| DarkChocolate
|
|
|
Welcome to the Team Chat thread for The Red Team of the Spring Fitness Challenge!
Red Team Members:
DarkChocolate - CAPTAIN
Dragonrose - Co-Captain
A-Rod
Backhoegirl
Dee011
Gurmo
JerseygirlMP
maltby_gardner
Pa'dow!
raynjen
SheriB
skinnypeep
summer_belle
sweetmama
wnt2wrbikinis
THIS is the place to post questions, comments, experiences, and most importantly - ENCOURAGEMENT to one another as we progress through this Challenge!
Weekly logs for exercise/food/etc. (which your Team Captain will use to calculate your weekly points) should be posted in the Logs Thread.
Recipes should be posted in the main Challenge thread. The main Challenge Thread is also where point totals will be posted by your Team Captains each week, so keep an eye on it!
Some things to do as we all prepare for MONDAY:
* Make a post in the Log thread with a blank weekly template (see first post of the Log thread) that you can update with your progress each week
* Decide on your Personal Goal for Week 1 and enter it in your Log post
* Do your weigh-ins so you'll have an official starting weight for Monday!
* Read back through the Challenge guidelines in the main Challenge thread - I've updated/added some info to help clarify some issues - if anything is still confusing please ASK!
* Post in this thread to introduce yourself to your teammates!
GOOD LUCK to everyone!! |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 4:29 am |
|
| DarkChocolate
|
|
|
Hey Team!!
Let's introduce ourselves by answering the question - WHY did you want to join this Challenge?
Also - What are you picking for your Personal Goal for Week 1?
WHY I'm joining this Challenge - I wasn't quite ready for the Extreme Challenge when it started, and was waiting patiently for the next one to start up... and then I learned pookiebear was going on vacation! So I collaborated and threw around some ideas and ended up helping to design this Challenge! I have really gotten into exercising lately - particularly the Couch-to-5K program - but I am still so "new" to it that I want to keep my motivation level up so that I don't start getting bored and slacking off. I'm figuring being a Team Captain is going to be a GREAT way to force me to be accountable!! There is no WAY you all will let me start slacking off!
My Personal Goal for Week 1:
5 cardio days per week
AND
3 strength days per week
AND
60 crunches every night
AND
"death pushups" every night (pyramid up to 7)
AND
NO MORE snacking on spoonfuls of pb!!
* My cardio exercise will include Couch-to-5K training - I'm almost through Week 5, and have a goal of completing a 5K race (with NO walking!) on May 12. I will likely do these training workouts 3 times per week, and then do elliptical, other walking/jogging, or perhaps other cardio for the other 2 cardio sessions. Also, a note: some of the C-to-5K workouts are just under 30 minutes in length - I always add on some extra cool-down walking at the end to make sure it extends at least the full 30.
* These "death pushups" are a torturous thing my friends and I used to do a couple years ago, so I'm trying to get back into them. They may have a more technical name... "death pushups" was our affectionate nickname. :) They consist of doing sets with increasing numbers of pushups - first a single one, then two, then three, etc. up to ten. Then it goes back down - nine, then eight, etc. The TRICKY thing is, between each set, you immediately sit up, and sloooowly raise your arms up above your head, once for each pushup you just completed. (So you do one pushup, one armraise, two pushups, two armraises, etc). It sounds pretty silly, and it feels pretty silly at first, but it ends up being SO SO hard! The armraises prevent your arms from fully resting, so they're rather active the whole time.
I'm counting these pushups as something extra, not as strength - but they might technically qualify. Also please NOTE - I have VERY little upper body strength, so I need to do these as "bent-knee pushups" for now - maybe as the Challenge progresses I'll be able to do some "real" pushups! Also, I just started them up again, so it's hard enough getting up to "seven" and back... eventually I plan on doing the full one-to-ten-to-one. :) |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:37 am |
|
| Pa'dow!
|
|
|
I was so excited to be on the RED team, because the second you announced teams were colors ... I had that quote in my head (Has anyone seen the RED team?), I blame it on DH.
Thank you so much DARK CHOCOLATE for doing so much work in organizing this challenge. It seems you did it overnight and thank you, thankyou!
I'm doing this challenge mainly because I was obsessed with the February Challenge - was so into it, but knew I wouldn't be able to commit to all of the components of the Extreme Challenge. Well, with work getting crazy and getting sick, I went from maybe not exercising three days in the whole month of February, to the exact opposite in March (ONLY exercising three days). I feel like a slug and I also need this subconcious feeling that I'd be letting others down if I don't do my best.
One thing I usually do when I'm into a good fitness routine is sit-ups and push-ups before bed. I'm going to use that as my first week's goal, just to get myself back into it. I'm aiming for 5 out of the 7 evenings, not including any sit-ups I do with my other exercise.
