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I gotta crow a little today as I hit a milestone this morning; 50 pounds gone over the course of the last six months. I still have a ways to go but I feel so much better, so much more capable, so much happier and so much a better parent and wife. Big thanks to Nerd Fitness for helping with these last ten pounds, especially my new Assassins crew. Here's to another 50 pounds!

The L.A.R.A. project How does one build a Lara? An actual Ms. Croft? Boob job and gunshots apart, there are two main things Lara needs to survive in her environment: control of anxiety in situations of danger and a strong and agile body. L.A. Lowering Anxiety. I've been rather in control of my anxiety levels, and maybe because of that, these last 2 weeks I've been a bit careless and worked less on it. And anxiety has started to pile again. I want to build both a peaceful mind and body, and I will do my best to achieve it. I'll work on all those things that make me feel better. The number of exercices/sessions proposed are the minimum to pass the challenge with a C. If I want higher grades I have to surpass those numbers. Meditation. 15 10-minutes meditations. Breathing exercise. Twice a day: 84 exercises. Relaxing exercise. Once a day: 42 exercises. This can include working on trigger points (back, jaw, feet). Mental rewards. 3 times a day: 126 rewards. Rest moments. 24 spans. This includes any activity that allows me to take a break from life events, such as reading in the patio, taking a nap, listening to some music, Feldenkrais exercises, self-massage... Work on affirmations or any other exercise from the anxiety workbook. It can also be reading some passages and reflecting on them. 21 exercises. Positive things list/Things to be thankful for list. 24 lists. Take anti-anxiety supplements. I have to assure myself I take every supplement regularly, so at least 30 times each. The exception will be valerian, which I'll be taking only when I'll need it to sleep better. Extra-fat. I'll try to take an extra dose of fat everyday, adding olive oil, avocados or coconut oil to meals. 30 doses. Stage fright work as needed: affirmations, visualization, breathing, power pose... I'll be active (R.A. goal). I'll use cardio exercise to burn anxiety if needed. R.A. Rediscovering Awesomeness. I've been reading my last year challenges and I feel I've lost that thrill and all that excitement about exercise. I want to recover that, and make every workout really count. The number of sessions proposed for this goal are not the minimum but the ones needed to grade with an A, so this differs from L.A. goal. Full strength workouts. 6 workouts. I'll work on both upper and lower body. I have a wide range of exercises to choose from. I'll include some of the easiest gymnastic exercises appearing in Floor 1, which I'd love to retake this summer. I have to be strong enough, though. 5 workouts, B. 4 workouts, C. Less, F. Upperbody workouts. 9 workouts. These will be shorter ones, focused on upper body strength, because is what I need to work the most, and they will be combined with some cardio activity such as tap dancing or running. 7-8 workouts, B. 6 workouts, C. Less, F. Tap. 9 practice sessions (includes lessons if taken). 7-8 sessions, B. 6, C. Less, F. C25K. 9 runs. I'd like to make it to the 7th week. 7-8 sessions, B. 6, C. Less, F. Rest days. 15. This includes mobility work such as regular stretching, Focused Flexibility, trigger points or Feldenkrais exercises, walking, going for a bike ride or simply doing nothing. Points: 2 STR points if I do all my strength workouts (full and upperbody). 2 points for a B, 1 for a C. 2 extra STR points if I get to do a push-up. 2 CON + 2 STA points if I get to the 7th week of C25K and finish it. 1 + 1 if B. No points for a C. 2 DEX point if I do all the planned tap sessions. 1 for a B. No points for C. 3 WIS + 1 CHA points if I complete my L.A. goal. 1 extra WIS point if I get to do more than the minimums in at least 5 of the items appearing in L.A. goal. Wish me luck!

My first day doing the Bodyweight Circuit and I crushed two sets! That's a big achieve for me, given I wasn't able to do even 10 push ups just three months ago. Jumping Jacks - not in my wildest dreams. Today's weren't ready for boot camp but they were respectable. I was most impressed with my lunges - not a twinge of knee pain, where a few months ago, I wouldn't have had the knee stability to even try. Rawr!

