healthier and not feed the two lil blockages that are in my heart - while they are not big enough or were not big enough at one time to stint them up, they could grow and one is located at what the medical community ( according to my daughter the nurse) calls the "widow maker" course I am single ... so I would like to avoid that whole scenario.
I've read both sides of the equation which is important, diet or exercise. I do believe Diet plays a big part - after all, we do eat to fuel the body but I need to learn to fuel the body with the right foods so I CAN exercise more often. All in due time and these challenges have helped me a lot. I really appreciate the efforts the Leaders on the 5% Challenge for racking their brains and coming up with a phenominal plan for the spring 5% challenge, I can allmost feel I am winning that 6 or 7 lbs I keep trading off!!
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📓Your assignment: Countdown & Pre-Challenge Activity #1: INFORMATION and YOUR INPUT!
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
🌷🌷 2023 Spring 5% Challenge, I want to start thinking about me again. I need to make the effort to continue with my exercise routine, planning my meals and take some much needed ME time. These last challenges have been a real struggle due to lots of family issues. I need to work on my self help so I can help those around me. The journey has been hard and the weight has been coming on but I am going to make this one count.
I will be a first time grandma and I want to be healthy both physically/mentally to be around for her and be able to enjoy her. Life is a roller coaster but I always say put one foot in front of the other and don't look back. I have cultivated some friends that motivate and encourage me so that is why I continue o come back and staying accountable helps.
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Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
I want to reach my 5% weight loss goal this challenge. I have been doing these challenges for a long time. I keep coming back because of the support, the encouragement, and the genuine care the leaders and members show you is a blessing for me. I am a care giver for my DH, I have had breast cancer and very soon will be in remission for 8 years. Cancer takes a toll on your body and I am finally getting my body back to healthy levels. I have 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and they all need me and so does DH. I want to be the healthiest I can be for someone who will be 71 next month. I plan to keep doing what I have been doing and maybe tweak things a little here and there. Figure out what works for me and stick to it. I was doing the pre-diabetic diet but since I have lost weight I no longer take meds and my A1c is in the normal range. I still follow it to some degree, but I am able to add a few more foods that I couldn't have before. As long as I am able, I will continue to do these 5% challenges.5 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
I have had to watch what I eat my entire life and up until about 5 years ago, used exercise as they way I controlled my weight. I saw my weight go up and down by 20 lbs routinely but couldn't seem to keep it off. Then I enrolled in a program through my health insurance called Real Appeal and things finally sunk in- I have to control my diet first and I can't do it by exercising the excess calories away. Even though I enjoy exercise, there are times when I can't so I have to have control of my diet first and foremost. I lost 25 lbs on the program and kept it off for 4 years but have been seeing it creep up during the last year. I need to get back to basics.
I came to the 5% challenges for the accountability. I know tracking works but I often get lazy and don't do it. But when the challenge says I have to track, I do it and I see results. The challenges help me stay focused on things that will help me be successful.
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What brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! 😊
I first joined for the external accountability, and although that is still important for me, I keep coming back for the community and the feeling of being part of something bigger. I have found it empowering to read all the supportive comments—not just to me, but from members to one another. It's inspiring and motivating to watch teammates progress, and it's reassuring to know that everyone has a difficult week now and again. Getting healthy can otherwise feel like a solitary endeavor.
✍️ Add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge.
Tomorrow I am checking out membership at a nearby YMCA. It's pricey, but it's a beautiful facility with many amenities, including a climbing wall and pool. My plan is to continue to do at least 10 minutes of exercise per day, with a target of 30+ minutes. I want to build up to three aerobic sessions and two strength sessions per week. The Y has classes and trainers for both. When I'm at the facility tomorrow and have spoken with someone in the know, I'll finalize at what pace and in what order I'll integrate those sessions into my week. Injuries permitting, I'd also like to work back up to being able to walk 5 km and rejoin the weekend Parkrun/Parkwalk.
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
🌷🌷 I first joined the 5% Challenge to meet others and hold myself accountable for achieving team goals. For the 2023 Spring 5% Challenge, I am going to increase my outdoor walking, especially since the weather is improving and I have fewer excuses. Last fall I was within 8 pounds of my goal weight, after many years with SparkPeople and over two years on MFP with the 5% Challenge. After Christmas I had gained some additional weight, and now am 12 pounds away from goal, grrrr. Overall I eat healthy food, following the Mediterranean food plan, but eat too much, and am inconsistent with my healthy habits. I have weights at home and do regular ST, now I need to put the same energy into eating less and increasing my cardio. My husband has lost weight since I joined MFP, it’s nice to have support at home. We’re both retired with volunteer and family activities, and we enjoy travel. I’m going to put on my thinking cap to determine a way to reward myself when I lose 5% of my weight during this challenge. 😉
~ Marianne3 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
First I want to say Thank You for bringing back the pre-challenge countdown. I have missed them.
