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Hello again, does anyone remember me? I skipped the last challenge and wasn't that much online the last 2 months. Just needed some time off. There was a lot going on in my life and I needed a lot of time for RL. As you may remember I applied for Ninja Warrior Germany last year. After the first invitations went out at the beginning of Feb I thought that's it, just one casting and you are not invited. I was a bit sad but since I had a sports break for 2 months (elbow, psychological stuff*) and I gained some weight (7kgs, mostly fat) so I was good with it. Then I had an appointment for two new tattoos at then end of Feb and guess what? The evening before I got the invitation for the casting on 23 March. I needed to have a sports break again because of the tattoos (1,5 weeks) so I just started training for the casting last week. Friday the 8th. I had an appointment with a personal trainer in my bouldergym (where the casting will happen) and he told me what exercises would happen and we trained for an hour. After that I couldn't move for 4 days because I was so sore So I was in the gym on friday to train swinging on a bar (and landing 3m away), hangling and stuff like that. And some bouldering. It's really hard after that long break. Friday I was in the "JumpHouse", a trampoline park where you can also do a Ninja Warrior Parcour. That was fun but I am sore again So, long story short: What is this challenge about? It'a about the casting on Saturday. But not only this, it is also about having fun with doing sports again. I watched some docus about Crossfit and also Weightlifting and want to check out some new sports. In Germany (and parts of Europe) we have a so called "Urban Sports Club" where you can have a membership (S, M, L, XL) and with this can exercise and visit (in) alot of different places, like gyms, boulder gyms, swimming pools, yoga studios etc. I think I might check this out. Also I want to think about eating and that stuff. IE, what I think of my body, why I gained weight so quick etc.. Why I get these binges. I've learned a lot of stuff about myself during the past few weeks, like be myself and don't think too much about what otheres might think. Stuff like this. I questioned a lot of what I do at the moment (e.g. minimalism, eating, hobbies) and already changed some things. And last but not least I also registered a side business in Feb, so I have to work on that too (Positioning, what exactly do I want to offer etc). I am not sure, if I have smart goals for that, will think about that today. Because I know, goals can make me go crazy (psychologically). But maybe I just rename them. I read the book "mini habits" at the moment so maybe I will rename my goals to mini habits. We'll see. And now I will read aaaaaaaaall the posts and threads I missed out the last week. *sort of an eating disorder, binged sometimes, not good

I'm halfway through Level Up Your Life and I'm completely on board to change my life yo. I've got many other quests besides these but quitting my job is my number one priority. As you can see there are a variety of businessy things I want to do. Now it comes to choosing the one I want to do first and not giving up on it until it's successful. I have a habit of moving from project to project too quickly and getting depressed when I don't find success. So whatever I choose I will announce here, break it down into lots of smaller quests, come up with rewards and penalties to make sure I get it done, and will be posting the progress here. You can scold me or cheer me on as I continue. Thank you! Read Level Up Your Life Create a financially successful podcast Sell 10,000 copies of a game I developed Sell 10,000 copies of a CD I made Earn $1,000 per month on Patreon Read The 4-Hour Work Week QUIT MY JOB!

I've been leveling up slowly for years, quicker for the last 3 years, and quicker still in 2016. I've read the books, I've tried the things, and now it's time for my first official NF challenge. Main Quest: To be fit. To be fit enough to hike the Rocky Mountains with my son this summer. To be fit enough to run the Dallas Marathon injury-free, and something UNDER my previous, stunningly slow times of 6:01 and 6:02. I suppose the true quest behind the quest is discipline...that's what gets me fit, gets my company moving forward, and gets me to the really fun stuff. (Half finished scuba lessons, anyone?) The quests: Strength workouts 3x per week, improving incrementally each time. I've completed 7 weeks so far, and each time it's another rep or two, another bit of weight, another set of something.2x weekly run and 1x weekly hike with my son. We've got to get conditioned for hiking, after all! And it gives us an excuse for the occasional foray into the semi-wilderness around north Texas.Three servings of veggies a day. It shouldn't be that hard, as I love them. I just forget.Life quest: 20 hours a week working on the bones of my company. I'm co owner of a software startup, and so much of my time is spent planning travel, marketing, messing with social media, and so on. I haven't made enough time for the code, the testing, the documentation. That's going to change.Motivation: To get to the fun stuff! I want to hike, to travel, to get the really fun stuff! Worked out Monday and Today, ran yesterday. We're on track for starters. Onward...

