Challenge!

L2M1D52
L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
edited October 4 in Social Groups
Here we can discuss how everyone is doing on the current challenges and whether there are any questions.



************************************** CURRENT CHALLENGE ****************************************************

Dec. 20 - Dec. 27

First order of business, if you participated in last week's challenge don't forget to log in your data. I hope it went well. I know it was rough for me to stay away from sweets. How about you guys?

The second order of business is this week's challenge, which will only last a week. It will be a fitness and food related challenge again.

Food challenge = The challenge for this week is to get at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Here is a link on some information on serving sizes, etc. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-full-story/
For some of us this week will be filled with holiday treats and lots of food. Be sure to get in good veggies and fruits.

Fitness challenge = The fitness challenge will be to stretch for at least 10 minutes before and after a workout. We know sometimes we can skip right through it just to get to the hardcore workout. Yet, we know it's important. Here's a link to some general stretches and of course feel free to research others. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/SM00043&slide=3

Your progress can be tracked on the roster. If you are in the challenge add your name to the bottom tab with the dates Dec. 20- Dec. 27. The winners of last week's challenge will be posted by tomorrow. Two winners will be chosen for this week as well.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlcJqG9B3Q27dFRGRTRYMHNoQ3U2R2FRbnpoeDItcHc&hl=en_US#gid=0
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Replies

  • MiniMichelle
    MiniMichelle Posts: 801 Member
    What is the current challenge?
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    What is the current challenge?

    Each week individuals are to shoot for 150 mins of exercise (you decide whether you count it as exercise) and also to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day throughout the week.
  • Ittee
    Ittee Posts: 285
    I am currently struggling in our challenge. I moved across country last month, and the lack of structure, transitional adjustments, and influence of new friends and being with my husband again. I have the Marine Corps ball this weekend, and this week while trying to get ready for it I just can't seem to find the time. All these are excuses, and I'm not sure how to shrug them off. I'm normally so motivated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    I am currently struggling in our challenge. I moved across country last month, and the lack of structure, transitional adjustments, and influence of new friends and being with my husband again. I have the Marine Corps ball this weekend, and this week while trying to get ready for it I just can't seem to find the time. All these are excuses, and I'm not sure how to shrug them off. I'm normally so motivated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


    Well, perhaps while you're spending time with the hubs you guys can do a walk or workout together. I'm not sure how your schedule looks but take about 15 or 20 mins doing a quick workout in the morning or before bed if you can....
    Or, just keep reminding yourself to set out 30 mins for something. Think about how many half hours are in the day and tell yourself... I can take one 30 min session and do a workout!
  • mxburke
    mxburke Posts: 226 Member
    I am glad to join this group, and i love the challenge! In terms of drinking water, I have been doing amazing this week, with drinking atleast 8, some days I have even went over. In terms of exercise, this has been challenging so far, but If I look at yesterday, the beginning of my week, I already worked out 100 minutes in just one evening. Last night I worked out playing my Wii, played Dance Dance Revolution, and boy was that ever a work out! so I'm well on my way! Hope everyone else is doing well!! Happy week!
  • Ittee
    Ittee Posts: 285

    Well, perhaps while you're spending time with the hubs you guys can do a walk or workout together. I'm not sure how your schedule looks but take about 15 or 20 mins doing a quick workout in the morning or before bed if you can....
    Or, just keep reminding yourself to set out 30 mins for something. Think about how many half hours are in the day and tell yourself... I can take one 30 min session and do a workout!

    Thanks laloquita. I will attempt this in the morning (my children have 30 mins in between when I drop them off at their different schools). This may a golden opportunity. I'll just put on a sports bra when I roll out of bed.
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member

    Well, perhaps while you're spending time with the hubs you guys can do a walk or workout together. I'm not sure how your schedule looks but take about 15 or 20 mins doing a quick workout in the morning or before bed if you can....
    Or, just keep reminding yourself to set out 30 mins for something. Think about how many half hours are in the day and tell yourself... I can take one 30 min session and do a workout!

    Thanks laloquita. I will attempt this in the morning (my children have 30 mins in between when I drop them off at their different schools). This may a golden opportunity. I'll just put on a sports bra when I roll out of bed.

