MorpheusZero

I wanted to come back and post my results on what I was trying to accomplish here. I never updated it in awhile but I wanted to do so before the next challenge start tomorrow. Goal 1: I did great here. I only missed two workouts--which technically the two workouts I have missed were both last week which were outside of this challenge dates. I was sick (on my birthday oh no!) and I missed two workouts. I give myself a B here. Goal 2. Let's just go ahead here and say the last 3 weeks have been awful. I started out strong and awesome with my eating habits, then I just kinda slid off. While I WAS still working out regularly, I did slack off with my eating habits. I have eaten out a few times, I drank a few sodas here and there--enough for me to know that I failed this Goal with an F. Goal 3. So ultimately while I decided to stick to the goal for this challenge, I decided I don't like this and it's not feasible for me. I missed 5 days and I honestly didn't notice a difference in how tired or (not tired) I was based on going to sleep an hour or two earlier than usual. I will say it was a bit easier to go to bed earlier because I have been working out regularly, but ultimately I do a lot of work at night when I am more calm and relaxed and it's just the best time for me to think. I work less AT work throughout the week because I do so much at home during the night. So while I am giving myself a C for the sake of the challenge, I won't be adhering to this anymore. I prefer to stay up later as it benefits me better. Now, when I say stay up later--I tend to be in bed usually by 1AM, but sometimes depending on what I am working on, I can drag on till 3 or 4AM..... Lifeside Quest. I haven't read in about 3 weeks now. I give myself a failing grade here as well. I'm in the middle of about 10 projects at work and I've been spending my nights writing documentation for software, fixing software bugs, writing new frameworks for the mobile apps for work I have to develop....just had alot going on with work that I didn't read as much. I might have stretched this goal out too much and been too ambitious. I will on this one later. The main thing I want to take from this failure, is that I also consider it a success in the regard that I have actively and regularly kept to a workout plan that I set for myself for about 2 months now and only missed 2 days. I think that's awesome. My current weight is ~216. I will classify this challenge as a failure, but will keep trucking on for the next one!

End of week 3 Update: Current Weight: 220 Waistline: 40.5 So I gained 2 pounds from last week. I'm assuming its just the natural fluctation of your weight throughout the days. I'm going to call it and say I neither gained nor lost realistically. I didn't miss a workout this week, I ran 3 days--and biked 3 days. At the beginning of the week, I was only able to do about 25 pushups total. By Friday, I had built myself up to about 55 pushups and 55 dips. So what happens here, is while me and my friend are running the stadium steps, after every 2 laps or so (usually do about 8-10 laps) we will stop at the start line and do 10 pushups and 10 dips, take a sip of water and start running again. So I was able to effectively do a lot more by Friday. I have to say that I am a little discouraged that I didn't lose this week. I dropped nearly 20 pounds instantly when I started working out, now it seems I'm getting nowhere. It's only been a week though, and I didn't eat quite as good as I should have. So I'm going to buckle down and eat awesome all week and see how it goes. As far as meals go, I ate a healthy breakfast and lunch all week long. On Thursday night my boss asked me to go out with him to Buffalo Wild Wings and brainstorm on some new projects. So I went there, drank a Jack and Coke--and ate 10 boneless wings. Then On Saturday, I went take my mom out to lunch, ate a huge burger, and then later that night we barbecued some chicken wings. I was hoping it wouldn't affect me so much since I hadn't missed any workouts. And yes I know that working out isn't an excuse to eat whatever you want. I just didn't think those two bad days would hurt me so much. Well know I now I guess. So this week, I'm going all green and see what happens. Also, I'm adding in MyFitnessPal and start calorie counting just so I can keep tabs on what I'm eating and such. I never really know how much I'm eating, whether its too much or not enough so I'm going to do that for a bit to kind of round out where I am as compared to where I need to be. My workouts this week may get a little screwed depending on the weather but we'll see how it goes. The forecast shows Thunderstorms starting tonight until next Saturday for the Gulf Coast here so I may not be going run stadiums during the storm, but I'll figure something out in its place. I've got a carport, and if I need to take out the jump rope I will. I managed to get in bed before midnight 6 nights this week. I've been reading a little before bed. I moved my lamp into my living room and sit in my recliner to read. I didn't eat any sweets this week. A girl from work brought in donuts and I didn't eat any. My co-workers have been pretty supportive of my lifestyle change. When they all get together to order lunch or takeout, etc--they usually don't include me in the emails or instant messages so I don't get tempted. If anyone has any insight for me, I'd appreciate it!

