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In 2013, i got strong. In 2014 i have to train for endurance and long distance cycling. When i joined NF almost 2 years ago i promised my cousin that i would cycle the Cape Argus Cycle Tour on his 18th birthday. He turns 17 this year, which means i have a little over 1 year to get fit enough to complete the 109km cycle on a relatively hot day (from experience it's usually a scorcher). I have done it before (5 times) but the last one i did was almost 15 years ago - it will be when i cycle next year. My fastest time was a sub 3 (2h54m, to be exact). I'm not aiming for time, i just want to complete before cutoff (which i think is 7 or 8 hours). The route has 4 really big hills that a lot of people struggle with and that is why i'm calling this the year my "1000 hill challenge", but by the end of 2014 i want to have completed the following (total for each over a challenge): 1000 pushups (challenge 2)1000 squats1000 seconds of planks1000 lunges1000 box jumps1000 minutes of spinning Other things happening this year would include: Another W30 challenge or twosaving up for a December trip to the US with JV - will post once we've finalised our itinerary, although that would probably be more towards the end of the year - i love cold weather, to a point Signing up for my pole dance classeslosing some weight - i can't put a number on this, but i do have a goal of between 15 - 20kgs. More would be great, but i'm not going to be upset if it's less. Most of what i do this year will be focused around the Argus cycle tour in March 2015. Measurement Progress: Weight: 126kg | 65kg | 127.20kg | +1.20kg Bust: 132cm | 96cm | 128cm | -4cm Waist: 114cm | 73cm | 106.20cm | -7.80cm Hip: 144cm | 99cm | 146.20cm | +2.2cm Thigh: 74cm | 56cm | 72.90cm | -1.10cm Goal ultimate loss: 61kg & 140cm Loss so far: +1.20kg & -10.70cm Challenges for 2014: v2: Blaidd's 1000 Hill Challenge v2014.02: Pushups v3: Blaidd's 1000 Hill Challenge v2014.3: Squats v4: Blaidd's 1000 Hill Challenge v2014.4: Planks v5: Blaidd's 1000 Hill Challenge v2014.5: Lunges v6: Blaidd's 1000 Hill Challenge c2014.6: Starting on the back foot v7: Blaidd's 1000 Hill CHallenge v2014.7: Up Holiday Hill 2015 battle log

Injury adds to the insult as I'm unable to attempt my sub-two hour half this race season. I'm not forgetting about this goal only shifting it the back burner as I work on other goals. Now it is time to take the time to get into better overall shape so I can knock my half-marathon goal out come spring. Quest 1 - Upgrade the body I need to increase my strength! To do so I'm going to go to TRX at least twice a week throughout the challenge, for a total of 12 classes. A = 12-10 Classes (+3 Str +1 Con) B = 9-7 Classes (+2 Str +1 Con) C = 6-4 Classes (+1 Str +1 Con) F = 3-0 Classes Quest 2 - Upgrade the speed I need to increase speed! While I can't run like Steve Austin I can bike so I'll do a bike ride of 3+ miles each week, for a total of 6 ride. A = 6 Rides (+2 Dex, +2 Sta) B = 5 Rides (+1 Dex, +2 Sta) C = 4 Rides (+1 Dex, +1 Sta) F = 3-0 Riders Quest 3 - Maintain the body Need to adjust the diet to build muscles and keep myself going! Need to figure out how to quantify this one! Skipping the 3rd quest for this challenge Life Quest - Upgrade the vision Steve Austin could see with a 20.2:1 zoom lens, me I've got a Canon 7d collecting dust. I want to do 3 photo shoots over the course of the challenge A = 3 shoots (+4 Wis) B = 2 shoots (+3 Wis) C = 1 shoot (+1 Wis) F = 0 shoots

Main Quest Goals Build strength Increase cardio fitness Increase muscle mass Decrease visceral fat Maintain low levels of depressionMethods Stronglifts 5x5 covers #1 and #3 and a bit of #4 HIIT on non-weight lifting days covers #2 and #4 following 30 Days of HIIT from http://neilarey.com Cycle to work every workday covers #5 and a bit of #4 and #2 Side Quests Clean eating unprocessed foods reduced sugars Paint kitchenMotivation I went to my wife's diet/fitness place, had myself measured, listened to the trainer about what I need to improve on and decided to do something about it. I'm not far from my goal and that's what seems to make it somewhat elusive: losing the last 10lbs is harder than the first 10lbs (so I believe) and that is why it has been difficult for me to reach the final goal.