    No problem! Let us know if it works ;)
  • Ittee
    Ittee Posts: 285
    Today I did it. I had to stop my exercise video in the middle to take the second child to school, but then I got home and finished it. Whew, thanks again for the advice.
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    Today I did it. I had to stop my exercise video in the middle to take the second child to school, but then I got home and finished it. Whew, thanks again for the advice.

    Fantastic!!! Anytime!
  • fitmommy2012
    fitmommy2012 Posts: 451 Member
    I find everything about weight loss and fitness to be a challenge, LOL :laugh: I love to eat (love to eat things that are bad for me that is) and I really don't like working out...and typically if I have a bad day food wise, I don't exercise...so yeah that is hard for me. :frown: :embarassed:

    As for the water thing, I WAS really great about drinking AT LEAST 8 cups of water, but often 10-12 cups a day... but now I am back in the rut where I don't drink it anymore....ugh...:ohwell:
  • starcrystal3
    starcrystal3 Posts: 91 Member
    If there is any way I can help, let me know! I spent my first month on MFP focusing on finding balance with my food. My mindset was not to cut out the things I love, but to find ways to make my overall day within my limits. Often that means I plan my meals or enter my food in before I eat to see where that puts me. I've also spent time finding ways to eat foods I enjoy - whether that be to incorporate them into a healthier recipe or balancing the bad foods with really good meals the rest of the day, etc. It's not fool-proof, but I have been averaging about 1lb a week weight loss. It wasn't until I felt comfortable with my food intake that I added little bits of exercise - walking my dogs, riding my bike, even walks with the family - again things I enjoyed. Feel free to check out my diaries or swap recipes/tips/ideas/etc.

    Take one thing at a time, make a change and remember this is for the long haul so it's ok to indulge on things we enjoy.... in moderation :)
  • Saffyra
    Saffyra Posts: 607 Member
    I'm doing very well on my water this week. I concentrated on it hard because last week was so miserable.

    I will definitely get in my 150 minutes or more.
    I find that it is really so helpful to do a short 20 minute DVD each day to help me get there. It makes a big difference and I dont feel like I've wasted my whole day/life at the gym :D

    Hubby and I have also been trying to get out more and do some walking together which has been very nice. Bonding and burning calories at the same time is full of win ;)

    I agree with starcrystal when she says to log ahead of time what you might be eating. This keeps you from random splurges because you already know how your day looks calorie wise. At the same time, it also lets you know how many calories you'll have "leftover" in case you do get the chance to sneak in a snack.

    You girls have been the best motivation for me and a large portion of the reason I continue to do so well, I just know it :)
  • Shellitz
    Shellitz Posts: 188
    Thankfully - building my house has contributed to some exercise minutes this week! I am hoping to lose a zillion kilos once we start painting! hehe.

    We are so close to finishing ths month's challenge - are there any suggestions as to what to set for our next challenge?
  • i am new to the group....hello everyone!!

    doing the 150mins per week exercise should be ok...but the 8 glasses of water per day is a struggle...I seem to stall at 6 most days but i will try harder!
  • I currently do a minimum of 300 mins a week of exercise but the challenge of 8 glasses of water a day??? Ohhh dear, that I will have to make an effort to do. I love water, but 8 seems to be hard to fit in. I guess if I'm full with water - I won't reach for food!!! Ok, I'm up for this :happy:

    I love riding my bike but I've also started doing the Jillian Michael's '30 Day Shred' DVD after I saw some great results online of people who did it for 30 days. Amazing results. I have to admit, it gets me very very sweaty and I'm not used to dripping because on a bike, the wind blows it off! I've just completed Day 3 so maybe by Day 30, my body shape will change - which is what she says will happen!

    12314955.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
  • MrsBlobs
    MrsBlobs Posts: 310 Member
    Ohhh....I'm off to the 'let off steam' thread. I just wrote a long post addressed personally to all above posters, pressed reply and I got logged out instead.

    Can't do it again...

