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I think I'm going to take some time off from challenges, there's just not much of a point for me anymore. Move to a battle log instead. I'm bulking at the moment, have been for a couple months now, and plan on continuing through until the spring. Though I'm probably going to do a 2 week minicut in early December to trim a little of the extra fat off. Workout Log Key: I use a lot of easy to write shorthand in my workout log, which greatly increases the data carrying capability without long written out notes, however it does make it a bit difficult to read without a means of decoding it. Starting with the basic: Exercise Name - Reps or time in a set I try to add the unit (secs/reps) as much as possible, though I do forget from time to time. From there I add a lot of modifiers: / = Forward slash indicates that it is single limb work, and that the set is broken up per limb. I always use the convention left/right. 3/3 means 3 reps on the left, 3 reps on the right. , = delimiter between sets. 3,3 means a set of 3, a break, and then another set of 3. n = negative reps. 5n1 means a set of 5 with a negative rep at the end. 0n3 means a set of 3 negatives. c = cluster reps, can have a modifier in () to denote a nonstandard pause time. Standard pause time is 5 breaths. 3c3 means a set of 3 reps, a 5 breath pause, and then another set of 3 reps. 3c(10br)2 means a set of 3 reps, a 10 breath pause, and then 2 more reps. m{} = myo-reps, I'll usually add a () and note pause time. 10 m{3,3,3,3}(5br) means that I did a 10 rep activation set, took a 5 breath pause, did a set of 3 reps, took a 5 breath pause, did a set of 3 reps, etc... (repeated 4 times total). I often use multiple pause timings when doing myo-reps. Going past what was done, I also have 2 grading scales in use to note how it was done. The following is added to the rep/hold numbers above for each individual set to grade the set. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), notes how "hard" the set was. I use shorthand to note the standard RPE scale: z = RPE 10, need to be mentally prepared for that output (making noises helps as well), true failure/edge of failure, very slow grinding final rep. y = RPE 9, might have a highly motivated rep left in the tank, failure or edge of failure when training calm, slow grinding final rep. x = RPE 8, left a rep in the tank (2 or more if highly motivated), rep speed slowed down noticably and there is a slight grind, but not close to failure. e = RPE's 7 and below, several reps left in the tank, did not lose rep speed, easy work. Rate of Perceived Technique (RPT) notes how good set form was. I'm going to use my own form rating system at first: ++ = Very high quality form, no major issues, any issues with the form are extremely minor. + = Average/above average form. No major issues, though there are some definite problems with the smaller details. - = Below average form. Major issues possible (though not severe), smaller details need a lot of work -- = Poor form, major form problems.

I've always valued the feedback I get at Nerd Fitness. I've tried challenges, though, and haven't done well with them -- they take too much of my time, which is already pretty limited. I also tend to use them more as progress logs than habit-building tools. I don't really have a lot of trouble with willpower at this point: if I'm writing about my experience and have the perspective to pick my goals, I'll build the habits I need. So with that in mind, I thought I'd start a workout log so I'll have a lower maintenance way to track my progress and get feedback. Right now most of my goals for the next 4-6 weeks are based in my gymnastics and strength training, so the majority of this thread will be my workout logs. I may shift or add more types of notes as my goals shift. Legend Since my training is primarily bodyweight, I use a notation that allows me to log a lot of variables. I log weight (if used), sets, reps, my rate of perceived exertion, and my form quality. Form: a: high-quality form maintained throughout the set. No issues or very minor issues b: one form flaw, which I was able to notice and correct during the set. c: one or more form flaws which I noticed but was not able to correct during the set. d: crappity crap. Ended the set because form broke beyond margin of safety or my quality standards. I have certain form standards for each exercise I do. It's not always "perfect" form, it's a matter of what I know I need to work on or what I consider a minimum for safety. I'll try to note them down for posterity. RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion): I shamelessly stole Waldo's system for grading his RPEs, which he outlined in his blog post. For that matter, my form quality notation is also based on his. Waldo being something of a pioneer of bodyweight training on these boards, I've also borrowed a few other aspects of his notation: /: denotes left/right reps in a set of a single-limb exercise. For example, 5/3 reps on a pistol squat means 5 reps on my left leg, 3 reps on my right. (): used for my eccentric exercises where I need to note both reps and time under tension. For example, a set of pull-up negatives shown as 3(6s) is 3 reps of 6 seconds each. That's about it. Any notation keys I might miss will go up here.

Though I have been at the gym pretty consistently for 3 weeks or so, I will restart my battle log with my reborn alter ego of Gaelic Samurai. Inspired by my heritage, my deep interest in Japanese and eastern thinking, my family in Japan, and by the picture, Wolverine and his relentlessness despite all the troubles. Yesterday was a weight session and I started with bench after the warmup. Then it was arm day, good choice doofus it was a Monday AND the New Years crowd, and all went swimmingly. Bench 3x5 @180lbs EZ Bar curl 3x10 @50,60,60 DB Hammer Curl 3x10 @25 EZ Bar reverse curl 3x10 @40 Triceps Pressdown 4x10 @ 50,57.5,57.5,65 Push-ups 2x20 Overhead Tricep extension 2x15 @15,20 Weight Lifted this session = 9925lbs

Particularly with the holidays (and health issues that are destroying my love of holiday food) here I've been struggling to stay consistent one well, anything. So I finally buckled down last week, ordered a night time probiotic with sleep blend, and some protein that is supposed to taste like mocha caramel (heres to hoping!) to supplement my food and try to keep my stomach in check so I can finally get back on the workout wagon! Finding time between family, decorating, and cleaning has been no easy task either. But thats it, enough is enough, I need this, my health needs this, my body needs this!! So here is the start to the next chapter, and I'll keep rewriting this broken record of a book till I get it right!! Anyone looking for a killer at home workout I highly recommend the Fit Model Fitness leg workout... I am in pain.... Split Lunge with Dumbbells 10x each leg Repeat 3 times Step-Ups 10x each leg Repeat 3 times Sumo Squat Booty Pulse 20x Repeat 3 times Dumbbell Deadlift 10x Repeat 3 times Bulgarian Split Squat (need a chair or bench) 10x each leg Repeat 3 times Sprints 100 meters 10 times