Hey Rebels: Just putting it out there--I'm at the University of Colorado and generally workout alone, but would love some company. Generally I'm up for running, cycling, or hitting the rec center around noon. Just PM me if you're interested.... Thanks!

Hello, fellow rebels. I, TennisGeek, am feeling down. I became an empty nester, along with other life events, my energy is not there at the moment. So, I started the challenge late. And, that's a good reason to start a new challenge. I need to pick myself up. During last challenge, I somewhat let go some of control on food. Not that I ate terribly, but certainly I ate a lot more food and gained 4 pounds or so. In previous challenge, I basically laid low during the transition of my daughter. It's time to pick myself up. I think that the hardest is to find the motivation right now.Staying active is not a problem for me. I'm still playing tennis regularly. I'm still riding bike a lot.Last year, I had the drive to do more - such as strength training in the basement regularly.I cannot find that drive. What I've learned from previous challenges is, it's all about motivation. Challenges are good to break the ice for getting into something new, but to sustain, you need the motivation, you need the drive to do what I need to do. I can play tennis all day. I am happy to ride bike for long long distance - it's a challenge but I can do through the pains of sitting on bike all day. Bottom line is, I don't like to work out. I do like to eat. I lost weight. For the most part, I only need to maintain it. Right now, I cannot find reason or motivation to do more. Through the challenge, I am going to try to find groove. To not stress myself, I'll not count point. I'll let it happen as naturally and I'll use the challenge thread for my own accountability. I'll assess the challenge and decide whether or not it's worth the level up. The main quest Become the best tennis player I can be. Stronger, faster, flexible, resilient and awesomer. The Goals Exercise: More PLP - I am stuck at 44. I have to resume. Note that, I am doing this along with playing tennis regularly and bike commute. So, finding extra energy and time is not that easy. Whatever I do is a plus so that's what I'll report. Food:In order to lose weight, I'll eat the net calories of 1,600. MFP is my accountability. I've been a bit loose on this. I log everything, and every day, it's over calories. Life quest: I need to get out from the funk I have right now. I'm very snappy and less energy. I need something new to try - I will go to a rock gym at least twice during the challenge.I'll try to engage with fellow rebels more. It's been lacking and not helping me.I'll do something new. like I may finally join a gym. Change over ended. The chair ump said: "Time"

This is my first challenge with NF, and I'm really excited to get stuck in. This challenge coincides with a big change in my life too - I'll have just moved to London to start a PhD, so I'm looking at this as a new start or a blank slate, and a chance to move away from all the bad habits and routines I've gotten into whilst I've been at home over the summer. Logically, my challenge will focus on establishing patterns, routines, and a healthy outlook which I think will be easier to stick to if I make it part of my 'London experience' to begin with, rather than later adapting my life to fit around fitness goals. I need to incorporate flexibility into my challenge, because I'll be working at the uni bars, sometimes until 3am, and I know that going for a swim at 8:30 the next morning just wouldn't happen. Motivation! I'm running the Wimbledon Commons HM in October, aiming to do the Santa Pola HM in January, and I have a target to do a triathlon in 2015. My motivation for this challenge is to get fitter for these challenges, and hopefully smash some PBs! Main Quest: Establish the fitness base to be a strong triathlete. Quest 1 - Fitness: Stick to my weekly workout routine (3 runs, 2 swims, 3 bodyweight sessions) Measurement: A = 44 - 48 workouts over the 6 weeks, B = 38 - 43 , C = 30 - 37, D = 20 - 30, E = <20 A = 3 STR, 2 DEX, 2 STA, B = 80% C = 60% D = 40% E = 0%. Quest 2 - Diet: NO FIZZY DRINKS - I've recently really upped my intake of these, and they make me, my skin, and my mouth feel horrible. I tell myself because they've got no calories in I'm ok, but can feel the negative side effects raging in my body! Measurement: A = 38 - 42 fizzy drink free days, B = 34 - 37 FDF days, C = 30 - 33 FDF days, D = 26 - 29 FDF days, E = <26 FDF days A = 3 CON, B = 80% C = 60% D = 40% E = 0%. Quest 3 - Socialise: Try out the university running and swimming clubs, and if they're not for me, then local groups. If they're not for me, then hey ho, at least I tried! I think this is quite an important goal for me because I've never seen myself as sporting, athletic, etc. and have always felt like I wouldn't fit in teams or sporting groups. This is a prime chance to banish those thoughts and prove myself wrong! Also, they offer coaching sessions and such which would increase my technical ability (hence WIS points). Measurement: A = tried a running and a swimming group, B = tried either a running or swimming group, C = tried neither A = 3 CHA, 2 WIS, B = 66% C = 0% Life Quest: I'm having a hard time thinking of a life quest, because I don't know what my PhD-life will be like - so my current life quest will just be to achieve my three quests. Measurement: A = Achieved 3, B = Achieved 2, C = Achieved 1, D = Achieved 0.