    Anyway...ideas for next challenge are more than welcome. It's very hard to pitch challenges just right as we are all at different stages but, some of the chaps in the UK group have been doing an ab crunch and press up challenge. I think we should keep the water challenge as a permanent side thing. Since I've started this water challenge my eyes aren't puffy in the morning, my skin is clearer and I'm not going to dismiss the fact that my plateau ended as the water started.

    If we are going to do this I think set amount would be no good as we're all different. What I propose is that we all get down and do push-ups and crunches until we can't anymore (be that 5 or 55) and then aim to do one or two more every day for a week or a fortnight...? What do you guys think?

    This is just my own idea...in the absence of any other idea! So alternatives ones are positively invited. It's helpful to have a set challenge a bit before then next one ends so the lovely laloquita has time to formulate a spread sheet for us.

    DON'T FORGET TO LOG YOUR WATER AND MINS TODAY!!!

    Keep going girls!
    Liz :drinker:
  • Ittee
    Ittee Posts: 285
    .

    If we are going to do this I think set amount would be no good as we're all different. What I propose is that we all get down and do push-ups and crunches until we can't anymore (be that 5 or 55) and then aim to do one or two more every day for a week or a fortnight...? What do you guys think?

    This is just my own idea...in the absence of any other idea! So alternatives ones are positively invited. It's helpful to have a set challenge a bit before then next one ends so the lovely laloquita has time to formulate a spread sheet for us.

    DON'T FORGET TO LOG YOUR WATER AND MINS TODAY!!!

    Keep going girls!
    Liz :drinker:

    LIke this challenge!
  • ehunte
    ehunte Posts: 125 Member
    I just joined this group, and I'm glad to be here. I usually exercise everyday and rest on Sun. I normally drink at least 8 glasses of water. I look forward to the interaction.
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    Um okay, I know I'm a co-leader of the group but I just want to say.... *takes deep breath*... this is hard for me to say. I CAN'T stand this November challenge! Thanks to what happen to me this month, I felt like a lazy @$$ for not getting my exercise mins since before I would get a good amount of mins in a week aaaaand some days I just can't drink more than 6 glasses. I feel like I will bust if I even take another sip sometimes. I must say... I can't wait til this challenge is over! That is all. Proceed.
  • MrsBlobs
    MrsBlobs Posts: 310 Member
    Um okay, I know I'm a co-leader of the group but I just want to say.... *takes deep breath*... this is hard for me to say. I CAN'T stand this November challenge! Thanks to what happen to me this month, I felt like a lazy @$$ for not getting my exercise mins since before I would get a good amount of mins in a week aaaaand some days I just can't drink more than 6 glasses. I feel like I will bust if I even take another sip sometimes. I must say... I can't wait til this challenge is over! That is all. Proceed.

    Hi babe. It's been a Looooong challenge that's for sure. Don't feel bad, until we do the challenges we don't know do we? For me, this challenge has been too long and not 'zippy' enough. I want to keep myself and others motivated and a month long challenge lends itsself to taking the foot off the gas a bit.

    What do you think of my suggestion above? Any ideas yourself for the next one??
  • MrsBlobs
    MrsBlobs Posts: 310 Member
    I just joined this group, and I'm glad to be here. I usually exercise everyday and rest on Sun. I normally drink at least 8 glasses of water. I look forward to the interaction.

    Hi ehunte! Welcome!

    We have challenges running and are just nearing the end of the last one. Here is the link
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlcJqG9B3Q27dFRGRTRYMHNoQ3U2R2FRbnpoeDItcHc&hl=en_US#gid=2

    Although we are finishing up you can add your name so it rolls over to the next challenge.
    Nice to meet you :smile:
  • Shellitz
    Shellitz Posts: 188
    I like the pushing the ab crunches thing. I am TERRIBLE at ab workouts and avoid them like the plague. This might make me less of a whimp.

    Also - I thought maybe as a side challenge we could make an effort to try one new form of exercise we haven't done before every week. If it's a new class, a diffferent type of dvd that you wouldn't normally do, try swimming or walking outdoors if you are an inside gym workout person...it doesn't really matter what it is - as long as it's new for you.