Good Morning! So, since reviving my long dead account, I have not gotten to spend much time on here! I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about my past month in adventures and successes and failures, allow others to share with me theirs, as well as some general advice sharing for us all to join in on! During August I: Launched My Own Website/Blog Started organizing my website, putting the puzzle together FINALLY got my wife in to a healthier diet/lifestyle Started building my network for online marketing Sold a membership to the boat club I work for Started Reorganizing my life for the better! But I Also: Fell off my workout routine Got distracted with unimportant matters Struggle to keep my dying car running Have an expensive medical bill about to come out Struggle to stay focused when working on my site Almost bought in to an MLM scheme known as Primerica (Hoping to have caught the bank soon enough to prevent unwanted charges) While I obviously have some areas to work on and fix, I do not wish to linger too long on the shortcomings! The fact is, the good that has come out far out weighs the bad. My site is not generating income YET and I don't imagine it will for the next couple months. Everything is just slowly coming together and I have a TON to learn still! The writing is not the difficult part at all. The coding part is becoming much easier. Staying on top of social media on the other hand has been quite the struggle. I am learning to use auto-schedulers to keep fresh posts on each social site, BUT I need to have more of an online presence in each one and communicate with my followers and potential followers. All this has been a ton more work than I could imagine but as it starts to fall in to place things are not near as bad or daunting as they had seemed at the start! A little disorganization is all that is cluttering my mind, and writing about it here is helping me realize what steps I need to take next. How about you? What have you achieved this past month? What about some short comings you can correct? Any advice to offer? Let's chat! ^.^

Hello Surface-Dwellers! Well, I have not been successful my last two challenges and was knocked off my path by a deluge of poor choices. Interestingly enough the Deluge attempts to thwart Aquaman's initiatives in Aquaman Rebirth #1. Thus, I myself will take on the Deluge in an attempt to gain complete control of my fitness life. My goal is to get back in the habit of regularly going to the gym and lifting. This is what I like, it makes me feel, I like feeling stronger and I like knowing that I can push myself in this way. Thus, to defeat the Deluge I will: Lift at least 3 times per week using the Stronglifts 5x5 program. Do a cardio activity at least twice a week (bike, run, swim, 1 mile or more walk with my dog, mowing my lawn with a push mower, etc.) Tame the wild shrubbery around my shed. Self-Care - because it's important to re-charge - finish the book Star Wars: Scoundrels OR beat (i.e., just finish, not necessarily 100%) Lego Star Wars The Force Awakens. Deluge is a terrorist organization within Atlantis and can be defeated with diligence. I will give it a health of 25. Each activity done will deplete his life by 1 health. However, if I fail to meet a weekly goal (i.e., I only do cardio once in the week), then he gains 2 health points back. If I do MORE than the weekly minimum, I deal him an extra 1/2 health point of damage. Here we go!

Leaving Torquay He shifted the paper and secured it under his left arm as he reached for his passport and ticket from an inside pocket. Not that he was using a passport; he had become obsessed with knowing its absolute location at times. He had left the cottage after ten that morning and he suddenly became acutely aware that his holiday was finally over. A former colleague at London had told him once that associates received at least six weeks of leave in their offices, and more as needed, between assignments. He noted mentally to mention it over tea with Hastings when he got back to the Lisbon office. He dreaded immediately the inevitable physical assessment that was coming soon after arriving back to the offices. He had indulged on this holiday and the last few 'off' periods. He recalled that his jacket had grown tighter. His weight had been creeping. Well, no matter, the measurements would be taken, and then some crude remark regarding his "discipline" from Barnes. That he didn't prefer Barne's or was "not fond" of Barnes is the civil way to construct it he supposed. No matter what you called it, it was the situation; and the exact reason why Hastings assigned Barnes to his physical assessments. He boarded the ferry and found his compartment warm while he took the seat. "On the way to Spain", he said out loud, and chuckled a bit. The girl said her 'good morning' and offered an assortment of the expected cakes, scones, crackers, among others. He considered for a moment and thought of Barne's smirk: "No thank you". He returned his gaze to the window and thought.

So this is it – the beginning. Although actually, everyday there is a beginning, a middle and an end to something. Anyway, it is the start of me being here, pursuing my current goals, trying to become the person I’d like to be. The status quo: I am currently about 10 kg overweight, with about 10 to 15% excess body fat. I have an issue with my self-image, self-imposed pressure and loneliness, resulting in a strong tendency for emotional eating. Fixing my diet without overdoing it is quite hard for me. I suffer from slight hypothyroidism that is sometimes hard to get controlled, which often leads to dizziness, weakness and depression. Allergies and some food intolerances complete the picture. Another thing I struggle with is relaxing and be easy about things. I stop having fun when I feel I HAVE to do something instead of CHOOSING to do so. I am shifty, headstrong and sensitive and need to live in balance with my intuition and instincts. What I like: - running, hiking, swimming, biking (except in winter) - ballroom dancing, archery, skating (I suck at the latter) - yoga and meditation - singing, drawing, books, movies, games and podcasts and cooking the BIG WHY 1. SELF-CONFIDENCE: I want to be proud of myself. I want to feel like someone who could impress others, or someone who might be capable to be a hero if I'd have to be one. Also, I want to live a lifestyle that makes me feel secure by knowing that I choose wisely. 2. ATTRACTIVENESS: I want to buy various clothes, not only those that hide my stupid body the best :-/. I want to recognize myself in the mirror. I want to wear a swimming suit or attractive underwear without any second thoughts. 3. CARELESSNESS: I miss the way I felt when I was so fit a few years ago. I want that feeling again, lighthearted and simply fine with who I am, never being afraid of being judged by others. 4. FAMILY AND FRIENDS: I want to feel at level with my friends or old classmates. Especially my sister - I don't want to feel second class anymore every time I am with her. I cannot get closer to her as long as this stands between us. And she sets the standard preeettty high! Also, all my family is constantly talking about their fitness classes and I don't want to feel so left out. 5. HEALTH: I don't want to feel controlled by any sickness, nor struck down with any of the symptoms. No pain, no sadness, no weakness. 6. SKILLS and TRAITS: I want to have skills and traits that I can say, represent me. I want to be elegant, gracious and have the petite body my build is actually structured to have, I want to be cat-like, a little mysterious, strong and most of all: free and full of emotions. Who I want to be: Just recently I realized, being shifty isn’t bad at all. It means, I am curious, that I value freedom and do my own thing. It means I am versatile, giving my body and mind always new challenges, and that I am open to new ideas and impressions. I can imagine myself roaming around the city, doing whatever I feel like to do, taking a nap when I am tired, going for a run if my feet won’t hold still, lazily sipping on coffe while drawing a picture for hours, trying to do things I suck at simply for fun, or being grumpy and chill out. If I follow THAT ideal, I MAY do anything, instead of HAVING to do any of it if I don’t feel like it. Challenge #1: Reduce my body fat percentage to less than 30% until end of April 1) not eating any sweets/unhealthy snacks during lent 2) 2 workouts a week 3) one nap a week (at least 5 min) 4) one yoga session a week (at least 5 min) 5) try out archery this year DONE!