Started a thread in the Druids last challenge and then went back to the Monks. Not sure why since I barely posted in other peoples threads. So here I am in the Druids again.... My challenge: 1- Morning ritual- wake before 7am, meditate 40 minutes, therapy light 30 minutes, breakfast 2- Tai Chi form 3 times spread out in the day. 3- Water Bending. Yup, you heard me. This: Back in the day I learned the first stages of samadhi by watching water falling. Watching water flow stops the internal dialogue and allows your mind to work more efficiently. So I just ordered this and as soon as I get it I will add this to my schedule. 5-20 minutes a day of whats called in Taoism, "Stopping the Water". You gaze at the water and you dont trance out or bliss out. You stay very aware of your surroundings like you are staring at prey without becoming prey yourself. What happens is it feels like time slows and you get a cool visual effect because you are not using your secondary visual cortex anymore. You are using both sides of your brain. Its hard to explain, but it is step one of samadhi or union. Step one is stopping the water, step two is feeling the water flow over you and the third is becoming one with the water. Its not mysticism but a brain biology thing. It sure seems all magical and mystical though.

Hello to my fellow nerds, lifters, and generally awesome people! I'm jollysoul. So, I'm pretty new to the powerlifting scene, but I've been drawn to it for a while now. It's so fun and intriguing! In order to get more experience under my belt (har har), my main goal/quest is to log 100 lifting sessions by the end of November 2015. Obviously that's longer than 6 weeks, but hey, what can I say? I like to think in the long term. Anyway, in order to reach said goal I'm going to: Quest 1: Lift 2-4x each week (Squat, DL, Bench) Quest 2: Track my food intake every day (eating crap kills the gains...) Quest 3: Um...I only have 2, but I feel like I should have 3 to "complete" the list. Yep, I'm a little weird... Life Quest: Finish reading 2 books Motivation: Getting stronger and being able to reach my potential strength-wise Well, that's it about me. I look forward to completing this challenge with all of you!

This Challenge I will: write about the challenge, cause even if the challenge is completed and no one heard about it, did the tree make a noise? Do my physical therapy every day, cause I really do feel better when I do it, track everything put into my pie hole. even if I kill 4 baskets of chips and dip at the Mexican restaurant... it still needs to be tracked. Be awesomer.

Well, since I'm TERRIBLE about starting challenges and not finishing them, I figured I'd start my own little thread here for somewhat regular training updates and chatting with mah neeeeeeeeeeerds. I love you guys! What to Expect: Sporadic training updatesOccasional ranting or ventingMaybe a few useful tips for trainingUpdates on my next adventure, going back to school!Pictures of cats More to come very soon!

More specifically, a dragon! (You can see where this is going) I just had to indulge my love of HTTYD and Toothless. Main Quest: Onederland by 1/1/15 (after that, keep moving down to 150) I really wanted to make my main quest feel a bit more obtainable and make it a little more short-term than 150 lbs. That, I can definitely hit next year. Mission #1: What am I eating? I have three main focuses/focii/whatever's-right here: calories, protein, veggies. Calories: 1600/day Protein: Aiming for 100 g/day, will pass with 75 g/day Veggies: At least 1 serving/day I can earn a total of 3 points/day, 126 possible points through the challenge Mission #2: How am I going to get there? Karate: 2x/week YAYOG: 4x/week Running: 2x/week 'Cause I'm a beast. 1 point each, 48 possible points through the challenge Mission #3: Keep it clean Continue on with making cleaning a weekly thing, 'cause it's important. 6 possible points total. Life Quest: Don't be a slacker! School has started again, which means doom and gloom. I want to focus on not procrastinating. I'm starting with a total of 6 points. A point gets docked each week if I leave something to one day. This means discussion posts have to be done over at least two days during the week. No cramming allowed. I lost a point each time I leave it all till Sunday. I'm also participating in two PvPs, both linked in my sig. If all goes to plan, I'll be 12 lbs lighter by the end of the challenge. Starting measurements to come on Monday!