Hello all adventurers! I am back to Nerd Fitness after almost a year. NF has taught me so much about health and fitness but then life got in a way and I just could not find the time for this forum. This does not mean that I didn't have time for healthy lifestyle - I eat 90% Paleo food, I cook all my meals and I try to exercise. Recently, I noticed I am getting too lazy to exercise and I also started to make bad food choices. So I thought I better tackle this before I fall into old habits! I have been with the Rangers before but I feel like I belong in Adventurers this time. Looking forward to seeing how everyone is doing! Main quest: Become stronger and fitter. Goals: Quit sugar for 6 weeks. Yup. Cold turkey. This also includes honey. Fruits are tastier anyway. I allow myself to consume 4 sugar food items in case I find a very tasty thing to try while I'm travelling.Do 200 squats per week. I will exercise more than that anyway but I love squats and I should do more of them. Having a specific number will give me a reason to get up from the couch.Learn to do a push-up. It's embarrassing but I still can't do them. So, practice push-ups 3 times a week. Motivation: I don't want to be dependent on food and I want to have a firmer body.

Hello, hello fellow rebels. It's me, TennisGeek, the man who is obsessed playing tennis. I do a few other things but it's all about tennis seriously. The main quest - I'd like to be the best tennis player I can be, but, sometimes the life calls for a break, just like any tennis match takes 90 second break every two games. This is my 3rd challenge as a Ranger, and 7th overall. This challenge is not a level-up challenge but I'll maintain the body until my kid starts college. It would be a bit of change in my life. Goals 1. PLP Challenge Continue PLP I started after the last challenge. Today (Friday) is the day 5. At the end of challenge, it's day 49. It's pretty scary. I'd like to complete PLP 60 or longer. 2. Longer Ride I'd like a bike ride more than 60 miles which is the longest ride I've done. 3. Better Food No more wheat flour. I can resist the pasta, but bread has been difficult to ignore.I'll allow myself once a week of beer, but no bread, pasta or any of baked goods. I'll get as close to gluten free as possible. 4. Life goal - sending my kid to college Enough said. 5. Side quest - playing in a USTA sanctioned tourny I've never played in a USTA tournament ever. I'd like to play one during the challenge. Let's play!