Welcome everyone - and good luck! We can do it! We're the RED team! |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:11 pm |
|
| DarkChocolate
|
|
|
Hey Pa'dow!
I am so excited to see another Red Team member.... the Green team had a whole bunch of posts instantaneously it seemed, and the Yellow team's been catching up... and then there's you & me. haha :) Everyone else on our team must just be off doing exciting things today or something.... I mean, it HAS been less than a day since I posted the teams, so it's not really THAT strange... it's just kinda funny. I'm sure everyone will show up at some point!
Also, what's this "Red Team" quote? I have no idea... is it from a movie or something? :) |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:19 pm |
|
| maltby_gardner
|
|
|
Why I'm joining this challenge: I started SB on January 1. This is my second time around with it. Last time, I started off strong and then just kind of petered out somewhere around the middle of March (I started in January last time, too.) So while I've gone further this time than then, I still have this nagging fear in the back of my mind that I am going to fade away this time too (which, if I was physically fading away, that would be good, but that's not what I mean :wink: ). My impetus for re-starting in January was my oldest daughter's upcoming wedding (October 6). For once in my life, I have planned ahead. I have plenty of time to lose the weight I want to lose and, believe me, I intend to lose it. I really, really want to look better than my ex at the wedding!
My personal goals for this week are:
3 strength training sessions.
3 sets of 15 crunches and 3 sets of 10 squats, 5 days.
Core bridges (90 seconds), both positions, 5 days.
For my cardio, I am also doing the C25K running (or shuffling) program. So that will be my cardio Mon, Wed and Fri. On Tues, Thurs and Sat I'll do easy cardio, 3.2 - 3.5 mph, vary the incline. On Sunday, I'll do a steep climb at a low speed.
I'm not having much trouble eating on plan, so no specific food goals this week.
I don't know what the "Red Team" quote is, either, but I'm still excited to be on the Red Team!
Gosh! I'm all excited. Good luck, team! |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:32 pm |
|
| Dragonrose
|
|
|
Hello all!
WHY I'm joining this challenge - My weight loss has slowed down drastically and I need something to help keep me motivated. I tend to do well as long as the losses keep coming and then when things slow down I veere back into bad habits.
PERSONAL GOAL for Week 1 -
60 crunches every night
30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week
not eat after 9pm unless I have to due to blood sugar emergencies
I joined a new gym and will be cancelling my membership at the old one this week. I have a personal training session tomorrow night at 7pm, the training session most gyms give you with a new membership. I really liked the gym and the people so hopefully I will be more inclined to go regularly. I can go swimming now too since this gym has a pool and the other gym I had to drive to a different location to use a pool. |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:21 pm |
|
| DarkChocolate
|
|
|
I completely hear you about not wanting to start veering into bad habits!
In the past week or so, I've been noticing I've been gradually becoming a little more lenient about the pb (having an extra "spoonful" before bedtime or whatever), and also, I've been overdoing the chocolate a little bit. Not in an EXTREME way, but enough that I think I need to TAKE NOTICE and get it under control before it gets out of hand.
So I'm adding in an additional goal for the week: No more than one "square" (~1/3oz) dark chocolate per day.
Yesterday I went on an all-day shopping excursion with a friend, and bought a few bars of AMAZING high-quality dark chocolate at a couple health-food stores. I had one square of it yesterday and I savored it for a long time... it was just so amazing! Then I came home and had a much bigger chunk of a dark chocolate bunny from Easter, and it wasn't anywhere NEAR as satisfying!
So my goal is to stick to this GOOD stuff, and really savor it. :) Mmmmmmm....
And Dragonrose - the new gym sounds GREAT!
maltby_gardner - I *love* the goal of looking better than your ex at your daughter's wedding!! And I KNOW you can accomplish it... you have shown such determination in the C-to-5K threads!
Pa'dow! - I know what you mean about the exercise motivation... I've been doing REALLY well the past few weeks, and then this past week I've gotten a little lazier... so this challenge is coming along at a great time, to give me that extra boost of accountability! |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 11:12 pm |
|
| wnt2wrbikinis
|
|
|
Hey there teammates!
I joined this because I need some motivation. This is my 2nd time around and I thought- What a great way to start off my weight loss! A fitness challenge! My goal for the week is to not cheat and to get as many points as possible. The weather is getting nice here so I plan on walking/running my dog during the week along with going to the gym by my house. Nice to meet you all!!!! Forgive me if I'm too short with my writing- I'm doing double full time school & I type on the computer all day long at work so I get a little burned out of typing :) |
|
Sun Apr 15, 2007 11:28 pm |
|
| maltby_gardner
|
|
|
wnt2wrbikinis wrote: Forgive me if I'm too short with my writing- I'm doing double full time school & I type on the computer all day long at work so I get a little burned out of typing :)
I totally understand about the typing. I type about 5 to 6 hours a day for my job and it does tend to get old!