Hey there warriors! I'm Pretzle. I've done 8 (seriously? Yeah, almost can't believe it) challenges so far, 7 of which with the assassins. I love my crew. Things is, over the last few challenges I've slowly changed my approach to exercise and my definition of fun to ... ok, mostly squatting, but anything requiring weights and focussed on strength. I want to learn more, explore more and eh, yes squat my bodyweight within the next few weeks So, I'm joining you awesome beasts for this challenge. + = Pretzle squatting her bodyweight! Goals: 1) SQUAT! I currently squat 60 kgs. I weigh about 64, so bodyweight is going to happen this challenge. (Unless… weird stuff happens). Hmmm 6 weeks, will have to find a new gym. is 70 a good goal (or higher/lower?) I aim for 3 x 5 at highest weight I can comfortably squat. 60 was still very doable, but I'm (wisely?) taking it slow. 2) For the mind Therapy. Necessary, challenging, often painful and exhausting. I need to go, and do any homework I might (read: will) get. Don’t just nod at the tips she gives me, actually try them. Oh, and take care of myself after sessions by resting and taking it easy. 3) Research! I know underpants are not useful. So… - I will read one book on weight lifting. - I will find a gym (within the first two weeks after the school gym closes… So after June 25th) to continue my progress over the summer. - I will do at least one lesson with either a PT or at a powerlifting gym (now I’m scared. lol). - I will learn about other lifts Lifegoal: In my signature you can find a link to my summer spreadsheet of epicness. I get bored EASILY. I'm a teacher, which means the summer break is quite long. Please help me by adding one (or a few, or a lot) idea to my spreadsheet so I can use it when I have to stop myself from going crazy over the summer! Thanks so much! I'll keep you guys updated on what I've done from the list.

Now that I have turned 30 and entered the "yoghurt and yoga pants" phase of the western female life-cycle, I want to achieve a more zen-like state of mind; though being a nerd my title also refers to the win status in Peggle when you clear the entire board of pegs. I will declutter my mind, my body... and my apartment. My ultimate fitness goal is still to do a handstand, but I also have an interim goal now to lose 4 inches off my chest so that I can fit into my polka dot dress in time for my friend's wedding in August. Actually I could well be upside down before that happens but who knows? Goals for this challenge: 1) Eat for health. This includes making good choices when eating out, limiting the number of biscuits consumed, eating lots of vegetables, and resisting the urge to overeat out of boredom. I know when I've eaten enough and when I haven't, and I know that if I haven't eaten enough rye bread will do me more favours that crisps. 2) Sweat it out. Not at aerobics, hells no, but at hot yoga. I went on Sunday to check it out and melted into a little puddle. Win conditions: 10 sessions A, 8 sessions B, 6 sessions C, 4 sessions D. 3) Gain a new point of view. An upside down one, to be specific. Ongoing handstand challenge win conditions: Walking on hands A, free standing B, flip up the wall C, walk up the wall D. And as a general bonus I will declutter my apartment. I've already done phase 1 which was organising my wardrobe - I now have the wearable side, the side that will fit if I get smaller, and anything that was either too big or I didn't think I'd wear again went to the charity shop. I've also got books to sort through, other clothes in drawers, old makeup to throw out, and an excess of crafting stuff that I should either use or let go of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX-n1VeASW4 New year, new challenge, new resolve! I'm Shukar, I'm a nerd in my 20s and run because I enjoy it. This is something like my 12th challenge at Nerd Fitness, and I stick with it here because I really love the community this place creates and I love being here. I've been struggling recently with getting goals consistently executed, and that makes me sad. I'm gonna adjust some of my goal setting to try and help with that. Gradual progress toward my long term goals always seems to work out best, but the trick is making sure I still make that gradual progress. Goal #1: Run! Run the 10k and Half Marathon at the Tinkerbell Weekend at Disney Prize! Shiny shiny bling from the fine people at Disney. How: Run at least twice a week. Short run: Weeks 1 & 2: 2 miles. Weeks 3-6: 3 miles. Long runs: 6 Miles Day 0 9 Miles Week 1 Race Week 2 4T Week 3 6 Miles Week 4 6 Miles Week 5 8 Miles Week 6 Races: 10k on 1/18 and Half-Marathon on 1/19. Bonus: I might even get to go for a run with some nerds at 4T in late January! Goal #2: Eat! If I’m to eat food, it should be good food. Prize! Delicious foods! How: Make better food. Plan out the week’s meals each week Procure the supplies to produce the planned meals Make at least 2 dinners from the plan each week. Exceptions: Race weekend and TTTT. Goal #3: Manly! What more manly hobby is there than putting cold steel to ones flesh? Prize! Awesomely manly shaves. How: Finish up the remaining blades from my sampler Shave 1-2x each week Compare the results from shaving with soap vs. cream but using the same blades Crunch the numbers of the blade testing and determine which blade has gotten me the best results Exceptions: TTTT, no razor blades on the plane means no shaves in Texas for me. No Exceptions on this one, Bigm offered me a blade to use from his supply so that I wouldn't have to go without.