For the Spring challenge I am here because everyone is so friendly and supportive. I have lost lots of weight with this group over the years. My goal for this challenge is to lose some of the weight I have gained as I am starting to feel the unhealthiness from it. With the weather turning nicer I know that I can get back on track and can start getting the scale to go in the right direction again permanently. I plan to work on habits that had been normal for multiple years in a row but have started to fall by the wayside.3 -
I was one of those who participated in the 5% challenges on SparkPeople, and was also a leader for my group the last several challenges. I had made many friends there, many of the names I recognize from before. I tried MFP early on but it just didn't feel right. So I went back to PeopleOne Health but after several months that just wasn't giving me what I needed. So I'm back to MFP and one of my friends, Bruni, saw that I had come back and told me about the 5% Challenges. I guess my main reason for joining is to reestablish connections with other people who have similar goals as I do. But my secondary reason is because 2022 was a very hard year for me with Knee Replacement surgery in January, Spinal Fusion surgery in June, and Carpal Tunnel surgery just this past January. My body is still healing and in the recovery process I lost a lot of my former strength. I am back to the gym and my gym also had virtual classes that I like to take but the 8 pounds that I added after the back surgery is just not coming off. So I am very happy to have this challenge to encourage me going forward. The hardest thing right now is that I really want to exercise and be active but I am still in a fair amount of pain which makes it hard to commit!2
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
I would be as big as a house without this challenge! I was fortunate to be invited to the very first 5% challenge way back in the Spring of 2010. I lost weight and made friends. I felt great!
My life has been like a teeter-totter with its ups and downs and a merry-go-round with all the cycles I've gone through. After 4 seasons with the challenge, I hit a plateau and thought oh well, what's the use? I was ready to give up yet again, but I had volunteered to lead a Spark team from my area of PA so I felt obligated to follow through with that but my heart wasn't in it. There were no members that posted regularly so I felt my time was wasted. I thought I wasn't cut out for leadership but someone thought I could do something and asked me to help lead the Teddy Bear team. All I had to do as the Motivational Leader was highlight a member every day. Easy? It was, and I enjoyed it but the main reason I did it was selfish. I've always been able to do for others what I couldn't do for myself. I would be obligated to do it. I take my obligations seriously.
The rest may be history, but I no longer feel obligated. I come back not because I am a leader, although I do love the challenge and what I do as a leader, I come back for every one of you because you support me, you lift me up when I am down. If I have a rough time someone always comes through with a word or an image that makes me smile, or think, or do something different. If I have a negative attitude, someone, ( @diannemt ), lets me know in a loving and gentle way.
We were at Cracker Barrel Sunday and I found this, on sale for $5.00! How could I not buy it? It's one of my favorite sayings ever! I had it on my Spark Profile for years. It's still in my photos somewhere.
I come back because you all inspire me to make changes that change me.
This #1 activity tells us to dig deep. I decided to heed that call and I am still working on it. The shovel hit on something with a metallic clang to it, so this activity has become integrated with my Spirituality and a wound deep within the real me. I'm going to keep digging.
Ceri (Ceriusly1)7 -
Just reading that last sentence on Ceri's post , it rang a bell. I need/want to dig deep and figure out why I keep repeating the same pattern. I will get so close, even get there only to slide back like a greased monkey to where I was or more!! Why? Why do I do that to myself, why do I keep disappointing me and those that are cheering me on!! I need to look openly and honestly for the why then concentrate on that.
Each of us has the ability to achieve we just need to figure out a plan that works for us as individuals.
So that is my pledge to me-talk to that lady in the mirror that keeps defeating herself and get her to turn that around. One Day At A Time.....5 -
Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
I come back to these challenges because it keeps me accountable.
It keeps me tracking my daily food intake and my exercise. It also gives me someone to help cheer me own and to help if my motivation wanes.
My motivation for this round (and losing ongoing) is two-fold.
My mom is living with me now, and I see how hard it is for her these days (at 84) to get around. The less she does, the less she is able to do. I want to keep expanding what I am able to do.