Hey there! Welcome to the Rebellion! Sounds like you had a rough couple of months, but glad to hear you've pulled out of it! Keep at it and that's a great attitude to have.

Hey Dean! Welcome to the Rebellion man! I too struggle with being able to completely give up alcohol. I tend to have a couple shots of Jack Daniels a week--not in the past week, but usually. lol.

Even though I started officially a little late, I'm going to call this the end of my week two since I was already doing this for 3 weeks (without the 6 workouts a week). Update as of 8/9/2015: First of all I'll get my totals out of the way. I weigh myself every Sunday. Current Weight: 218 Waistline: 40.5 Yesterday, being Sunday--I had scheduled myself to go ride my bike 20 miles. Well, in order to do this I was going to cut my grass at home on Saturday (push mower). Because I knew on Sunday after riding that far I wouldn't feel like cutting grass. So after only 5 minutes of cutting grass--my lawn mower broke. So I had to call a friend with a truck to bring me to Walmart to buy a new one (I drive a Camaro). By the time we got back and put it all together, oiled up, etc--it has gotten dark. So I made the decision that I had already waited over 3 weeks to cut my grass last, so I needed to get up early and do that instead of putting it off again. So instead of my 20 mile bike ride, I cut grass for an hour early Sunday morning. Then later in the afternoon, around 4:00pm--I rode my bike 4 miles to an old abandoned construction site I found off the beaten path. I stopped to rest and started doing some pushups and dips off of the railings, etc. I did 2 sets of 10 of a few body weight exercises, and then I rode my bike 4 miles back home. I don't think I burned as many calories as I would have riding 20 miles--but between cutting grass that morning and what I did that afternoon, I think I made up for it. My diet for the week mainly consisted of 2 tuna salad sandwiches--made with Greek Yogurt, NOT mayo. The rest of the days at lunch for work I ate a salad with grilled chicken, broccoli, etc--with Light Italian. I used Pistachios, Greek Yogurt, and Bananas as my snack foods of choice throughout the week. At night I would mostly eat another salad--but the past 2 days I have ended my nights with a 3 egg omelot--cheese, brocolli, and chopped turkey. I usually eat a piece of whole-wheat toast with a tad bit of butter on it (should I leave the butter off????) with my breakfast and/or dinner meals as well. I was in bed every night between 11:30 and 12:00am--which I have found very easy as of late since I've been working out I am getting tired a bit easier. The problem though, is I always wake up around 2:30am-ish and can't get back to sleep. I'll need to do more research on why I can't stay asleep all night. So to recap--my expectations for this week: I am going running the stadiums, flip the tractor tires, sprints down the football field, etc--on Monday, Wednesday, Friday after work. I have been doing this for the 4th week in a row now--without missing a single day, rain or shine! Depending on how late after work I go, and if its still daylight by the time I get home--I usually end my day with a 6 mile bike ride to that old abandoned construction site I mentioned above and back. It's a nice cool down ride after running. Even though I'm tired as hell from running--when I ride my back I don't feel tired anymore. I don't know much about muscle groups or whatnot, but I'm guessing its working different muscles because my legs don't hurt in the same place from riding my bike as from when I just got done running the stadiums. On Tuesday & Thursday (at least), maybe Saturday--but Saturday is optionally my rest day since I ride on Sunday for sure for my 6th day--I plan to to Steve's Body Weight Circuits in my living room. This will give me a break from all of the heavier Cardio I am doing throughout the week--but still get me sweating to burn some calories. After this six week challenge, I want to incorporate more weight training into my routine, but for now--the heavier cardio is doing me some good--and I enjoy it most of all. So as of Sunday I weighed in at 218--I'm shooting to be at least 215 or under by next Sunday. Let's do it!

Hey Paul! Welcome to the rebellion buddy! Second degree...that's a rough one in itself! Good luck man!

Hey guys, I live in South Louisiana--living in Houma (where I work), but I tend to go to New Orleans every other weekend or so as it is very close (and my mom lives there). Any new runners looking for a running buddy or any hikers in the area? I said new runners--but I'm really new at running and I don't want to hold anyone back from their routine lol. But if you'll have me and be patient, I'll gladly join anyone!