I've been working on leveling up for a few years now - travel, running, better discipline for my business - but Level Up Your Life reminded me to apply leveling up to more areas, and to have more fun with it. I've always been a huge bookworm (and movie fan), and so it was natural to put together my quests around all the characters I want to be: Daniel-san (a wimp who got strong + mad skillz), Tony Stark and Pepper Potts (two sides of the same coin: mad scientist and businesswoman), Nathan Rahl (wise in lore), and a lot more. Thinking this way, and setting milestones and goals, has really helped me get it together. Right now I'm on my second four week challenge (but this is the first time I've posted here about it): Physical 30-45 minute workouts three times a week limit myself to 1 mile runs (I'm in my final weeks recovering from a hamstring injury) Food eat 100g protein, and 3 veg, per day limit myself to 3 servings of carbs / day (yes, that's an improvement) Languag Study Irish 10 minutes a day, 3 days a week So....hi. And, now what?

This is an offer to all my fellow Rebels. How can I help? This may seem like it is more for the Epic Quest section, but I thought it would pertain most here. My goal is to start an online business featuring a 'program' or brand related to nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. This program is unique and thematic (I won't reveal my secrets just yet), with the goal being to help members become supernatural versions of themselves. IE- Supernatural, as you are more than what you are- you are something that transcends past normality. You are unique, with a different set of circumstances, goals, and individuality that sets you apart from every person on Earth. In order to accomplish this goal, I am currently seeking out different certifications that will enable me to become knowledgable in these subjects as well hold up the legal credentials to practice them. In the meantime, I want to hear from YOU- How can I help? What services, content, and support would you like to see? If you were to work one on one with a coach, what would you expect from him or her, and what do you want at the end of the day? Tell me, please, so I can better serve you and the future community I wish to build! Yours Truly, The Dragon PS- I am already certified by The American Fitness and Nutrition Academy to teach Yoga (200hr Yoga Alliance Approved program), so that is one area of expertise I have under my belt, in addition to six years of personal yoga practice. My style is based on a blend of fluid Vinyasa flow and deep stretching, intense Yin; I also integrate outside fitness techniques into my practice, such as High Intensity Interval Training and Resistance Training to transform a practice into one focused on either endurance or strength, with an emphasis on flexibility and body awareness.

I've been unemployed for quite a while. I'd been a stay at home mom, and then after my divorce, I was unable to find any work, and it just stretched on and on. I applied wherever I thought I had even the tiniest chance of being qualified, and over the course of several years, got a grand total of one interview. I ended up getting turned down for that job because of my credit score. While struggling with the job search, I started making jewelry to keep myself occupied, since it was something I could do to keep myself somewhat busy. Eventually, I decided that if I couldn't find a job, I'd make my own. So I began listing my jewelry for sale on Etsy. So far I've gotten a few sales, though not a lot. I'm struggling with finding ways to get out there where people will see my jewelry. It's especially hard to do when I've pretty much tapped out what assistance my family can offer. Currently, I'm attempting a kickstarter to raise the money to set up a booth at my local farmer's market, though with just 6 days left, it really doesn't look like that's going to work out. I'm looking for any advice that might help. I've tried so many places in those "free places to advertise" or "tips for free marketing" type articles, but honestly they seem to just lead to places where tons of people are posting ads (mostly for scams or direct sales) without ever really looking at any of the other postings. I just don't know what to try now. Sadly, most advice I get is "borrow the money from someone" but that's really not an option for me. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've always wanted to start my own business, but never really known what it would be. I'm starting to think about creating a podcast and a blog, but again I don't really know what about. Any advice on finding what it is I would like to write about? I'm really inspired by Steve and what he has done here. Any suggestions?

Hi Nerds! I am looking for an accountabilibuddy that I could text with in order to motivate/remind each other to make good eating choices and to exercise. I find it difficult to follow a forum online as my schedule is quite random, thus texting is more flexible and convenient! I'm hoping to find someone that can help me, and who I can help in return! My goals are to lose around 50-70 lbs. I'm 23 and into video games, politics, movies, books (lots of books), and entrepreneurship - I'm sure we can think of some more things to chat about too . Looking forward to creating a mutually beneficial relationship with someone! Ashleigh