I am currently doing a recomp, this is my current program: Here is what my macros will look like: Training day macros = CAL/PRO/CHO/FAT = 1600/150/150/44 On non-training days, I will drop 4 fats, 35 protein and 30 carb Non-training day macros = CAL/PRO/CHO/FAT = 1300/115/120/35 And I have a Refeed Meal once a week consisting of carb loading. (ex. spaghetti, chili, ect.) Here is my basic meal plans for training/ non-training days: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/36495-ashps-battle-log-recomp/page-2 Weight Training Program 3 times per week (M,W,F) This will be: (including warm up & acclimation sets) Monday (Chest & Arms) Flat DB Bench: 4 sets of 6, then 2 sets of 15-20 at 40-60% Incline DB Bench Press: 3 sets of 4-8 reps, then 2 sets of 15-20 reps at 40-60% DB Curls: 3 sets of 6 reps, then 2 sets of 12-16 sets at 40-60% Lying DB Tricep Extentions: 4 sets of 6 reps, then1 set of 15 at 40-60% Wednesday (Legs) DB Lunges: 3 sets of 16-20 (8-10 per leg) DB squats: 4 sets x 12, 12, 10, 8 followed by 1 set of BW squat jumps x 20 DB RDL : 4 sets of 10 DB Calf raises: 3 sets of 20 Friday (Back and Shoulders) Bent over DB row : 4 sets of 8-12, then 1 set of 15 at 40%-60% Inverted Rows: 3 sets of 4 - 8 Seated DB press: 4 sets of 6, then 1 set of 12-16 at 40%-60% DB rear lateral raises: 3 sets of 15 Knee Raises number to be decided T, Th....currently C25k, Sat. Zumba/ bellydance practice Sunday OFF Love you guys! â¤ï¸

So, as I said in my introduction (found here) I work part-time as a Loss Prevention Officer. What that means is that I'm licensed by the Province of Alberta to carry handcuffs and work as a security official in plain clothes. Basically, I'm like an undercover cop without any cop powers, weapons, or cool nicknames. But I do get to arrest people, provided I can watch them commit the crime from start to finish, and catch them afterwards without getting myself killed. Hence, I figured I probably should do something about my lack of running endurance, increase my strength a bit so people comply (amazing what nice pecs will do for that), and overall just become better prepared so I don't risk my safety or others safety as much. The plan I'm going with right now is still in the works. I have a talk with a personal trainer coming up, and we will work out a plan that will progress me over this next year. After a year and a half, I will be applying for the Edmonton City Police department, which has very high requirement for officer fitness. By that time, I will be finished my degree, have about 2 years of security/loss prevention experience, and in amazing good shape. I will be keeping the food logs separate, as time is off the essence with posting. I need to keep the actual logs after this very short, so it will cover only my daily workouts. I am starting with 3 days a week, and moving towards 5. The goal is to build a habit of short workouts done consistently every day. The point right now is to make the gym a part of my life, not kill myself. Therefore, the focus is on flexibility, starting cardio endurance, and major lifts with a good degree of fun thrown in the middle. I'll edit this post later with details of the actual plan once it is finished.

At the beginning of last challenge I was inspired to create a series of challenges based on major battles of Middle Earth. Right now these challenges only contain the exercise aspect of the challenge so I will be adding other goals as well. I decided to skip over the first couple as they are more geared to beginners or at least people who are where I was a few challenges ago. If you are interested in using, viewing, or helping me construct these challenges there is the Link. If you look at the challenges I posted in the other thread you will see that I made some changes to parts of Helm's Deep and I may make more before this challenge begins. It's all about working out the kinks and building a feasible plan. The Battle of Helm's Deep This is the first battle in which the members of the Fellowship had a chance to prepare for battle. Armor was donned, blades sharpened, and the fortress bolstered, though there was little time. The battle raged through the night against a relentless foe of unbeatable numbers. The warriors were tired, their muscles ached under their armor, yet they fought on. This Challenge is about building endurance while maintaining the strength needed to fight under the weight of armor. Q1: Workout Strength: 2 Days a week 5x5. Bench, Military, Deadlift, and Curls both days. Calisthenics: 2 Day a week, Biggest Loser Boot Camp DVD while wearing chainmail hauberk. (substitute any workout that mixes strength and cardio, substitute weighted vest and/or ankle and wrist weights) Core: 1 day a week: 1 min Leg Raises, 1 min 1 leg 1 arm row, 1 min Mountain Climbers. Repeat 5 times, no Breaks. Weapons: 5 Days a week, 10 minutes Pell training with heavy boffer weapons. Workout Doesn't Count If I Don't Stretch After! Q2: Diet Consume no more than 3400 calories per day while consuming at least 215g protein. Q3: Work I am trying to work toward a promotion, and have set up a list of things to work on. My goal is to stick to my checklist for the entirety of the challenge. Score is based on percentage completed. SQ: Chainmaile Produce 10 pieces for sale at craft fairs.