I’m back after missing a couple of challenges due to some health craziness. If you’re curious, you can read more here. Main Quest Contemplating goals feels weird to me now because the goals themselves haven’t really changed. I still want to drop body fat and increase endurance. What has changed is my perspective. Being laid up for three months was probably a blessing in disguise because I had to be patient and it gave me a lot of time to think about what I want as far as fitness is concerned. Strength is still very important to me, but it took a backseat to endurance the moment I couldn’t walk more than 50 feet without getting exhausted. The day after my six-week checkup, we went to our favorite recreational area for a bike ride. After pushing a 45-lb bike up a steep incline and riding 7.2 miles of twisting hill roads, I thought death was imminent, but I could already see so much improvement over last year. Even my balance has been better since surgery. I realized biking has become fun again, and it’s given me new focus. So, with that said, my main quest for this challenge is to ride 25 miles in one stint by September 6. My top distance right now is 14.2, so I think that’s doable. Hubs is helping me put together a training plan today. Sub-goals to help with this quest are as follows: Fuel for the Engine. With the focus on endurance work and the reintroduction of resistance training, I’m keeping my calorie goal at 1,800 and working off of the TDEE method. We should see some fat drop while retaining lean mass. A = 1,750 deficit for the week, B = 1,500 net deficit for the week, C = 1,250 deficit for the week Hydration. Staying hydrated is important on long rides, especially in the kind of heat we have around here. My intake has slacked off lately from 96-112 ounces a day to 64-72. My goal is to bring it back up to at least 80 per day. A = 112+ ounces, B = 96+ ounces, C = 80+ ounces Restarting Strength. I’m so ready to get back to the weights because I’m tired of feeling puny, but I have to start slow with this. Since the doc was nice enough to put my abs back together, we don’t want to jeopardize the belleh. I’ll be doing a machine circuit three days per week for now to stay safe. A = 3 days, B = 2 days, C = 1 day Life Quest Being part feline, I love to sleep, so getting up early and at the same time every morning is a feat in itself. I was working on this in my last challenge and had made some progress, but let it go to crap when I started getting sick and had to rest every spare second. I’m going to pick this back up and start hauling my ass out of bed at 6:00 a.m. again because it’s important to me. Motivation I want to feel better. With everything that’s happened over the last few months I’m probably still hyper-focused on my health, but I want to keep my momentum. That’s entirely what this six-week challenge is about: momentum. Stats Here are my current stats. Oh, and the doc measured my height back in April. Turns out I’m an inch taller than I thought I was. :-P My weight went up a bit right before surgery and has maintained there, so I’m actually right about the same spot I was at the end of the last challenge. Height—5 ft., 4.5 in. Weight—Starting, 161.6 lb. Neck—Starting, 12.75 in. Waist—Starting, 34 in. Hips—Starting, 41.75 in. Forearm—Starting, 8.85 in. Bicep—Starting, 11 in. Thigh—Starting, 23.75 in. Calf—Starting, 14.25 in. Roll on.

This is a marker for my new thread, which will be about consolidating the stuff I've learned about fitness and making some of it a habit. I've slipped rather over the last few months, with the result that I've gained fat and feel fed up and tired. One of my major issues is lack of good quality sleep, and that's largely down to working until ridiculous hours. So part of the new me is going to be stopping work at 10pm. It's now 21.55, and I'm going to turn my computer off NOW and go to bed on time so I can get up early to exercise.... see how it goes? Back tomorrow with more details. In the meantime, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Main goal: To do a "great walk" multi day hike. I have all but booked Milford track (NZ) in January. To do this hike 10 kg lighter than I am now. Food - back to basics (I feel that's all I am ever doing) After a successful low carb period I fell off the 'eating well' wagon so it's time to get back on (again). 1. Snack control Plan - no white tea because white tea = bikkies No after dinner snacks Mindful afternoon snack (fruit, nuts etc) (Week one: 3 x week Week two: 5 x week Week three-six: 7 x week) 2. Veggieful dinners 5 dinners with three or more vegies Movement - keeping the momentum Moooooovvvvvveeeee - after thinking about a fitbit for ages I have decided to downgrade to the app : Move. Aim for 10,000 steps but I am a loooong way off that. Daily at least 3,000 steps with one day per week of 10,000 steps. Plan: Dog walking - commit to taking the dog for three walks per week (sadly neglected dog) (Week one: 3 x week Week two: 5 x week Week three-six: 7 x week) Motivation - stress reduction. I have always prided myself in not letting things bring me down but things have been crazy at work and to a lesser extent at home. I don't really have any great coping mechanism (other than planning holidays or eating crap and not prioritising exercise). Plan: Journal - I have downloaded a journaling app. I will use this for 3 day per week. Try to be mindful about what is causing the stress and how I react to this. Side challenge : pedal and don't fall off - move towards being more confident with "those" clipless pedals. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Day One Awoke early after a troubled nights sleep. Started the day with some damn fine coffee. As black as Bob's soul. No Cherry Pie in the fridge so made porridge with Blueberries and Raspberries. A good, honest breakfast. Followed the exercises in my standard issue field manual this morning: 20 x Wall Push Ups 15 x Kneeling Push Ups 6 x Full Push Ups 7 x Full Push Ups 5 x Shoulder Stand Squats 20 x Shoulder Stand Squats 20 x Knee Tucks 20 x Knee Tucks] 30 x Vertical Pulls 30 x Vertical Pulls A good workout but troubled by the presence of my old Sacroiliac injury from my last classified field mission. Dianne - The strangest thing happened whilst I was working out today. I was visited by two little people. One appeared to have not developed the use of his legs yet and may have been talking backwards. The other could only recite the words to the song "Let It Go" over and over. I suspect them of being interdimensional travellers from the Black Lodge. Perhaps a warning from Bob. To business. There have been reports of suspicious Owl activity at the local reservoir. Provided the wind conditions are favourable and my injury permits I will take my standard issue field bicycle to investigate. Signing off.