I bought a trip for September that I have been looking forward to doing for many years. I have just enough time to get to my goal weight between now and then. And it will let me most enjoy the trip and the adventure.3 -
I've been working on improving my daily routines, incorporating daily exercise, better food choices for years. Meanwhile my health has declined. Would like to see some reflection of this effort and an actual reduction of my weight that stayed down. Retirement is on the horizon 1 1/2 yrs off and want to be able to enjoy it. Want to enjoy NOW (booked a cruise in June, bucket list item).3
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
I don't remember when I started on the challenges but may have been 2014 or so. I have met such inspirational folks--@yiche912 was a leader for my team on Spark and we are together again here. And by tracking my food and exercise, I can see why my weight can change so much. (At 66, can't use the "cycle" as a reason.) SO I come back for the people and for the accountability. As Ceri said, I'd be as big as a house if I didn't watch it via the challenge.
I want to get my knee back to 100% (I fell while skiing in CO--on my 2nd day of a 2 week vacation) so I am going to PT because I can't do all the exercising I want. I want to get back to my 150s--that will take a 5% loss if not a bit more. I want to get my BP back down and my cholesterol under control without drugs--so watching WHAT I eat is really important--not just the quantity. And I am going on a cruise with my daughter in May-- I want to be able to keep up with her!
I appreciate every person who says encouraging things!4 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
Here are the results from my past challenges. The gout attack in the fall left me with a gain. I ended the Winter challenge with a loss but also ending the IBC just coming back from vacation so I have those same pounds to lose
I would like to end these 8 weeks with a real 5% loss which would be about 11pounds - just over a pound a week.
I need to focus on some "SMART" goals to get me there.
I also need to focus on nutrition - Exercise will be a nice to have to keep my body moving but I really need to focus on what I am consuming.
I struggle with motivation. I have two events this year that "should" motivate me...- Event #1 - 14 weeks @1.3 lbs per week - I could be at 201.
- Event #2 - 30 weeks @1.3 lbs per week - I could be at 180
but here's my pattern. I have plenty of time to lose weight. I lose and gain the same 2 or 3 lbs...then it get's closer to the "event" and I get frustrated and throw in the towel.
I'd like to break this pattern this round.
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My motivation for coming here:
I joined the Spring challenge to stay healthy, keep myself accountable and to meet others. This is my second challenge here on MFP, oddly enough I had never heard of them the 10 years I was on Sparkpeople. I want to continue eating healthy and staying off the sugar. I have been off refined sugar for almost a year. I want to continue to work on tracking, portion control and staying in my calorie range. I tend to get lazy tracking my food so I am hoping doing this challenge will help me. I have used exercise as a way to control my weight for many years, but as I have aged that is no longer an option. Now I have to watch what I put in my pie hole...lol.
My parents were unhealthy and I took care of them for the last 10 years of their lives. My biggest motivation for staying healthy is for my kids. I do not want them to have to take care of me.
Another reason I joined is to get me out of my comfort zone. I don't do any kind of social media with the exception of MFP and it is difficult for me to put myself out there, so this will help me to be more social and get to know others and offer encouragement.
My exercise plan: I love to exercise and have been doing it actively since I have been 15. I will continue hiking, biking, weight training and flexibility.
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My motivation to take part in these challenges is that it keeps me accountable and helps me to stay on track with my eating and my exercise.
i am also doing more different kind of exercises now than i was before i started doing these challenges. i also used to be on spark people and i took part in challenges there quite often. i want to stay healthy so i can continue to see my daughter grow up and get her life going.
my exercise plan: i enjoy exercising pretty much every day. i do a variety of different kinds of dancing, strength training exercises, as well as i walk regularly. when i have time, i am thinking of taking up tennis again. i do like to do yoga as well whenever i can. i find yoga so relaxing. i will continue to be active throughout this challenge.1 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
The challenges helped me to lose just over 60 pounds and I know that they've helped me not to gain back all of it. I've never quite hit that elusive goal weight but I'm not going to stop working on it. When I first got to within 5-6 pounds of that goal, I was looking and feeling great so I decided I'd work on maintenance for a while. BIG Mistake - I gained back over the course of a couple of years, at least 15 pounds - on some days it was more. I stuck with the challenges though because I knew that they helped me to keep at least some control and I enjoyed interacting with my team mates. I got back to my "happy place" a couple of years ago but a few pounds have crept up over the past year and a half - rarely more than 10 and usually only 7-8 BUT it's not where I want to be so I am back.