Okay, I'm starting a little late. I didn't realise a new challenge had started! I blame this on falling ill at the end of the last one - it's thrown me out completely. Anyway! I'm Andrew, I'm a runner and I'm looking to develop in some new directions too. Last challenge I decided to stop bothering with the RPG side of stats and so on, and that worked so well for me that I'm doing the same again. Rather than levelling up a fictional avatar, I'd rather level up in reality. 1. Faster, Longer, Harder... Running Yesterday evening, day 1 of this challenge (though I knew it not) was my first 5km run in three weeks. I expected my time off with a bad cough would weaken my efforts. I was utterly astonished to find I ran 5km at 8:34 min/mile - a personal record! Clearly it's time I started pushing a little harder. Aim - to extend my Monday runs to 8km. All I need to do is add on half a kilometre every week. Speed be damned here - I can work on that later. 2. Exercises! In my last challenge, I made a regular habit of a Level 1 core workout from the Rebel Running Guide. Twice a week, every week. I carried on doing this until I fell ill, at which point it would have been a bad idea to continue, but until that point I was starting to find it too easy. So I'm going to move up a gear. Aim - Level 2 workouts, twice a week: 1) Body Weight Squats - 15 repetitions 2) Plank - Hold for 60 seconds 3) Hip Bridge With Marching - Hold for 30 seconds 4) Side Plank - Hold each side for 60 seconds 5) One-Leg Bridge Thrusts - 10 repetitions each leg 6) Push Ups (or on Knees) - 15 repetitions 7) Leg Extensions - 20 repetitions each leg 8) Lunge Variations - 3 repetitions per leg, per variation (5 variations, so 15 reps per leg total) -Front Lunge (3 per leg) -Front Lunge with Twist (3 per leg) -Side Lunge (3 per leg) -Diagonal Back Lunge (3 per leg) -Back Lunge (3 per leg) 9) Superman Stretch - 20 repetitions 3. Fruit! A rather successful food-based challenge goal last time saw me saving money by making my own lunches. I continue to do this, though not as often - and I think it's time I improved my diet in other ways. I struggle to eat enough fruit. There is no reason for this. Aim - to eat a piece of fruit (preferably fresh) every day. Just one. Yesterday's avocado counts. :-) 4. Business Pursuits For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed about starting my own online business. I've recently made a big commitment to this - I've signed up to one of Ramit Sethi's courses. This is an expensive decision, but I have enough in savings to afford it - and if I can make it work, I should recoup any loss. Hopefully many times over! Since I'm doing this anyway it feels like a bit of a cheat to include it as a goal - but it's going to impact on my available time, and I want the extra spur to do something about it. Aim - to work on this every day (even if just for half an hour; even if just watching the videos). Amongst all this, I have a final batch of short story competition entries to read. :-) I like to be busy!

Hi guys, So I am working on an idea for an online business, sort of a subscription service. I have some general questions that maybe I can get some opinions on. First some back story. I entered University 7 years ago having no idea what to do with my life (like most people). I ended up graduating with a Commerce degree, and since then have been seeking ways to use it without hating my job. I have yet to find this type of work. Going to work every day and sitting in the office for 8 hours, then going home and just waiting to do it all over again the next morning is exhuasting and demoralizing. Frankly it depresses me to no end. But what else can a guy do? I mean you have to make money, you have to have a job, you cannot just piss your life away. These thoughts are how I kept getting up for work everyday. So what if there is another way? I was reading Nerdfitness for the first time the other day and I became inspired. Maybe there is another way to live your life. I don't want to check into an office doing the same thing 8 hours a day for the next 30 years. It's exhuasting, it doesn't challenge me and I simply do not enjoy it. So I started picturing a way to get out this life path. I came up with the idea of starting a online distribution business based on subscriptions. Which brings me to my questions for you guys: I know zero about programming/web development. Is it possible to create a site without this knowledge? I was thinking of trying Squarespace or some similar service versus hiring a web developer.How difficult would it be to deal with shipping products without a warehouse? Do you think its possible to find wholesalers that ship products for you, or is a warehouse to hold product necessarry?How do you think the best way to advertise is, without spending outrageous amounts of money? I was thinking advertising on social media, podcasts, and word of mouth.If I have never done anything like this before, am I doomed to failure? Would failure be the worst thing or should I accept the possibility that it could happen, and if it does use it to learn?Anyways these are just general inquiries/doubts that have been running in my head. This may not be the best place to ask these questions, but I love the nerdfitness community since I heard about it, and am just hoping for some general advice/tips for where I can get better information should anyone have any ideas. Thanks!