I am posting this about a week late but have been working this week while I get this out of my head and onto a page. I started my adventure in 2012 and went from 270+lb (I say plus because I never had the guts to weigh myself until I had been watching what I eat for over a month) to 170lb and loving the body that was shaping up. My workouts where mostly based on body weight like the Assassins and Martial arts like the Monks. 100lb whoot. ...... yea until I thought that I could start letting little things slip because I had done so well and I deserved it right?? Nope! Fell into some really bad habits again and have now gained 20lb back. Let stress from work, home, money, kids, workouts, nutrition stress me out. THEN when I do decide to get my ass back in gear I pull a muscle in my back/hip (gluteus medius) OUCH! It is taking so long to heal! At first I could barely walk. I have started to do Tai Chi but am letting myself get stressed out over not being able to workout. I keep pushing myself and I know I shouldn't. I need to let it heal but I am finding that I am a huge stress and pain eater. I am now over 200lb again.... Damn that was hard to type! and I need community to get me back in gear. I know what I have to do but this mindless eating and lack of workouts has me in a bad cycle. I have been reading the Nerd Fitness blog for awhile now but one of the articles that spoke to me the most was How to Live and Train Like a Spartan Warrier. I love the sense of family and fellow soldiers in arms. I also love the do or die attitude. I need to take on that attitude again to get myself through this hard time. I am making excuses and loosing myself and my goals. Time To SPARTAN UP!! MAIN GOAL: To recover from injury while still eating well and exercise to loose 50lb Battle 1: Fight whenever, wherever, just fight! I am really struggling with not being able to do my regular workouts while I recover.... I need to realize that gainz and loosing weight are not the only fights I have in store. This will be a long uphill battle to recover enough to be back to where I was. Battle plan: To do Tai Chi 6 days a week to help heal my back/hip. I have been doing heavier workouts and because of my injury have been stressing out that I can't do them. I feel Tai Chi will be a good, low impact, healing way to help me get back to working order. Battle 2: Giving up is not an option. I have let myself give in to pain/stress eating. Mindless and empty to the point that I don't even realize I just ate a whole bag of chips or the 3rd enchilada. I can not give up on myself or my goals. I need to learn to control both the pain and stress to get my body back. Battle plan: Focus on cutting out Fatty/Sugary snacking. I have tried to really limit my intake by having particular macros and cal intake and that has stressed me out and made my pain eating and stress eating really bad. I have found that limiting myself to much (at least for now) is making me stress. I want to focus on finding the triggers that are causing the stress/pain eating and snip it in the bud. I need to go back to the basics while I heal and pay attention to what I am consuming, really paying attention rather then the mindless stress/pain eating I have allowed myself to go into. Battle 3: As I heal up over the next 6 weeks I may be adding more Battles. I am hoping it will not take the full 6 weeks to heal.... Scoring will be on the following grading system 36 full days of Tai Chi (Sundays off for family time ;}) A= 36-29 days B= 28-22 days C= 21-15 days D= 14-8 days F = 7-0 days Eating and Battle 3 A= 42-37 B= 36-29 C= 28-21 D= 20-11 F= 10-0 Life Quest: Look out for you fellow soldiers. I am here to share what I have learned with my fellow rebellions to overcome obstacle and find a battle plan that works for them. I will also remember that my family is in this with me and are also my fellow soldiers whom I need to lookout for. Spend more time with my family. As my kids are getting older I find us all going in a million directions. We all have our individual things that we do apart from the family and spend little time together. Volleyball practice, Key club and “The Boy†for my oldest. Karate and hanging with friends for my youngest, Airsoft, our farm and Battle Field for my hubby and my life is just getting them to all of those events, work and a personal business ;} Even on days that I keep everyone home one is on the computer, one is playing games in their room, ones watching TV and one is on a Tablet. I would like to start doing things together. Even if it just going for a walk, watching a movie together or even a board game. We all have the things we love and I would never take that from them. I would like in the 6 weeks to have a game plan together for family time and ultimately a planned vacation that all of us have helped plan. Scoring on this will be an pass or fail. Its done or not. I will update with little things we have done to get together and plan but over all we have the vacation planned or we do not. Most important Come back with your shield, or on it! I will not let a silly pulled/torn muscle get me down. I will battle hard or come back licking my wounds and ready for another round We all have our battles. Some of them we have to fight alone but these. These I have fellow soldiers. Others to help me on my journey. I have a family and I have duty’s as a spartan to live up to. Duty to my family to be a good remodel. Duty to my friends to be proof that anyone can do it. Duty to myself to be the healthiest person I can be to be alive and healthy for as long as possible. I am ready to Spartan Up. Are you ready to go to battle with me?

YOUR QUEST, Should you choose to accept it; No Jiggly Stomach. Also known as Teagarden's Quest for Self Acceptance. MISSIONS that you should complete to achieve your objective; (1) Thou Shalt eat no processed food that comes in crinkly bags (or other wrappings) (2) Thou Shalt commence bodyweight training at least once a week, twice if the opportunity presents itself. (3) Thou Shalt continue yoga classes (with a vengeance) AT LEAST once a week, but 3 times if the opportunities present themselves. (4) Thou Shalt follow the teachings of Steve of Nerd Fitness as if you are a hardcore religious type and worship the internets he writes on. Complete your quest by: 6/1/2014 (gives me 6 weeks, good practice for later challenges, no?) Adventure Journal, Day One. 26/11/13, 8:56am. Location: The southern coast of Western Australia. Starting Stats: Rebel's Name: Teagarden Gender: (F) Height: 167cm / 5ft 5in Weight: 68kgs / 150lbs Race: pudgy fleshling Human. Profession: none Downfall: Late nights, sleep ins and lots coffee. Level: 1 ----------------------------------------- Teagarden vs the Beginner's Bodyweight Circuit ----------------------------------------- Almost Successfully completed 3 rounds of the beginner bodyweight training! 20 squats 8 Knee Pushups 20 lunges 10 dumbell rows with 6kg weights. 20 second plank, and 30 jumping jacks. x3 times. ACHEIVEMENT EARNED: complete your first workout: 1/1 Reward items: +1 Strawberry Blueberry smoothie with almond milk. +1 body full of sore muscles tomorrow morning. Feel the burn! Breakfast was Espresso coffee and banana. Lunch was sweet potato tart with big side salad. Dinner was homemade chicken burgers; except I cut the burger in half and filled it with salad instead of using that stack of white bread over there! Woo! Tomorrow should be a quiet day on the battlefront, just a day shift at work then home for dinner. I will probably be suffering from today's workout so tomorrow I'll let them rest.