Thanks guys. And yes, I am aware the 6 days is a little ambitious; however, I'm all for trying--and failing if that should happen. Over the past 3 weeks I've been working out 4 days a week--and my routine isn't so difficult that it completely knocks me down (except for the 20 mile bike ride). I have done the 4 days a week for the past 3 weeks no problem, not missed a single day--and it's not really a problem. What I mean to say is, I've actually been having fun doing it. I've got a few running partners that I've got to come out with me every time I go after work--some are fairly athletic and sporty types so they push me hard to succeed. Adding 2 more days to what I was already doing just reinforces my resolve I think. I understand it's ambitious--I agree. But I'm not here to be timid--I'm here to be bold. I've enjoyed the past 3 weeks--I've got myself in a good schedule, I don't miss days because I have a really flexible work schedule. I can come and go from work as I please, as long as I make my 40 hours. I'm on salary so I tend to go in around 10AM and work till about 5PM, then I go running with a girl from work. I make up my lost hours by working from home (Software & Web Developer) at night sometimes if I need to or on Sunday. And yes, the combination of (firstly running) and reading paper books before bed have helped my sleeping patterns greatly. I've been finding it much easier the past week to get in bed before midnight for sure. And I also have been sleeping more deeply throughout the night as well. Thanks guys!

So I got a little mixed up on the dates as I haven't signed into the website in over 3 weeks now so I'ma little late to the game, but I'm happy to say that I wrote this thread about a month ago and had it saved in a document. The point being that I have been following this regimen for the better part of 3 weeks now anyway, so I'm not to discouraged about starting late. So a little update before we get to my goals--the original document said I weighed about 240 pounds, I had to edit it because as of right now I am fluctuating between 225 and 230, YAY GO ME! So here's to me joining the rebels in our revolution to take the world by storm, one pound at a time! If you have any tips, suggestions, or comments--please feel free to help me out however you can! I really could use the motivation and advice!Also if you're interested in my background story--here's my intro thread: the way, call me Morph! Main Quest: I want to lose ~30 pounds (currently ~230). Goal 1: Workout at least 6 days per week. Morning routine of Steve’s body-weight circuit on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Running stadiums, flipping tires, etc. after work on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Sunday -- 10 mile bike ride to the local park and back (20 miles total) Grades: A...Missing <= 1; B...Missing >= 2; C...Missing > 3; D...Missing > 4; F...Missing > 5; Goal 2: Change My Diet. No sodas or sweet treats (cookies, donuts, candy, cereal, etc.). No fast-food at work for lunch. Baked Chicken in my salad (Spring Mix ) with a boiled egg is my meal of choice. Sometimes I’ll throw in some Broccoli, Pistachios, etc. Grades: A...0 Cheats; B...1 Cheat; C...2 Cheats; D...3 Cheats; F...4+ cheats; Goal 3: Be in bed before midnight every night. If I’m going to be getting up at 6:30AM to work out on certain days, I need to be asleep before midnight. This will only allot me roughly 6 hours of sleep, but my sleeping pattern is too trained for well after midnight so I will break this one in slowly for the first challenge. This may seem like a stretch, but I haven’t gone to bed before midnight--in months, so this is definitely a challenge for me. Grades: A…<= 3 Cheats; B...4 Cheats; C...5 Cheats; D...6 Cheats; F...7+ cheats; Life Side Quest: I want to read a little from a book before bed instead of staring at my computer screen or cell phone before bed at least 5 nights per week. I tend to not sleep well. It got MUCH better after cutting out most of my sodas, but I think the rest of my insomnia is caused by staring at screens too much. I bought The Lord of the Rings Trilogy in one book, so it should keep me entertained for awhile yet. I love the movies, but never actually read the books before. Grades: A…<= 2 Missing; B...3 Missing; C...4 Missing; D...5 Missing; F...6+ Missing; Guild: Recruit. First Challenge. Motivation: I won’t lie. I am obese. I know I am obese, and something needs to change. I am 24 years old, soon to be 25 in September. I live alone and I’m getting to a point in my life where I want that to change as well. The problem is, I can’t look at myself in the mirror without feeling disgusted with my body, so why would anyone ever want me if I don’t even want me? This is my chance to #Evolve into something better. To learn how to succeed, first you must learn to fail. I hope that by sticking with NerdFitness and the community, that I can achieve my goals and restore my self-confidence.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I will work on getting my goals more specific tonight. I have refrained from ordering lunch at work the past two days and have eaten only a sandwich on wheat for lunch the past two days at work. So that in itself is something. I can only get better from there. I got up yesterday morning and did the bodyweight circuit from Steve. It's not much, but it did kick my ass lol. I didn't get a chance to do it this morning because I had to go to work early for a meeting/presentation--but I am prepping to do it now, after work--after this post actually... I hope I can get in on the next 6 week challenge when it starts up.