The main quest - The best tennis player I can be. First, I beat everyone in the tennis club. There is a town tennis torny (Arlington Tennis Open), and I'm going to play. That's July 11th. I'd like to do well in it. Last challenge was a fail. I think Goals 1. Stronger Strength training 3 times a week. Full score is 18. I need to keep the training simple however, because my priorities are life, tennis, bike rides, and training. I have to keep each session pretty short. STR+3 2. Faster I want to get faster with my bike ride. The best way seems to be to time the morning commute to office. My PR time from home to office is about 31.5 minutes, and I'd like to get under 30 minutes. The distance from home to office is about 7.3 miles. I'll keep track of every ride with Strava, and I'll post the time. At the end of challenge, I'll score depending on the best time. Scoring is one point per every 20 seconds improvement from 32 minutes, and 10 point is full score. 31:40 - 1, 31:20 - 2, 31:00 - 3, ... So, the full score means 28:20. This is going to be tough. STA+3 3. Leaner Obviously, not carrying extra fat helps playing tennis and bike ride. Right now, my weight is about 162lb (I'm 5' 9") and body fat % is probably 17%ish. The challenge is to hit the macros - carbs < 100g, protein > 150g. Every day, I'll score the result of MFP. Carbs < 100 - 1 point / day, Protein > 150 - 1 point / day. EDIT: For smart goals - I will give my self 20% wiggle room to claim half point. 100 < Carbs < 120 - 0.5 point / day 150 > Protein > 120 - 0.5 point / day EDIT2: Full score is 78, not 84 however, as I need one cheat day/week to reset my metabolism. So, it,s 84 - 6. (I don't care the calories that much as I exercise a lot.) CON+3 I want to do a life goal - becoming awesomer, but I cannot come up right now. I'll post/update the goal, etc. in near future. I'd also like to get back to spend more time with the NF forum. I was kind of disconnected last challenge and it did not help me motivated. I want to engage with more people here. Let's start the 2nd set in Ranger.

About Me 54yrs old on June 15weight: 171.8lbs, 77.9kgheight: 5'8", 173cm (not expected to change, LOL)waist: 96cm, 38inchest: 99cm, 39inPrimary Goal improved cardio and strengthCheckpoints 100% commuting to work by bike2,000km biking (for any purpose; commuting, grocery shopping, "walking" dog, fitness rides) over the 6wksminimum 3x/wk gym workouts (3x upper body, optional lower body)Methods 47km bike commutes/day = 245km/wk = 1,410km/6wk4.7km dog walks (me on bike), try for 4-5x/wk = ~18-23km/wk = ~120-150km/6wkgrocery runs on weekendsfitness/training rides on weekends (~50km/ride)Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Saturday at gym for upper body workoutslower body workout could comprise of intervals on bike or weights at gymride out to camp (local name for cottage, ~60km)Distractions First Aid course on June 17 - can't bike towhile at camp, can't commute so I need to go for daily rides to keep up distancewhile at camp, I can't go to gym, so I will need to devise and perform bodyweight exercises to make up for lost gym time, distance swimming might be an option