Today is a new day!!! My name is B4RN3S, I am a math teacher and tutor in the greater Austin area. Over the past 5 years, my job has gotten more and more stressful, and as the stress has increased, so has my weight. 5 years ago, I weighed 180lbs. Today I weigh 232 lbs. I have hypothyroidism and a Carb/Sugar addiction (and another addiction as well). I have 2 jobs to help support my family.. I usually don't get home most evenings until close to 2200hrs (That's 10pm). I don't make excuses, but I just have to say this road has been hard. I try to wake up early to go for a walk or go to the gym, but an extra hour of sleep has seemed "nicer" than the workout. Today, I have not had any sugar to eat. I drank my coffee with just heavy whipping cream. I had an omelette with 2 eggs (organic) and cheese and sausage. For lunch I had BBQ ribs with no sauce and no bread. Not sure what's for dinner yet, but I'll update later. Anyway, that's me. And this is my battle log....

Hi everyone! I've always been a skinny dude; I come from a family of skinny men, which is nice since it means we can eat whatever and as much as we want without damaging our figures (contain you envies girls). However once I entered puberty I, like any other teenager, started to become conscious of my body. During high school I was in Karate, which helped me a ton to be in shape; however I was lazy and had anxiety issues, so I didn’t develop any muscle. When I started my university studies (as an international student) in Canada I decided that it was time to start working out, but the new country, culture, studies, etc was too overwhelming… in the end I had to forsake the gym to try to work things out, alas it didn't. I returned home for a while to plan my next step in life and I also decided to start working out. I worked out for a while…but I simply couldn't make myself continue; it just didn't feel like the right moment. Fast forward a couple of months to the present, I’m here in Houston ready to start a new chapter in life. Found a nice place to stay, eager to start my studies and I definitely feel way more into working out. I get my membership to the gym, all goes well…until exactly one week after I started working out. In that week I suffered a biking accident. Fortunately I was going very slowly, no fractures nor twisted extremities. Yet I wasn't left unharmed, I still can’t move my arms perfectly. I have yet to return to the gym. I guess that what I’m trying to say is that every time that I want to get started, to try and feel better with myself, some factor (either internal or external) always seems to prevent me to go on more than a couple of weeks. I WONT let it stop me… but it’s getting awfully tiring. Has something similar happened to you? AramisN

Apfelstrudi needs YOUR help That’s right. I’m talking about you, right in front of your screen. Why do I, the mighty fruity overlord, need your help? Because I want to be the very best. Like no one ever was. Just like Ash, I want it all. And that’s a real problem for me, challenge-wise. Experience has shown me that I get bored easily. I do a workout, do it again, do it a third time and by that time, I just want to run into a wall. This causes problems with my motivation. It makes me think “Ugh, I just did that yesterday, I’m not gonna repeat the same freakin’ things AGAIN today.†Which isn’t cool. And this is where you guys come in. You’ve been great help with keeping me on track and smacking sense into me, like any true motivator and friend should. But this time, I want more of your help. Not only do I want your slaps, your gifs, your advice, I want your challenge. “What, you want to copy my challenge? Screw you, I worked on that for ages until it was perfect!†I’d never dream of doing that! I literally want you to challenge me. On my way from Professor Oak’s office to the gym in Pewter City, I’m going to meet lots of wild pokemon and other trainers. And thiiiis is where you come in. It’s totally up to you whether you want to be a trainer or a pokemon. Really - I won’t judge you. But if I want to win that Boulder Badge, I’ll need all the training I can get. Here’s the twist. I’m pretty awesome. So awesome, in fact, that Professor Oak disowned Gary and gave me all three starter pokemon. Because screw Gary. Not only that, he also gave me the wild Pikachu that attacked me in the tall grass. Now, I need to get trained using those four pokemon. I made a spreadsheet to keep track of all the challenges, so please challenge me right here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0An5J_3FduWDkdFlqT2RQaU1NcU5kcVBXLW9sV2d1UkE&usp=sharing Charmander I want my body to burn. Every single part of it. (Unless you’re thinking of STDs, I’d rather skip THAT challenge) This means strength training. Charmander will be really useless if he doesn’t level up before reaching the gym, so I need to find wild pokemon or trainers to challenge my strength in order to have a shot at the Boulder Badge. What this means for my challengers: In the Charmander column, pick a spot and leave your name and a challenge. This can be: - A challenge of reps; for example 100 push ups in one day (if you really want to kill me) - A certain workout I must complete; can be videos, links to a written-out version of a workout, a workout you’ve thought up, really anything! - Other types of bodyweight workout; for example 30 minutes of dancing or going to the climbing gym (climbing gym can only happen once though because I don’t have the funds to go there on a regular basis) It should be focused on bodyweight, but there are a few props I have that can be used: - swiss ball - 1lbs dumbbells - ab trimmer - 1.5kg bottles - hoop for hula-hooping - things you can find in a normal household Squirtle Squirtle is pretty epic when it comes to moving. Especially once you can teach him to swim while you ride on his back. That’s why I’ll focus on Squirtle’s strength here and train distances with him. The way we move doesn’t matter - it can be walking, running, biking and swimming.. What this means for my challengers: In the Squirtle column, pick a spot and leave your name and a challenge. This can be: - certain distances in one day or one setting - certain times of doing something; for example 30 minutes of biking - certain ways to do something; can be totally silly, for example sneaking/walking on tiptoes, crawling, skipping, barefoot, running on the spot Again, because my lack of funds, swimming can happen once a week MAX, and because it’s really cold and dark outside, running outside can only happen once a week (so 6 times max) Bulbasaur Bulbasaur is made of food. He’s like the vegetarian version of killing animals to eat them. (I know, I should be a poet or something). So in order to get Bulbasaur ready to face whatever Brock throws my way, I need trainers to try and eat him. Wait what? Let me rephrase. I need trainers and wild pokemon to challenge my culinary skills. That’s better. They should be paleo. What this means for my challengers: In the Bulbasaur column, pick a spot and leave your name and a challenge. This can be: - making things from scratch; for example bone broth, natural glutamate, spices, sauces - cooking certain dishes - paleo-fying certain dishes/coming up with a paleo version of something; for example pizza, tacos Pikachu Pikachu needs to be charged properly before I can defeat Brock with him. This doesn’t mean I want you to challenge me to hold my naked butt against one of those electric fences. Nooope. It means anything and everything that charges me up, emotionally, physically and in any other way you can imagine. What this means for my challengers: In the Pikachu column, pick a spot and leave your name and a challenge. This can be: - something that makes me feel good - something that makes the people around me feel good; for example writing a love letter, paying a compliment - meditation - crazy-dances - quality time spent with family or friends or significant other - other crazy ideas that will be fun or calming or energizing or etc. etc. - things around the house (cleaning, dishes, laundry - everything that will leave me with a feeling of having accomplished something good and an environment that I’m content in) - yoga, stretching, etc. Since these challenges can be very small or very big, I’m not setting a limit here. 21 is minimum challenges done but can be more! TL;DR I want you to challenge me! Post a certain workout, certain rep number, distance, time, meal or dare according to the different pokemon (Charmander = BWW, Squirtle = moving, Bulbasaur = Food, Pikachu = life challenges) on my spreadsheet and I’ll challenge you somewhere along the challenge way! You can post more than one challenge, and bonus points for hilarious challenges. You don’t have to do the challenge, but I sure do! For easier spreadsheet-usage, I’ve made the boyfriend think up a challenge for me for each pokemon. I’m also planning to add an epic battle of epicness against him (after all, this is still part of our battle to get all abs-y till summer) and am SO up for your suggestions! The exercises that you’ll put on the spreadsheet will not be used in the order they appear on there. I’ll randomly choose a trainer/wild pokemon/exercise and not go by number, so you won’t have to pick a certain one but can simply put it down there without worrying! If you can’t think of anything but want to challenge me, you can exchange your name for one of Gary’s challenges. Thank youuuu!