About the wedding: I hate to shop so I had my first preliminary "MOB" dress shopping trip last week with DDs 1 and 3 (#2 lives in Texas). I was encouraged because I was trying on 8s and 10s and they fit...I was discouraged because I still look all flabby and lumpy in them. I guess that's why God gave us Spanx!
DC: I actually gave up chocolate altogether about 6 weeks ago - Wow! has it been that long? - because I had my first "no loss" week. I re-examined all my eating and exercise habits and that was something that had to go. Unfortunately, I think the next thing will be peanut butter for me as well. I can't afford any more "no loss" weeks (or, God forbid, a gain) if I want to hit 140 for the wedding. |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:05 am |
|
| Gurmo
|
|
|
Hello I am here. Sorry I was in Missouri for the weekend with no real access to a computer.
I joined the fitness challenge as a way to push me over to my goal weight (170 - I started at 255). I haven't weighed myself all weekend but I'll post a starting weight tomorrow.
I work out almost every day alternating from weight training to body weight training (I'll post it on the other thread). I ride my bike every day to and from work, however, I will not count that as my cardio because I want to kick that aspect up. I'm going to try to start running again if my knees hold out but since this coming week is going to be beautiful, I'm going to be riding my bike along the lake shore.
As for my personal goal, I dunno, I'm going to have to think about that. I could cut down the peanut intake (been pushing that one). Cool, hope that we do great! |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:12 am |
|
| raynjen
|
|
|
hi everyone!
i am so excited for this challenge! i have taken part in the last two before the extreme challenge, and love challenges. i find they really help me stay on track.
i havent been so bad the past month. exersize has been very consistent. its more the eating. for the most part its good, but we began to celebrate my birthday at the end of March, and hopefully have wrapped up the festivities as of tonight. so yeah, im pretty much amazed that i have still been losing weight the past few weeks. i really want to get off of this slippery slope before it gets out of control.
my personal goal (doing strenght training 3x a week) may seem simple, but heres the thing. earlier in the year, i was on this great routine of exercise, with arm and core exersizes every day. then i statred working out at the gym instead of home, and out went the strength training. weird, because there is SO MUCH to do at the gym. anyhow, i want to get back into strength training on a more regular basis, and picked up this book a month or so ago, and havent even opened it. so its time.
good luck everyone! |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:43 am |
|
| Dee011
|
|
|
| Being on the team helps me keep track of my eating and working out. It’s easier if I'm accounted for something, it gives me motivation to keep on going. I have been SBD diet for 4 months. I stopped losing weight in February and I'm stuck on 135 which is my weight for past few years. I eat most of the time beachy, and I go to gym regularly, but pounds will not go away. I'm sticking to this plan because I'm afraid is I stop I'll gain back 8 lbs or more that I lost. I have my cheat days when I go home to see my mom, and that is usually every month and half. I visit her for couple days and that is when I indulge in my mom's cooking. I'm not really good cook, so I really appreciate my mom's cooking or for that mater anybody else, as long is not mine. |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:50 pm |
|
| skinnypeep
|
|
|
Hi everyone,
I am just catching up with all the posts from the weekend!
WHY did you want to join this Challenge?
I am getting married in 3 months and I really want to be happy with the pictures. I have I'd say 10 lbs to go so these challenges really help me get in all my exercise and not "forget" to eat well :P
What are you picking for your Personal Goal for Week 1?
4 days cardio and 3 days strength. I think that's a doeable goal even though I've got a lot of meetings and other stuff going on. |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:00 pm |
|
| DarkChocolate
|
|
|
It's Day 1, Red Team!!!!
Make sure to do your weigh-in and post your Starting Weight in your log thread. And have a great day today, let's start off this Challenge strong!
I have my 64oz of water in bottles and ready to go, I just had a yummy breakfast, and I have food options loosely planned for the rest of the day! I'm going to head over to the gym later today to get in some cardio and some weight machines! I just did an AMAZING Couch-to-5K Week 5 workout last night - first time jogging 20 minutes straight!! After that, Week 6 workout 1 looks easy (5-minute and 8-minute jogging segments... never thought I'd say that sounded EASY!), so I might attempt it tonight. If not, I'll probably do elliptical.
Right now I'm watching the Boston Marathon on TV... it's so rainy and windy and terrible - it's amazingly inspiring!! |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:00 pm |
|
| Gurmo
|
|
|
Whooo! I just made my first update to my template. I hit my 64 oz of water for today.
You know, I typically go through 4 to 6 of these 32 oz bottles a day, I mean I am already on number 3 and its not even 11 pm here yet. I do slow down in the afternoon and when I get home but wow I never realized how much of it I drink. |
|
Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:42 pm |
|