I also became a leader three years ago - first as an EL. then a CL/Captain almost two years ago. I enjoy leading my team so that is something else that brings me back to the challenges round after round. It's gratifying to help and support others on their journey the way that I was helped and supported on mine!2 -
😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
✍️Feel free to add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge (if you blog, you may add the link to your blog here or you may simply wish to copy/paste your writing here - or do both!), but please consider sharing!!
I would be as big as a house without this challenge! I was fortunate to be invited to the very first 5% challenge way back in the Spring of 2010. I lost weight and made friends. I felt great!
My life has been like a teeter-totter with its ups and downs and a merry-go-round with all the cycles I've gone through. After 4 seasons with the challenge, I hit a plateau and thought oh well, what's the use? I was ready to give up yet again, but I had volunteered to lead a Spark team from my area of PA so I felt obligated to follow through with that but my heart wasn't in it. There were no members that posted regularly so I felt my time was wasted. I thought I wasn't cut out for leadership but someone thought I could do something and asked me to help lead the Teddy Bear team. All I had to do as the Motivational Leader was highlight a member every day. Easy? It was, and I enjoyed it but the main reason I did it was selfish. I've always been able to do for others what I couldn't do for myself. I would be obligated to do it. I take my obligations seriously.
The rest may be history, but I no longer feel obligated. I come back not because I am a leader, although I do love the challenge and what I do as a leader, I come back for every one of you because you support me, you lift me up when I am down. If I have a rough time someone always comes through with a word or an image that makes me smile, or think, or do something different. If I have a negative attitude, someone, ( @diannemt ), lets me know in a loving and gentle way.
We were at Cracker Barrel Sunday and I found this, on sale for $5.00! How could I not buy it? It's one of my favorite sayings ever! I had it on my Spark Profile for years. It's still in my photos somewhere.
I come back because you all inspire me to make changes that change me.
This #1 activity tells us to dig deep. I decided to heed that call and I am still working on it. The shovel hit on something with a metallic clang to it, so this activity has become integrated with my Spirituality and a wound deep within the real me. I'm going to keep digging.
Ceri (Ceriusly1)
Ceri, I had totally forgotten that I first met you on a PA. team on Spark. I remember it was only you and communicating on that team. Do you remember that?
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Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges
Well first I would like to lose my 5%. However, I also like/want the friendship and accountability. I find it easier to keep going with encouragement and I feel accountable to do my best to help my team achieve their goals.
What keeps me coming back is friendships and the encouragement. The challenges and the LTGL are fun
but the cheering and supporting each other to keep going is what I find inspiring. In short I came back because it helps keep me one track, the challenges are fun and most of all I like the people
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😊Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
🌷🌷 I've been maintaining my goal weight of 130 since April 2019 (Goal anniversary coming up!) My goal weight range is 127-133, 3 lbs either side of 130. Right now, I am below my goal weight range because of having covid. I need to regain that weight (about 1.5 lbs), but not get that train chugging down the track in the wrong direction, and end up on the high side of my goal range! My normal workout program was suspended altogether because of the covid, so I need to restart my strength training and rebuild my strength. I also need to do more cardio (other than walking) to get my lung capacity back up. For the 2023 Spring 5% Challenge, my regular routine will be to plan my meals ahead for the week, track my food and stay in my range, do ST workouts 3 days/week, walk every day (step goal 13500), do higher intensity cardio on the days when I'm not doing ST, get 8 hours sleep (or at least spend 8 hours in bed), meditate 15 minutes every day, write in my journal every day and of course connect with my team - because accountability and support is the key to success.
-Mica/Mission Slimpossibles2 -
@1AncientSage Mo! I sure do remember! I was so glad when we found each other again on fitbit and then here. You were one of my very first Spark Friends!1
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What brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back!
- I have been looking for community in order to help challenge me to change my mindset and attitude about living a good life. I just went in search of groups that I thought would fit this. This is my first challenge, and it is intimidating because I am not 100% sure what I am supposed to do. I am not used to navigating discussion boards so today is the first time I saw this section of the group. I am going to work hard to keep up and make my team proud.
- My exercise plan is to basically get up and move in whatever form I can. I have been working a desk job for many years and it has taken a toll on me. My goal is to have a minimum of 200 minutes of exercise per week. I have brought a pair of sneakers to work, so that on my breaks I can simply walk laps around my building complex.
Amy/Rain Dancers2 -
What brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back!