Time for challenge #4! I'm back with the assassins because I need to focus more on workouts and not just running, and because I'm battling the boyfriend. We made a pact yesterday that by summer, we'd get rid of all belly-wobble. He's thin and strong and got a bit of a beer gut, I'm just wobbly and weak all over so this should be fun to see who's better faster stronger. I also want to mix some of my old goals in here - mostly the crockpot cooking (now that I've got a real crockpot!), cleaning and moving towards Mordor. So, here goes! Fitness Goals Goal 1: Keep moving. It's cold outside and I hate it. It's seriously holding me back from running, walking and all the other things you'd do outside. But no! Can't let that happen. I want to walk at least 10k a week. Which would make 60k during the whole challenge. This time I'm counting every step I take. For that, I'll need a step counter. But I don't want to buy one. Instead, I'll go with the 'The Walk' app - newest from the zombies run creators. That way I don't have to think of another gadget to carry with me, I won't need any silly things on my belt and I have my phone with me everyday anyways. Plus I've always wanted to be a secret agent. [+1 DEX, +1 STA] Goal 2: Time to use the body! I don't have a gym membership anymore, so all I've got to help me is my body. Which is more than enough because I can't even do a push-up! 3 times a week I'll do some form of bodyweight workout. This can be anything from 5 minute HIIT to hours of light bodyweight workout. This can also be fun activities like climbing gym that are definitely a workout but I can't do on a regular basis. [+3 STR, +1 CON] Goal 3: The almighty stretch. Especially with the boyfriend having such horrible back pains and my back pains returning, I need to focus more on stretching.Because it really helped me when I tried it and I need to get back into the habit of doing it in the evening in front of the TV. It's not much of a hassle, I can do it just fine instead of sitting on the couch and it does me good. I neglected that during boyfriend's hospital visit and now I need to get this going again. Same as bodyweight workout here - 3 times a week at least! [+2 DEX, +2 CON] Diet Goal Keep crockpotting! One crockpot-meal a week, this was great last challenge and need to keep it going and get used to my 'real' crockpot now! [+1 CON, +2 CHA] Life Goal Unfuck your habitat. Do the routine every evening. I did great with that whole cleaning thing until everything went wonky in my life. But I managed to keep everything the way it was basically - cabinets and fridge etc. Just need to get back to my bit of cleaning every night and things should be fine. So there we go! [+2 WIS]

Hey all, I thought I'd start a thread to share 3DS friend codes for Pokémon X and Y. Expand your Friend Safari collection, battle, trade, give me hatching power ...whatever! Mine's 4828-4986-2900, Dragon Safari with Gabite, Noibat, and Druddigon. I'm currently putting together a competitive team. Post your codes, Pokémaniacs! I'm at work now, so I'll add anyone who posts when I get home.

