cymblue

Thanks everyone for the replies! I think I am going to join - I get a good feeling from this place and I am going to try and build it into my routine to go on my way home from work (just gotta remember to bring clothes!).

There is a three month membership for $135 or a year contract for $32.99/month with two free months (so actually a 14 month contract). If there wasn't a contract I don't think I would hesitate to try it! I really like the feel of this place - people seem down to earth and chill. This gym is on my way home from work (well, when the school year is going on). I figured as long as I brought clothes, it would be fairly easy to go. Motivation is my biggest problem... especially at home I end up just watching TV or reading a book or surfing the net.

I'm a teacher, and it's summer time. I'd like to think that this is a great time to get into a good workout routine. I don't want/need to do anything fancy. In fact, bodyweight exercises are more than enough for me, generally. I have a few weights and some resistance bands at home, plus you can obviously do squats and push ups anywhere. The problem is, I'm not doing them. There is a pretty nice little gym super close to my house, open 24 hours, even offers a teacher discount. They have nice cardio machines (I would use these for warm up, etc), tons of free weights, and all sorts of other goodies. They even give you two free personal training sessions when you sign up. Here is where I am struggling: it seems silly to pay for a gym when I could do 90-99% of what I need to do at home, for free. I feel guilty spending the money and doing cardio on machines instead of walking my dog, etc, but maybe spending the money and being at a place where there is nothing to do but work out would motivate me. I know I would still have to make myself go. What have been your experiences/opinions on this sort of topic. Thanks in advance for responses!

I drank one Coke or less and walked my dog all seven days, and I did the bodyweight workout twice. So, I almost hit all my goals. Overall, I know I am being healthier, but I am frustrated. Before this challenge, I was eating fast food literally 2-3 times PER DAY. Now I might have it 2-3 times per week, and when I do, I make much better choices. I was also drinking 2-4 Cokes per day, and now I usually don't even have one a day. However, it has been three weeks and I have barely seen the scale move. I know my diet isn't perfect, but it is SO MUCH better than it has been in a very long time. It kind of makes me feel like if nothing is going to change, maybe I should just go back to eating crap. Help!

Thank you for the encouragement! I got up and made a healthy breakfast and did my workout!!! Getting one in on Monday really sets me up for doing three this week. I feel strong. Looking forward to a great week!

Rose, this is just my personal opinion, but I think what you said here is great! You know where you are at and you know that you still need to work on this week's level. Don't try to do too much at once (although you do want to push yourself a bit). Way to go for staying accountable!!!

So, this week was a little rough for me. I missed the mark on all three quests: Quest 1: One Coke or less per day: Did this every day but Thursday, when I had a Coke at lunch plus two Whisky-Cokes while out with a friend. Quest 2: Walk my dog every day: Did this every day but Thursday. Went out with a friend and stayed out WAY later than expected. Quest 3: BBWW 3x per week: Only did it once this week Overall, I am eating out MUCH less than I have been, so I'm seeing progress there, and I'm generally being more active (hiking yesterday, walking my dog, etc), so I am headed in the right direction - I just need to do MORE. I'll be at home one more week then I leave for a 10 day trip. All of my quests are completely doable while traveling (I can't walk my dog, but I can go for a walk), so I am going to keep at it. I am going to get up tomorrow morning and do the bodyweight workout! I am promising that to myself and to you all - thanks in advance for your motivation and advice!!!!

You guys are awesome! I've now completed four beginner body weight workouts, and the soreness is much less (although still enough to know that I worked hard!). I'm really happy with the fact that I have still stuck to both of my daily goals of walking my dog and having one Coke or less. Yesterday I actually got a Coke and didn't even finish it. Not sure if it was too sweet or if I just didn't want to undo all the good I've been doing, but I was satisfied with just half. After a pretty great grocery shopping session, I've been eating at home a ton. Before this challenge I could (and would) eat out three meals a day most days. Bad for my waist AND my wallet. I was worried I wouldn't be satisfied but I have been. I'm really happy about how things are coming along and your support is so helpful!

I second the use of myfitnesspal - very simple and still lots of good data. Very eye opening! Need to hit the store to buy eggs and veggies and all that good stuff for myself - thanks for the inspiration!

Hi Kiazi (and everyone else!), Thanks for the reminder to post! I am doing okay. I have walked my dog and limited myself to one Coke or less every day since the challenge started! Where I am having trouble is getting my bodyweight workouts in. I did my first one last Sunday (technically the day before the challenge started), and then didn't get another one in until Wednesday due to my initial soreness. I haven't done another one since, but I did go to yoga yesterday, which is kind of like a bodyweight workout in and of itself. I'll probably do the BBWW this afternoon or tonight. I need to go grocery shopping so that I eat out less, but I'm kind of freezing up because I want to make a perfect list and get everything I need. I just need to remind myself that doing something is better than nothing, and it doesn't have to be perfect the first time. I want to head towards a paleo diet, but not ready to go full paleo yet. Any thoughts or encouragement would be welcome!!!

Hi Assassins! I'm a total n00b to nerdfitness and the challenges and everything, so I wanted to say hi!! My first challenge includes the beginner body weight workout three times a week. I did the first one on Sunday (got through two circuits), and 48 hours later my quads are still KILLING me. Like, getting in and out of my car is a chore. I am walking like a weirdo! Did I overdo it? I'm hoping to feel close to normal by tomorrow so I can get going again after two days of rest. Any other suggestions? Take it easier next time? Or just tough it out? Nice to meet you all!

After day 1, I did both of my daily quests. I walked Rex for about 20 minutes (even with crazy sore legs), and I only had one Coke. I could seriously drink Coke all day - it tastes so good to me. I know how bad it is, though. As mentioned, my quads are still SUPER sore from Sunday's BBWW, so I will probably wait one more day before I do it again. I'm wondering if I overdid it the first time???

I'm a beginner, so nothing fancy for me. I just put on some music and dance/jump around! It gets the blood flowing

Well, nothing like writing the challenge post to motivate me to get started! I had already walked Rex today, and now I have completed two circuits of the BBWW. The lunges were by far the hardest part for me - especially my left side. I was very wobbly and my legs feel like jelly now. Also, I need to add more weight to the rows, because the 6 lb. weight I had was too easy. Overall I feel tired but happy! Now to make sure I drink one Coke or less today and I'll have started off right! Onward!!!!

Introduction: Hi I'm cymblue and I just found Nerd Fitness yesterday (6/7/14). I'm busy building up a huge pile of underpants and I need to figure out my phase 2. Hopefully this is it! In general, I consider myself a fairly active person, but my diet is TERRIBLE. I also want to get stronger. I'm calling this my Simple Start because I have tried doing drastic things in the past, but I haven't been able to keep with it. I think if I follow my three quests, I will be on the right path to being stronger and healthier. Main Quest: Lose 10 lbs by the end of summer. Quest 1: Limit myself to one Coke per day, instead of my usual 2-4 Quest 2: Walk my dog Rex every day, minimum of 5 minutes. Generally we will walk much longer than that, but right now I have been neglecting walking him (therefore neglecting walking myself!). Quest 3: Do the beginner body weight workout (BBWW) three times per week. Might move up to weight lifting if/when I feel stronger and comfortable. Life Quest: I'm working on paying down my last credit card. Current balance is $2815. I have paid off over $3000 of debt since February 2014 Motivation: I want to fit into some of my old clothes, and I want to be more fit and healthy looking to attract a great guy. Starting Stats: 5'4", 161 lbs, can do 2 circuits of BBWW (knee pushups)