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So I spent my last challenge with the Scouts and it was my most successful challenge to date. Just not in the way of any of my goals. I learned that I like going to the gym and can do so, consistently, in the morning. That will be incorporated in this challenge. I learned that I am capable of eating healthy. I plan on doing a Whole30 during the first challenge of the new year. I may never have met all of my goals in a challenge, but as long as I keep learning from them I'll keep doing them. This challenge also will mark my one year anniversary of joining, which means it needs to be epic. Each goal will be explained thoroughly. The "Ultimate Goal" is what I ultimately want to achieve during the challenge. This is my way of having both an end goal and a habit goal. Main Goal: Get Fit Background: I've never run 10k, performed 5 straight pull-ups, done the splits, had a 6 pack, or been able to do anything that people associate with "fitness." I have officially been making an effort to "get into shape" for a year now, so it's time to start knocking out some of these long term goals. Plan: I want to see progress this challenge. I also want to build a morning routine every day, instead of just gym days. I picked my goals so that I could accomplish both of these. Goal 1: StrongLifts 5x5 Background: I took up StrongLifts 5x5 when I joined a gym during the last challenge and I've enjoyed it quite a bit. I've been going fairly regularly. Plan: Do StrongLifts workout 3x per week, every week. A: 5x5 Squat, 5x5 Bench, 5x5 Barbell Row, 3xf Dips B: 5x5 Squat, 5x5 Shoulder Press, 1x5 Deadlift, 3xf Pull-up/Chin-up (Alternating) I'm also working on my grip strength at the end of these workouts with Captains of Crush grippers. Challenges: Week 1 is going to be hectic at work. Week 2 I may be out of town training. Week 3 is Thanksgiving week. During week 1 I may have to sacrifice some sleep to get in my workout. Weeks 2 and 3 may cause issues with doing specific days. If I go out of town during Week 2, there may not be a local gym I can get to. Why: Strength is important. And lifting encourages fat loss, which is a plus. And if I ever end up in Kanto, I don't want Pikachu to out-lift me. Ultimate Goal: Squat 200 lbs 5x5 What It Entails: I cannot miss a workout or stall. I have no idea if it's even plausible, but I'm sure as heck going to try. I haven't really had any issues with the squats yet. The rows have given me trouble somewhat consistently, and the bench is a little difficult sometimes. Goal 2: Mobility Background: I tried doing a daily MWOD during one of my first challenges, and that crashed and burned. I started Movement Multivitamin from GMB this week. It's 28 days of exploring different movements and just kind of playing around with what's tight and what's not moving the way it should. Plan: Finish Movement Multivitamin. Afterwards, do an MWOD or repeat a day of MM every day. Challenges: I've never been able to make mobility a priority, even though I know it should be. Why: I saw a post from GMB the other day about needing to make your stretching pertinent to your end goal. It then showed a picture of a girl in a crazy pose with a caption that said, "Practicing this every day is great...if you want to be awesome at yoga." And I realized that, on top of all of the other great reasons for improving mobility, I want to be awesome at yoga. And then I want to buy this shirt. Ultimate Goal: Downward dog with my heels on the ground What It Entails: When I'm in downward dog Pluto is closer to becoming a planet again than my heels are to the ground. I'm going to need a lot more flexibility in my hamstrings, calves, hips, shoulders, and lower back. And probably everything I didn't mention, too. Goal 3: Splits Background: I found a 6 week to front splits progression online and wanted to try it. Plan: It's all right here. Challenges: Everything that the splits entails. Why: Doing the splits has never been a goal of mine. But I figure if I can conquer that, I can do anything. Plus, it'll help my career as a budding NHL goalie. Side Goal: Handstand Background: I've never been able to do a freestanding handstand. And when I do a wall-stand, I always come out of it awkwardly. I'm just not comfortable doing it. Plan: 28-Day Handstand Challenge, extended to 42 days. Challenges: Being upside down and balance. The arm strength shouldn't be an issue. Why: Handstands are cool. And I don't know if I actually need to be able to do a handstand to act like that weird monkey guy, but it seems like a good starting point. Ultimate Goal: 30s freestanding handstand. What It Entails: Making a habit of practicing. Notes: -There's a lot of daily practice entailed in this challenge. In the past I've been terrible at doing anything daily. -I plan on eating a caloric deficit, but don't plan on tracking. I figure if I'm exercising enough then even if I'm eating a bit more than I burn I should just be putting on muscle. -I have a RumbleRoller that I want to use more often. That seems to go with the theme here. -That bottom gif is really distracting and is right at the top of the screen. I'm going to go ahead and hit enter a bunch of times until I can't see it anymore. Starting Stats To be added on Day 1. Just for grins and giggles since, as I mentioned already, I'm not really trying to lose or gain anything. **Goals are subject to change without warning. Please consult your doctor before following this thread. Side affects may include awesomeness, and a desire to laugh at bad puns.**