Hisme's Fight with the Chimera Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, but despite the challenges I have so far in my life been thankful for the monsters. Even though they are terrible they teach me important lessons. From the Siren of Shyness that I battled growing up to the Workaholic Witch that I struggled with one year in college, I was lashed, I rose up again, and I conquered. I was awesome. Then came the Chimera. The Chimera is a particularly terrifying monster because it's a mismatch of several other beasts. I've had smaller chimera enter my realm before, but once I glimpsed them in their entirety I always figured out a plan of attack that vanquished them. This one, however, is a very long sort of beast and I haven't been able to see in its entirety yet. So far the information I've gathered is the following: The Chimera is made up of a combination of Loneliness, Job Loss, Feelings of Letting Others Down, Unfitness, Loss of Control in My Life, and Self-Insecurity. The worst thing is some of these monsters I've beaten before, but they've now returned with a vengeance as part of this amalgam. To make things worse, for the first time in my life I was poisoned by this monster with the side-effect of Depression which, though minor, has negatively affected every aspect of my life. I've tried two Challenges here previously and the poison of depression that the Chimera forced into my veins caused me to do less than my best. But this time I have more determination than ever. This time I will win this 6-week battle and take a step toward winning this war against this Chimera. I know it may take me a few challenges to do, but I WILL do it. Main Goal for This Challenge: Win Back the Fields of Confidence (aka gain some of my lost self-respect and awesomeness so I'll have more "umph" in the next challenge) Quest One: Stronger Arms Punch That Chimera in Its Stupid Face (+3 STR) I started out with "do a full workout with pushups, squats, dumbbell rows, etc." my first challenge and quickly realized I could barely even do a pushup. It was discouraging. Challenge two I made a more realistic goal but the Chimera's Depression Poison hit and knocked me off my groove. This time I'm doing a tiny challenge, because if I can do this and then move up just a little but then eventually I'll develop both the physical and mental ability to continue becoming more awesome even if I am having a stinky day. By the end of the six weeks I will be able to do ten real (not knee) pushups in good form with extreme gusto and ease. I will train for this by doing as many pushups as I physically can in good form every other day, increasing by one every two "workout" days. Grading for quest one: A: Don't miss a day of pushups, able to do 10+ pushups as described above. B: Miss 2-3 days of pushups, able to do 8+ pushups as described above. C: Miss 4-5 days of pushups, able to do 6+ pushups as described above. D: Miss 6-7 days of pushups, able to do 4+ pushups as described above. Fail: Miss 8+ days of pushups. ******* Quest Two: Better Stamina Run Rings 'Round that Monster (+ 4 STA) I hate running because I'm so unfit it makes me feel pathetic, but I can walk. I aim to go on a walk (and/or dance) 3x a week. I've been doing this consistently for a couple of weeks now and I can already feel my stamina increasing (I no longer pant by the end of this one particular trail but am completely comfortable) so I want to keep that up. Grading for quest two: A: Miss zero days. B: Miss 2-3 days. C: Miss 4-5 days. D: Miss 6-7 days. Fail: Miss 8+ days. ******* Quest Three: Better Flexibility Able to Roll with the Punches without Hurting Myself (+1 STR, +1STA, +2 CON) I will stretch and/or do yoga for at least 15 minutes EVERY DAY. That's right. I can skip Sundays because I'm usually in a dress for church but besides that... EVERY DAY. This always makes me feel better for the rest of the day and makes me more willing to get up and make good choices while at my sedentary desk job. Grading for quest three: A: Miss fewer than 5 days. B: Miss 5-10 days. C: Miss 10-15 days. D: Miss 15-20 days. Fail: Miss more than 20 days. ******* Side Quest: Seek Another Kingdom (+2 WIS, +2 CHA) I lost my job just after college when the company suffered a huge financial loss and could no longer afford to keep me. It sucked, but at that time the Chimera hadn't entered the picture so I was fairly hopeful. Maybe this was my chance to start my own business, something I'd always wanted to do but had been to afraid to! I started freelancing graphic design and illustration from home and haven't been doing badly, but the poison has been hurting my business by making me too afraid and apathetic to care about getting new clients or marketing like I should. I also have realized that even though I'm an introvert I really like working with and around people and I'm lonely All of my friends live elsewhere. THEREFORE, I've decided to stop freelancing full-time and get a job at a design firm. In the next six weeks I plan to start the job application process. The goal here is to start the process of job searching, not to get a job, because that's not something I can totally control. Week One: rewrite and redesign resume. Week Two: design resume accompaniments (designers have extra stuff for resumes, BOO) and choose portfolio pieces, begin a list of potential jobs by adding 3 companies you intend to apply to Week Three: assemble portfolio, add 3 more companies to the list Week Four: finishing touches on portfolio and resume, apply to the 6 companies on my list Week Five: Apply to 3 more companies Week Six: Apply to 3 more companies Exceptions: If I get a job interview with any of the companies before the challenge is over, I can replace applying to another company with interviewing. Grading for side quest: A: Keep up with weekly tasks. B: Miss the equivalent of one week of work, essentially deleting Week Six. C: Miss the equivalent of two weeks of work, essentially deleting Weeks Five and Six. D: Get resume and portfolio totally done but don't apply to any jobs. Fail: Fail to get resume and portfolio done. ******************************* Skirmishes (these are other mini-goals and desires for my life that I have but that don't count towards my points): 1) Continue eating well and going gluten-free, try to eat less sugar. 2) Read my Bible several times a week, eventually every day. 3) Play with my little brother more often... he's always asking me to and I'm always too busy He won't be this little forever! 4) Call my out-of-town friends more often and stay connected with them. 5) Wake up early every day and don't lay around on the couch for hours - get started with good things immediately. 6) Get on and participate in the NF Forums more often so I can be held accountable and so I can see that other people are going through this journey too. I'm not alone.

Well, I squeaked into day 1 just in time, and even managed to achieve today's goals! Thanks to my amazing friend (in real life) TheHalfie for telling me about Nerd Fitness long enough in advance that I had ample time to procrastinate about completing my post until the last moment! (This might be something for next challenge.) But I'm thrilled to be here and give six weeks a chance to retrain my habit patterns. With my new goals in place, I'm off on my mission to find balance. Here's the July 29 rundown. WIN: work up at 5:30am. (That'll be a point thanks.) WIN: yoga workout (yup, that's another point for day 1) WIN: No caffeine and NO gluten (boom -- 2 points) Side quest: totally unpacked my bags from a weekend away. Side quest score. 4 points, and priceless satisfaction. Ok Day 2, I'm ready for you.

Hey guys, I'm new around here and I'm really excited about the fact of belonging to such an amazing community. I was thinking about starting a topic to participate and be an active member. So this is what i'm going to do: I'm going to post a list of training songs I use and I'm going to add a little description so you'll always know when you can hear it The only think i'm going to ask you guys is to do it like me: Genre, description, list and situations/descriptions/reflexions or whatever. Oh, and always LINK it! Hope you like it! Running (chill mode): You like to run and chill? You will love these. - Explosions in the sky - It's Natural to be Afraid (Inspires me and make me think in a battle. When you run you are fighting against you, so... This one is just perfect.) - Explosions in the sky - Home (The sound of a great battle, huh?) - Kion - Stjarna et draumur (This song is perfect for a run across the woods while it's raining. I did it once and I had to loop this song, couldn't stop hearing it over and over again. I ran for like one hour with this song in the background of my mind) Lifting/bodyweight workouts: Everyone need to get boosted or some extra power whenever they are training so... Different songs for different styles of music - Hatebreed - In Ashes They Shall Reap (Hardcore one. If you like this style... This one will take you to the next level.) - Eminem - Till I collapse (Rap lovers, here's one for you. Train till your bones collapse .) - Skrillex - Reptile (Dubstep and electronic music lovers, I also have one for you!) - Knife party - Centipede (In fact... I have two. Be a predator with this one.) I encourage you to enlarge this list and add new songs and situations! (Maybe add new running modes?) I will update this post with new ideas every once in a while! Hope you liked it! *EDIT* Woops. I just saw another topic talking about this. Well, I'll keep this one as a personal list then !

I found it! I found the most epic video known to man! Shout it from the mountains! SUPERMAN VS. GOKU!!!! Watch this video!