yeah so I should have done this about a week ago but I have been a slack ass (shocker) will update with goals later. Hitting the gym tonight and hopin for PR's on 2-3 exercises. We will see.

Hi guys! Great to be here and all! Greetings and salutations to you all by a medical student (dental) from the unknown parts of Pakistan. My life's story been up and down regarding health and all. All my teenage life, I've been called obese or fat etc.etc..... but that hasn't broken me down, no! These "people" were the main reason of me wanting to lose layers but now I just want to do it for myself. Heck! After all these years, if you ask me where I am at? I'll still looks at you all confused and alienisticshizzles shlip—yeaaaaaaah~ I don't know what I am—obese or not, but I do know that I can and WILL accomplish my weight loss goal. A month or so back, we bought a treadmill and dumbbells because the gym close to us sucks and all the awesome gyms are somewhere far beyond the "pride lands". Anyway, all that equipment at our place—new, shiny and breezy stuff—lying there for me to use and boy did I use 'em though - phew! My friends started to notice these minor differences which made me the happiest duck! These mere changes and compliments drove me forward—worked me up but nothing in life is perfect, you know? As—sadly, these days I've been very sick plus fighting off an infection. Long story short: "Doing nothing but sitting, eating and sleeping". Times have been overwhelming for me and I fear that all that I've achieve through hard work and perseverance might go to waste and I don't want to go back there again. That's why, I call onto you guys and trust that you would help me out here till I get better (pray forum recovery too, will ya'?) Also, be my best buddies 5eva, kay! Thanks! (Ah! I almost forgot: I think I am a ranger since I love running and jumping. Everything related to air and high adrenaline feels)

Chapter Two: A Tribute to Survival! They say I am just a few weeks away from taking on full-time Runner duties, but I feel like I still have so far to go. Finish this D: It's never finishing is it??? Challenge Theme Song: Movitvation: Mission Goal #1: Zombie Preparedness Training (+ 5 STA) Tribute: Grizzy, Runner5, Scurry, and all the other Rebel Runner 5’s I met last challenge out to save Abel Township I'm not quite able to run a full supply mission on my own yet, so I must continue my endurance training with Sam and the doctor. Complete week eight of Zombies, Run! 5k training app Continue with 3 runs/week for remainder of challenge Bonus Quest! 100 badass points: Run the “exercise trail†in Orphund and try each station. Completed! 100 badass points awarded Mission Goal #2: Bodyweight conditioning for better evasive maneuvers (+ 3 STR + 2 DEX) Tribute: Syren, bgvanbur, BarefoodDawsy, and all other Scouts who made a point to add strength training during the last challenge to improve their focus My running has improved, but running alone isn't enough to secure survival against a zom. Full body conditioning will assist me in headkicks, fence jumping, or pulling myself into a tree. Begin Convict Conditioning, 2 x 3 exercises a week Day 1--Pullup, bridge, handstand Day 2--Squat, leg raise, push up Bonus Quest! 100 badass points: Perform a freestanding head- or handstand by end of challenge. Completed! 100 badass points awarded Mission Goal #3: Reconnect with things that remind me I’m human, not zom! (+ 1 CON + 2 WIS) Tribute: MissMormie, Quentin, MirGSS, and all other Rebels who improved a fun skill, found something good, or did something fun last challenge Going out with Runner 4 reminded me that it's important to keep ahold of my humanity. Many of the other survivors at the base rekindled an interest or found time to be grateful in the past several weeks, and I should aim to do the same. Knit something: A new cowl for me Read a book: A Short History of Nearly Everything Bonus Quest! 50 badass points: Dancewalk on Hauptstrasse for 60 full seconds. Diet Side Quest: Slay the chocolate dragon! Max of one chocolate bar (or ice cream lollie) a week). Life Quest: Champion a cause for the survivors of Abel Tribute: Hammlin, 18ck, LorenWade, and all other rebels who make charity work an important part of Self Even with the runners going on daily missions, there is a lot to be wanted at the base. I will find a way to raise awareness and bring in more supplies for an important cause. (+ 2 CHA) Organize a donation drive for a charity meaningful to me. Bonus Quest! 250 badass points: Raise $500 USD for my cause Metrics and Pics! I'm still tracking my body changes on this spreadsheet. The link should take you to the Google doc. I'll try to take better quality pics this time around! Will have them up in the next day or so. Front... Back... Left Side... Right Side...