Jothra woke to find a ninja star in his chest. Normally this would have disappointed him greatly, but he hadn't slept well the night before, and it was a good 15 minutes before he finally decided he should be startled. "What the nuts?" he shouted. It must not be deep, he realized, since he was substantially alive. He hadn't even realized there were ninja stars in this weird place. A strange, ethereal, black-clad shape seemed to materialize in front of him. "It is time," moaned the shape. "The Rebellion believes you are ready for guild assignment. You have been chosen by the Assassins." "I thought I would be choosing my own guild." The shape, suddenly much closer, yanked the star from Jothra's chest. "We have chosen you. You will need the skills of an assassin to fulfil your destiny. To fail is to die. Do not fail." Then, as quickly and mysteriously as it had appeared, the shape was gone. Jothra found himself completely uninjured, though he could see where the strange weapon had torn his shirt. Great, he thought. As if thing weren't complicated enough already. Up until the exact day I finished my first challenge, I was positive I was going to be joining the scouts. After all, I've been riding my bike nearly every day for a month and a half, I do recreational bike maintenance (it's healthier than crack, but not always cheaper), and I even have a collection of maybe 30 bicycling-related books in my room. Then, one evening, I suddenly realized I was leaving some things out of the equation. The first is rock climbing. I fell in love with this as a teenager, and the honeymoon still isn't over. There are also hiking (scouty) and scrambling (less scouty). I didn't realize until long after I left my mountainous hometown that what I always referred to as “hiking†was actually light scrambling much of the time. Huh. The more you know. My two favourite active-type activities are easily: a.) Bicycling, which means building muscular and cardiovascular endurance, and b.) Rock climbing, which means combining muscular endurance and power (strength-to-weight ratio is important here). I want to improve my ability to enjoy both of these things. Obviously, I've been meant for the Assassin's Guild the whole time. When it comes to my baseline, never-working-out strength, I kind of hit the genetic jackpot. I have a strong build. This often means I get lazy about cycling or climbing properly, because I can just laz out and Brute Force it. Instead of spinning faster on my bike and taking advantage of other leg muscle types, I have always been a serious gear masher. Instead of using my legs to support and lift myself when climbing, I have always overused my upper-body strength, which kills me several climbs earlier than I would like (basically every time I've ever climbed, actually). Basically, more strength can only help, but even though relying on brute-forcing all the time is simpler, it's not nearly as effective as doing things properly. 1.) Main Quest My goal is to pursue the all-around fitness I need to perform these very different activities, as well as developing good habits that will make me more efficient at them (because less effort = longer time until exhaustion = more fun!) My three goal-achieving-type-little-goals-that-add-up-to-a-bigger-goal-goals: i.) Do cadence-related bicycle work three days a week (consisting mostly of spinning faster in easier gears on my actual bicycle or my stationary bike). I may well do more biking than this, but three times a week it must involve spinning faster. Keep in mind that for me, that means trying my best to stay over 80 rpm, instead of my usual high 60s. This is more of a habit-building venture, because I always feel so comfortable mashing gears. When finished, always STRETCH, because after years of bicycling I have tight Cyclist Hammies. Easy scoring: __/18. [+3 STA | +2 DEX] ii.) Perform a bodyweight workout three days a week (and not more. Seriously. I'm too tempted to try and do it every day, which is not useful). Even when I was cycling every day and climbing two or three times a week a few years ago, I neglected actual strength training apart from that offered by those activities. It's time to find out just how strong I can become by adding even moderate bodyweight exercises. I am currently working through the Angry Birds Workout, but who knows where it will all lead? When finished, always STRETCH (see above) Easy scoring here, too: __/18 again! [+3 STR | +1 DEX | +1 CHA] iii.) Maintain a minimum activity level, and watch how much I stuff down my food receptacle. I won't be doing any Adjective Dieting, but even so, it turns out if I'm even maintaining baseline activity (10,000 steps a day, measured by my Fitbit), and keeping track of how much I'm eating, this is shockingly easy. It would be just as easy, however, to stop. So don't. A failed day is one in which my calories are more than 50 over goal (I'm at 28-29% body fat, so if I'm under a little, I'm happy, as long as it's not ridiculous), or my activity is under that arbitrary-but-useful 10,000 step number. __/42. [+2 CON | +1 WIS] 2) LIFE SIDE QUEST Play my guitar every single day. I was thinking of a cartooning-related side quest, but my guitar is beautiful, and it wants to be played. Besides, it helps build finger strength, and is really relaxing. In a super pinch, if travelling, cart along a tin whistle or that daffy ukulele or something. __/42. [+1 WIS | +1 CHA] I'm going to determine scores based on percentage ranges, more or less like on my childhood report cards: A = 86-100% | B = 73-85% | C = 66-72% | D = 51-65% | F = 0-50% 3) MOTIVATION This is the note I stuck to my door last challenge, and it's already made me way more badass. I've basically already started all of these things, and will continue them until the actual start of the challenge, but the grading will -- of course -- start on the 9th. Good luck, everyone!