    Just thought it might be a good way to shake everyone's routines up and who knows...we might all find a new workout that we love and motivates us further!
  • vbll
    vbll Posts: 1
    hello all,
    I'm finally using the website lol idk when i signed up but im new to all of tihs, what is the challenge for this week
  • Bonita_Lynne_58
    Bonita_Lynne_58 Posts: 2,794 Member
    I'm checking in a day late! (What? She's late? No surprise there!). As of Friday evening I got my 150 minutes of exercise in. But not a minute more. (I'd been sick) Didn't do as well with my water. Only 49 glasses, that's 392 ounces! I don't know why I had so much trouble with water. I'll just have to try harder.

    Hope everyone had a great week.
  • SpitfireStacey
    SpitfireStacey Posts: 158 Member
    Need to go add myself to the challenges but I just wanted to come and comment on those who struggle with water. I used to struggle to get my water in but I got myself a reusable water bottle at Target. The bottle is totally spill proof, has an open hole so it's not a "sports" top you have to suck to get water out, just like a bottle hole, and it holds 24-30oz. I fill it up and sip it and then fill it up again. It also has a sliding counter just under the lid and you can put the marker on the number of refills you've had today and keep track that way. Each bottle is 3 cups of water. Drink one in the morning, one at lunch and one with dinner and you've got all your water + some for the day! I tend to drink way more water with this bottle (15cups yesterday) but It helped me start slow and get in my minimums at first.

    Here it is: http://www.target.com/p/Thermos-Intak-Poly-Water-Bottle-Red-24-Oz/-/A-11900109 (mine is purple)

    My struggle? exercise. Hate.It. Wont even try to get 150 mins of exercise this week lol
  • SpitfireStacey
    SpitfireStacey Posts: 158 Member
    Hi! I can't find what I'm supposed to do to join in the challenges / add my info! I followed the link posted earlier - can I just edit that doc by myself? I am clueless!!

    5ft, 148, GW 120... what else? lol
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    You sure can, everyone had editing abilities on the spreadsheet just add to the first line available. :happy:

    Thanks for the info on the water bottle, I think I'll be picking one up!
  • L2M1D52
    L2M1D52 Posts: 616 Member
    Um okay, I know I'm a co-leader of the group but I just want to say.... *takes deep breath*... this is hard for me to say. I CAN'T stand this November challenge! Thanks to what happen to me this month, I felt like a lazy @$$ for not getting my exercise mins since before I would get a good amount of mins in a week aaaaand some days I just can't drink more than 6 glasses. I feel like I will bust if I even take another sip sometimes. I must say... I can't wait til this challenge is over! That is all. Proceed.

    Hi babe. It's been a Looooong challenge that's for sure. Don't feel bad, until we do the challenges we don't know do we? For me, this challenge has been too long and not 'zippy' enough. I want to keep myself and others motivated and a month long challenge lends itsself to taking the foot off the gas a bit.


    What do you think of my suggestion above? Any ideas yourself for the next one??

    That's sounds pretty good, I've slacked on the sit-ups and push-ups... well in a way. I've actually been scolded for doing them by my chiropractor. Man, for being 25 I sure have a lot of health issues :laugh: I'll get back to everyone if I have any ideas. Anyone else can also come up with challenges don't forget!
  • Fayve
    Fayve Posts: 406 Member
    Hey guys, just joined the other day! I'm 5'1", and been hanging around the 130's for what seems like forever. I'd really love to get down to 125 or lower, but one pound at a time for now :) Water is really hit and miss for me. Some days I'll drink 1 glass, and others I'll have 10. If I start drinking, usually I continue drinking since I'll start feeling super parched.

    I finished the 30DS at the beginning of this month, and it feels almost impossible to get back into anything after. I went for one bike ride a couple days ago, but that's it. I just started a new job working at a bakery, and oh boy it's physically challenging. Each day I'm aching from using my shoulders and arms much more than usual, and lots of heavy lifting (50lb bags of flour, sugar, etc.). I guess on some level that counts as exercise?
  • alanaosu
    alanaosu Posts: 85 Member
    Count me in. How do I 'check in' to show I've done this? I only joined the group today so can't start until the morning!

    I'm 5'2.5" and 135lbs. Petite frame with big boobs and hips! The hips are going!!!
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