I'm another of those refugees from SparkPeople. It took me a while to get accustomed to the differences in MFP, but now I'm happy with it, mostly because of the people here in these challenges. I keep coming back because I have made some friends here (especially ones I've met in person), and although I've been at WW goal weight for over 15 years, I find these challenges are about much more than weight. I'm almost 89 years old, still active in almost every corner of my life, and retired as a college prof just a year ago!
Outline your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge
I still work with a trainer at the gym and go in on my own between times with her. Now that I'm retired, I do spend more time at the computer (I'm a published author), and it's too easy to lose track of time. I also had back surgery about four years ago that left me with some nerve damage in my left leg, so I use a walker. I'm trying to regain some strength in that leg so I can continue to live alone and not need assistance. I'm too independent to give up now, so I'll just keep on keepin' on!1 -
I am here to motivate myself to get back to where I was 1 1/2 years ago. This past year I have had my second knee replacement surgery, spinal fusion surgery, cataract surgery in both eyes and carpal tunnel surgery. The spine surgery took the most out of me and I was forbidden to do much for the first 3 months, then for the next 3 months I was allowed to exercise but only keeping my back perfectly straight - no twisting. I was happy to be able to do some things but not healed enough to be rid of the pain, which made it hard to want to work out.
I can say that now I am about 85% back to myself with about 8 additional pounds. I want to continue to heal while growing stronger and losing at least that 8 pounds. Both my husband and I have gotten into some bad habits that we are working on breaking. I'm also trying to create more healthy meals for us going forward.
I'm excited to start this process!1 -
What brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! 😊
I was asked in April to take my high school chorus to Italy for a performance tour. I said yes, thinking it would never materialize. A month later it materialized! I knew I had to start losing weight. I had success on MFP before, so I came back. I was lost. I stumbled upon this group and joined. I am really glad I did! The accountability, the encouragement, the organization of the group, the new fitness friends - these all help keep me focused and on track. I am so grateful! I have lost 75 pounds since starting. It hasn’t been perfect. It hasn’t been easy. But I’m still here!
Now that Italy is over, I started thinking, uh oh - what’s next? What will motivate me to not quit? I’ve quit so many times before. Then I realized, oh snap I’m starting a new decade in July! My next goal is my 60th birthday this summer. I plan to be down 100 pounds by then. I know I can do it! 💪🏼
✍️ Add your comments to this thread outlining your exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge.
I hate exercising. But this time around I am going to PLAN my exercise weekly. I am going to write (I’m old school, I need to physically write this out! 😆) in my teacher planner my walking times at school and at home. I live by that planner so I’m going to use it to increase my steps to at least 8k a day by my birthday!
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Your FIRST Countdown Activity for this Challenge will be for YOU to decide where YOU would like to go on YOUR Seasonal 5% Journey. Everyone's reason for joining this Challenge is different. We would like you to dig down deep to share what your motivation is for coming here. We would like you to share what brings you here, and even more importantly - what keeps you coming back! Perhaps there are things that you would like to get out of your personal 5% Journey that we haven't discussed and/or researched. Why don't you write down some of YOUR ideas ~ we might even be able to incorporate some of those things in this or future Challenges!😊
Where would I like to go on the Spring journey?
I'd honestly just like to feel like myself again. Some days I feel like I'm living in a dream, and I no longer know myself. My body feels different, I find myself grasping to recall words that are on the top of my tongue... I feel like a failure in many ways. I'm always tired. Inconsistent. I have terrible night anxiety, I wake up multiple times in a panic, and can't go back to sleep. I'd really just like to feel better. I feel like I'm not really sure
where to begin with that.
What brings you here and keeps you coming back?
I have a commitment to the team, which I try to fulfill daily. I need to have the same commitment to myself. That's my main goal this spring. To pick three simple things and do them consistently: tracking, drinking water, and cleaning my space. I think small steps will capitalize into bigger ones, and eventually I'll get back to myself.1 -
What is my motivation for coming here?
There are several reasons that are motivating me to be here.
1) I want to continue to be in a place that keeps me accountable.
2) The encouragement that I see and receive.
3) My overall health. I don't want to end up like my parents. (On oodles of medication and horrible quality of life.)
4) I want to be able to continue to travel and hike and have energy to do things.
My exercise plan for a successful 2023 Spring 5% Challenge is....
My goal is to make it to the gym 5 days a week and do heavy weights and cardio. Hopefully, 60-75 minutes each day.0