Alright Scouts. I don't know that we've done a General Chat thread before so here goes. Got something to say that's not related to a specific challenge but just needs saying? Looking for someone to talk to, random advice, just got something to get off your chest? The Scouts are here for you, and often also in IRC. Let the conversation be opened, and the miles be ever in your favor!

This is kind of a big deal for me: I'm down to 170lbs for the first time since 2007 and my waist line finally dipped below 40". I'm really really excited with this progress!

No, I don't have an amazingly awesome introduction like some of the kick-ass ones I've read already, and I can't zoom out enough to make this like a game quite yet (I'll get there... my background story for my half-orcishness is already written ;D)... but I'm really getting serious about this... and for me, getting serious is something to take note of. > SO LISTEN UP FOLKS! < Goals: Fitness: Perform the Beginner Body Weight Workout (BBWW) 2-3 times per week. a. Complete 3 BBWWs per week for all 6 weeks (total of 18 workouts) and gain the achievement “Fitness Achiever (Rank 1)†(yup, just like in WoW! They motivate me in-game, so I'm going to steal it for my life!). Awards +1 STR, +1 DEX, +1 CON, +1 CHA (for being that awesome) and earn an A. b. 17 to 12 workouts will award +1 STR, +1 DEX, +1 CON and earn a B c. Anything less than 12 will earn an F. Fitness: Hold a plank for 20 seconds (may be modified if 20 seconds is too easy) a. How? I will work my way up in my BBWWs from the recommended 15s to 20s by gradually adding a second per week. b. Wait, is this really going to be challenging? YES! :’( c. Holding a plank for 20 sec in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd circuits of the BBWW will award +1 STR, +2 STA and earn an A. d. Holding a plank for 20 sec in the 1st and 2nd circuits (but not the 3rd) will award +1 STR, +1 STA and earn a B. e. Holding it for 20 sec in just the 1st circuit will award +1 STR and earn a C. f. Anything else will be an F. Diet/Fitness: Avoid dairy (including cheese), grains and commercially processed foods from waking through at least 5pm (normal dinner time). Goal: 100% Paleo when I’m eating on my own. a. How? I will eat only veggies, fruit, lean meat and nuts at work (brought from home - if I forgot to bring anything, then I will make it a fasting day at work). b. At home I will make a conscious decision about everything I put in my mouth with a focus on staying as Paleo as possible. If I can possibly avoid it, don’t eat it! c. I will also document my diet on my thread to stay accountable. d. Awards: A/B/C for 2/3/4 meals non-Paleo at dinner. Automatic C if I eat non-Paleo at work (exclusion: Jan 21st for my b-day). Life Goal: To get back to my metal weaving roots and complete an average of 1 project per week (6 projects in total). I shall post pictures of the final products as proof (location of pictures to be determined [FB,Etsy,here,etc]). Here are the projects in random order: * Make something substantial out of the stainless square rings. (bracerlet, necklace focal, earrings, etc). * Complete an adult sized chainmail necktie (and have someone who isn't my husband model it) * Make something awesome from the purple Wal-Mart beads I’ve been avoiding using. * Make something for Lindsey. (SS2018 bracer? stretchy colorful bracelet?) * Complete at least 3 more ring size swatches (with label-tags). * Finish photographing my jewelry and complete the set-up of my Etsy store! (I know it’s not making anything, but this is chainmail-related enough to count.) a) Either I do this or I don't. Failure of any sort (except in the event of injury) will result in an F.And there you have it! Thanks for looking and have a nice day.