Day 1: Goal 1 Progress - No run. 0/3 for the week Goal 2 Progress - Did the TBT: Tabata 1 workout. Starts with 10 minutes of mobility drills as a warmup. Then did 4 exercises. Each exercise was done for 8 rounds before moving on to the next exercise. And of course, because it was Tabata, each round was 20 seconds of as many reps as possible followed by 10 seconds of rest and repeart. There was a minute of rest between exercises. Like other workout video-type programs, they have different levels depending on what you can do. When I last did these a few weeks ago, I was able to do all the level two version of each exercise. This time I decided to REALLY push myself and do as many reps at level 3 as possible. These exercises were: Quad Press - I can't readily find a video of this, but you start on your hands and feet. Hands turned inslightly, knees are bent so your back is level. For level 1, you simply bend your arms and flare your knees out to lower yourself and then press back up. For level 2, you make a backward circle by shifting your body back, down, forward and then back up again. This is more leg intensive. Level 3, you make a forward circle. This is more arm intensive. I did most at level 3 but there were a couple of rounds where I had to go down to level 2. Lunges - Level 1 is your standard lunge. Stepping back and switching legs after completing one. Level 2 is a stepping-forward lunge. Step forward, push off and switch as soon as the forward leg returns. Level 3 is plyometric lunges. I could only do three rounds of level 3: two rounds at the beginning and I gutted out the final round with these. The rest were level 2. Pushups - Level 1 is a modified pushup. Start in the child's pose from yoga, then moving your upper body forward while keeping your elbows locked you end up in a position similar to doing a knee pushup, lowering to the floor and pressing back up and moving back to the child's pose. Level 2 is knee pushups. Level 3 is regular pushups. I only did two rounds in level 3. I just can't crank out that many pushups. My upper body strength isn't that great. The rest were level 2. Squat thrusts/burpees - For whatever reason, these are referred to as sprawls in the workout. Level 1 is a basic squat thrust. Level 2 is a modified squat thrust where you lower your hips when you thrust your legs back. Level 3 is a jumping squat thrust. I was all over the place for this one. I started out on level 3, but alternated between level 2 and 1 for the most part. But I gutted it out again and did the entire last round at level 3 and immediately collapsed once the round was over. After a minute to catch my breath, there was a 10 minute cool down with yoga. I was gassed but felt really good. 1 workout done. - Success! Goal 3 Progress - Breakfast: Protein smoothie consisting of almond milk, oats, peanut butter, half a banana and spinach. - No dairy. (note that this goal excludes my utilization of whey protein) Lunch: A 3 oz. serving of steak, ~1.5c cauliflower, ~3 oz. baby carrots, a small fruit cup and an itty bitty gala apple. - No dairy. Afternoon snack: Instant Oatmeal - No dairy. Dinner: Skinless rotisserie-cooked chicken breast, 1/2 a sweet potato with brown sugar, 1c cauliflower and a glass of apple juice. - No dairy Post-workout: 2c almond milk with protein powder - No dairy No dairy for the day. - Success! Goal 4 Progress - Watched Game of Thrones, played some games on my iPad and I was in bed shortly after 11pm. Success!

So I'm back at again...I think this is like the third time...but now I have no excuses. Last time I started and my goal was mainly on swimming and time swims for work. I got that down pact I'm still doing that. I floated around on the challenge around December. I died when my neck came back to bother me and put me in a torticollis where I couldn't move my neck. Two months of pain and suffering I'm a lot better...I see a specialist this week about it too... But in any case now I'm back to really getting a higher fitness, this time focusing on building muscle and lifting weights. My goal.....don't really have it established completely yet. But it's supposed to help me towards paramedic training because I have to be able to lift so much and be really strong in my fitness. The how? Well I didn't know where to start. A new training center opened in my city. A Co Worker told me and I was going to join a class...but then I decided I would go with the personal trainer rout when one of the trainers is a qualified paramedic himself. he is now gearing my workouts specifically on working my way up for the strength of a paramedic. Which really excites me. (and kills me inside sometimes) So far I have finished three sessions with my trainer. I can lift a lot more weight than I thought I could...my left side struggles a bit but it's getting there. I have four sessions planned before I leave for about two weeks to China and may or may not get a chance to do a lot of working out...I'll accomplish some....but not going to be as intense as what I have been doing. When I come back I will be back at it again. Once I recover from jet lag. My week (once our pool is working again) will look something like this. Monday- Swim 1000to 1600 m Tuesday - Personal Training Wednesday-Swim 1000 m to 1600 m Thursday- Personal training Friday- Swim or rest Saturday- no personal training but work on what I learned.... Learning to love the agility ladder Sunday-Rest and hot tub. I will probably take the personal training up to three times a week once I get my money settled again once I get back from China. But for now I'm keeping my body from too much... I plan to accomplish the possible and take it step by step and hold myself accountable! Any support is good support!

Emlily91 at Level 1 Wood Elf Assassin who needs to re-find herself and re-explore her surroundings! Hey there and welcome to my daily log. To start off, I am a 21 year old young woman with average build. I am not in too bad of shape; I have just started getting into a bad cycle not acting on what I need to do (or even want to do). I used to work out a lot but haven’t been to the gym in months now resulting in weight gain and strength/muscle loss AND I have huge plans for my career but have yet to act on them though I know I need to if I am to get where I need to go. I have been lurking in the NF forums and blog for quite some time and decided to take the first step to getting back on track: posting my daily battle log. I will also be participating in the challenges here: Challenge 1! I really need some people to keep me on track so I felt the NF rebels could be there for me. In my daily battle log I will be posting what I have done to level up my life whether it be what I did to work out, what I ate or what tasks I accomplished. It will literally be my daily battle, whatever I focused on or had trouble with will be mentioned. Support and assistance are GREATLY appreciated! Stats: *Approximated weight by body size* Height : 5’10 Weight : 150lbs Goals: Long Term Goals: Get my body to where I like it most (think assassin body type), finish school, pay off all student debt, get one of my top three ideal jobs (I want to have options), buy a house, climb Mt. Marcy with my partner Beginner Fitness Goals: Run a 5k, do a minute long plank, do a chin-up and a pull-up... Beginner Diet Goals: Eat a full 5 servings of fruits or veggies every day, drink a maximum of 2 pops a week, decrease sugar intake, decrease number of fast food meals (will be difficult as partner is usually the one asking to go) Milestones: To be filled in as they occur *I used various templates for this log from different rebels. If you notice my log has similar aspects as yours and you want credit, let me know.