Hey Seton! We have similar goals man. Good luck and I wish you the best!

Hi Rebels, I'm not sure if this will ever be seen--but I need to get my thoughts out somewhere. I originally signed up on this website almost 2 years ago now. I had high hopes of dropping weight. I had a plan, I joined a gym, and changed my life---for about two months. I started losing a little weight, and slowly stopped doing what I was doing. I decided, "oh well I guess I can eat this since I'm doing so good, etc." Let's Fast forward to present-day and let me reintroduce myself. I'm still Morph. I live in New Orleans, Louisiana: USA. I graduated university with my Bachelor's in Computer Science in December 2014. I work full-time Monday - Friday as a Software Application & Web Developer for a small company. I sit in front of a computer all day at work, order fast-food with my co-workers for lunch most days, and then go home and sit in front of my computer all night--repeat. After dropping a few pounds, I now have gained more than what I originally lost then. I weigh about 236 pounds right now (5'9''). I'm now 24 years old, soon to be 25. I'm getting older and it's not going to get any easier. I need to make a change and after the few attempts of the last few years I'm prepared to detail the reasons why I have failed in the past. No support group. I have found that it is extremely difficult to try and do this kind of stuff alone. If you don't have a friend to run with, cycle with, workout with, "diet" with, etc--you tend to drop out of your routine much more quickly without the motivation or accountability.Cold Turkey. I know this is a touchy subject. But I have tried to 'ween' myself from things and it never works. So this time, I need to Cold Turkey myself from everything bad that I do. I need to give up sodas 100%--which I technically almost do already (maybe one per week). I drink only water. No more fast food--ever. Eat more veggies and fruits, etc. I need to take all the bad stuff I do--put it in the trash bin. Stop Making Excuses. I used to make excuses about why I couldn't do <insert activity here>. Before I graduated, I was living with my grandparents, and I always made excuses. Now, I work full-time--have my own house in which I live alone, except my dog--and work a badass schedule. As long as I work 40 hours per week, I can come and go to the office at my own time. Which means, if I want to get up and workout--I can. I just choose not to. I can't tell you how many times the past 6 months I've set my alarm to "start tomorrow," and when it goes off--I just reset it for 2 hours later, then get up and go to work.So here I am. Confessing my sins to the community in how I have failed. Hopefully this experience will humble me into getting serious. I am setting my alarm in the morning and putting it across the room so I have to get up. I'm going on a 8 mile bike ride and then doing Steve's Home Circuit workouts before I shower and go to work. I really need to meet some new friends here. So whether you are in the same boat as me--or just willing to help me rebuild myself and #Evolve--I'd appreciate any kind words, recipes, tips and tricks, workout plans, accountability partners, or anything else you might can extend out as an olive branch. I've shunned away from fitness over the past year--but I've still been reading Steve's articles every time I get them in my e-mail. It's my time now, and I need a change. My goals are mostly the same as above. I will outline them again with slight edits: Short-Term Goals I want to lose at least 40 Pounds (get under 200)Lower my Blood PressureBuild some muscleIncrease my endurance (running, cycling, etc)Cut out all the "unhealthies" from my diet.Less "inactive" time in my recliner and in front of the computer. Long-Term Goals Respect the man I see in the mirror.Extend my life.Tone up, maybe have some actual abs one day.Eventually I'd like to try out and stick to the Paleo diet but I don't think I'm quite ready for such an extreme amount of changes all at once just yet. We'll see.Maintain a healthy weight under 200 pounds while building muscle and losing the fat % in my body.

Great job man! I was much the same as you about 6 months ago I quit cold turkey. it was hard because I HATED the taste of water. But now I go through 8 or 9 bottles of water a day instead of 2 two liters of Pepsi. Saves me money, sleep better, and feel better--I just wish my weight was dropping as hot as yours! Keep it up man! You got this!

Originally written on October 26th, 2013.