Terinatum's Main Quest July 29th through September 8th Achieve Balanced Strength throughout My Body Hello Assassins! I'm really excited to be here during this challenge! I want to heal the parts of me that have been damaged, ignored, and punished for the last 48 years. If I can create a balanced body, strong and agile, then I will be able to DO the things that I think up and I could feel more jazzed and content. Since joining in February, I'm already pretty jazzed and happy; just want consistency and development. My first challenge was getting myself to work out a minimum of 5 min. every day. It felt good and, surprising, I liked it a lot. Then I jumped to some outlandish demands during my second challenge and didn't stay on target. However, I found running to be exuberating. I had to pare down my lifting and BW exercises halfway through this last challenge, when I had so many pet-sitting jobs come up (not complaining ). Today and as many tomorrows as I can muster, I won't accept any excuses. I'm going to keep moving forward, because it's what I WANT. So, equalizing my muscles is the Quest I accept. Three goals to make this happen. 1. Lose Weight. Get a deficit going and keep the fat cells shrinking (calories per day should be 1800 - 1900 in order to lose 1.0 - 1.5 pounds per week). This will be done by tracking my calories and making wiser eating choices each day. I am willing to start doing some stock up cooking at the beginning of the week as well. My stats are as follows: v 5'6" v 248 lbs. v chest = 42 5/8" v s. plexus = 48 3/4" v waist = 52" v hips = 51" 2. Get stronger. I will be doing BW exercises and lifting every other day. Some examples are below. v lat pull down -- 150 lbs, 3x10, up 5 reps/wk (pull up work) v pushups -- knee x10, up 3/wk, reg. x1, up 2/wk (chest, triceps) v regular row -- 110 lbs, up 10 lbs/wk, 3x10 (back) v plank -- hold for long as possible, up to 10 seconds, 2x3 (abs) v air squats -- 3x10, up to 3x20 (full body) v knee raises -- 3x10 incl. bench, up to hanging raises x5 (abs) v lunges -- not until PT says I can, up to 3x3 - form! (full body) v superman -- not until PT says I can, up to 3x20 (back) 3. Limber up. I will be following Kelly Starrett's MobilityMod. All of these exercises will be held for 2 minutes, 2 sets, twice per day, every other day (opposite strength w-o). Examples of areas to work on: calves, knees out, squat - foot - shin angle, hip flexors, etc… Side Quest sugar slaying This will be working on my relationship with sugar. I am closer to reducing my sugar intake to a lifetime manageable level. I have a few wrinkles to iron out before putting it all in place. The goal is to question my eating decisions with respect and honor. I will not hassle myself about my choices, but rather look for the answers as to why I want something. Then talk it out. Yes, with myself! LOL I do that part quite well. I'll also be checking in with some rebel peeps this challenge on an accountabilibuddies thread called Sugar Slayers! Life Quest working on my business I need to work out the details of going into business for myself. I have spoken with Social Security and now know what I can and can't do while on disability. This will mostly be creating paper trails and documenting client details. And of course, taxes! I will work 5 hours per week on the business side of things. So, this is it for now. I have tweaked my challenge goals before so I won't be surprised if it happens again. I will also not judge myself as incompetent as I've only been doing this for a little over 5 months. Stay motivated and adaptable, that's my motto for this Quest. Good Luck to Everyone. Chat Soon, Teri

Nerd Fitness: Six Week Challenge 29 July 2013 – 8 September 2013 Action Plan Pick Three goals that work TOWARDS my main goal. Specific Measurable Countable Track-able Pick One life-related side quest, called my “Life Quest.†Anything to do with life not directly fitness related. Does not need to take a lot of time. Has to be challenging for me. The Main Quest Goal By September 2014 I Want to be in the MOST Fit Shape of My Life. The Underlying (Six Week) Quest Goal Build Muscle, Get Stronger, Lose Fat, and Prepare for a 30 Day Juice Fast Commitment I want to achieve with Underlying Quest Go to Gym at least Five Days a Week for the Next Six Weeks and Stay at least Two Hours Each Day Time frame I want to achieve Underlying Quest Goal Six Weeks How I benefit by achieving this goal By Achieving this Goal I Will Improve My Health, Feel Better, Look More Attractive, and Set Myself Up to Succeed at Completing a 30 Day Juice Fast. What's My Motivation? My Motivation for My Main Quest is to Be Healthy for Myself and for My Family. Within the Next Year I Want to Achieve More Physical Fitness than I've Ever Achieved. With a Solid Level of Fitness I Will Feel Better about Who I Am and I Will Maximize My Chances to Have a Successful Business and a Great Family Life. The Life Quest Complete My First Coursera Course (notice I said COMPLETE and not START). -Rather coincidentally, there is a six week Coursera course that goes on for the exact time frame of this challenge in a field of study that I've been wanting to dive into: Exercise Physiology. -I will complete this course and organize my notes from the course to provide freely on my website. -I will obtain a certificate for completion and officially begin my journey into being a professional fitness guru! I'm an aspiring Ranger (woot, woot) so feel free to hit me up if you want to take on this Six Week Challenge as a team! -Anton

Hey everybody. I'm Chad. I've been a reader of NerdFitness for a long time, and today I decided it was time to join the community. I'm at a point in my life where I need to make a lot of changes. Here are some stats: 29. 6'1". Floating right around 300lbs, with a constant +5 -5 thing happening. Getting healthier and fitter and having a better purpose when it comes to my health and fitness are things that have never meant anything to me, but now they are something that I find myself thinking more and more about, and they are something that I am changing. I'm also at a turning point in that I've realized that I am learning a lot about myself and I am making changes in many other places as well. I've recently realized that I am not content to sit on the sidelines in my career when I know I am capable of creating and being apart of something special. Nerd Fitness has been an extremely inspiring source of my desire to run my own company and community, and we recently launched Follow Networks, an entertainment network that is rooted in the world of TV and Film, comic books, all the things us nerd folk love. I'm excited to start sharing my journey with y'all. Can't wait to get to know some of you as well.