Hello! I am currently debating whether or not to buy a spin/stationary bike, and I'm wondering any of you own one or have a preferred type at the gym that you would consider buying for yourself. My ride style is more upright (I currently ride a hybrid bike outside). My reason for inquiring about this is that where I live we get about 6-8 months of winter/ice/snow/slip-and-fall-on-face weather and it's really interfering with my fitness goals since I am just not hardcore enough to stick a pair of ice tires on my bike and be miserable outside when it is awful out! So I'm looking for an indoor cycling solution for those times when I just don't wanna be outside (and I'm really not a fan of the gym). On a side note, there are some fancier bikes with heart rate monitors and other gizmos attached to them. I'm interested in your opinions about which is better: a basic bike and a separate heart rate monitor, or a bike with its own built in heart rate monitor/chest strap (those tend to be quite pricey).

Intro thread! | Story thread! I know I'm late starting this challenge,‭ ‬but I have this weird feeling that if I don't start now,‭ ‬it might be harder to make myself do it later. The number on my scale doesn't give me the initiative I'm going to need. I want my activity level back to the wonderful heights I hit four years ago, and I want to eat less junk food. If I do these things, the weight should start neutralizing itself. Many of my‭ ‬lapsed‭ ‬hobbies are either active outdoor pursuits,‭ ‬or‭ ‬cartooning and writing related.‭ ‬It's time I focused on the‭ ‬active ones for awhile.‭ ‬Strengthening the‭ ‬artistic ones can come later. My Quest for Challenge‭ ‬1: I want to hit the magic‭ ‬10,000‭ ‬steps number‭ ‬(wherever it came from‭) ‬every day,‭ ‬without fail.‭ ‬I have a three-day-old Fitbit One,‭ ‬so I'd better take advantage.‭ ‬I'm a teacher,‭ ‬and‭ ‬one who spends most of every day on his feet,‭ ‬but that doesn't even get me halfway there.‭ ‬This should be an easy one,‭ ‬as long as I can make myself get off my duff and do it.‭Do something active,‭ ‬above and beyond the step counter,‭ five days a week.‭ ‬Bicycling‭? ‬Ideal‭! ‬Stationary bicycle‭? ‬If I have to‭! ‬Running‭? ‬Well...maybe I'll save that for the next challenge.‭ ‬Lifting weights‭? ‬It's not my favourite,‭ ‬but I always feel good when I'm done.‭ ‬All of this will make it into MyFitnessPal,‭ ‬which will in turn share it with the Fitbit.‬Watch what I stuff in my craw.‭ ‬Do I really need those Smarties‭? ‬Probably not.‭ ‬Do I really need to make that much pasta‭? ‬I doubt I'll even finish it if I try‭! ‬I make my own meals anyway,‭ ‬so I'll just start watching them a little more carefully.‭ ‬I'll use MyFitnessPal,‭ ‬linked to my Fitbit,‭ ‬to make sure I'm hovering around zero remaining net calories per day.Pass/fail,‭ ‬kid‭! Here we go‭!

I know this is only partly due to all the practice I've been getting on my road bike lately, and that my results are substantially due to the prevailing wind this afternoon, but it's exciting for me anyway. I biked into a brutal headwind for half an hour. I averaged about 16.5 km/h, and covered 8 km. It was brutal. The upshot is that the way back only took me 12 minutes, because I averaged 41 km/h. Now I know how Superman feels when he's travelling through the air at super speed without ever setting foot on the ground.

Righto! So, I've been passively using NerdFitness for awhile now, in conjuncture with HabitRPG. I decided it was time to step up my game. I'm a 24 year old YA librarian who just needs to get fit. I used to do theatre and marching band, and ride my bike everyday to my classes! Those were great ways to keep trim and toned! But now, the most I do is pick up a few boxes of books or push around a cart and hours or grueling practice just aren't there. Since leaving the university setting, I've gotten more into crafting, table top gaming, and reading. All very sedentary. I've also gotten into cosplaying! I want to be able to crossplay and when you're a (now) curvy gal, creating the male mirage is hard! And I've got a super big, super important cosplay coming up in September! My friends, all fabulous cosplayers, and I are going down to Atlanta for AWA. We'll be doing the entire Survey Corp from the super popular Attack on Titan and I'm set to play the dashing Jean Kirschtein. Now, there's no way I can be in the Survey Corp (those guys spend three years training in fighting, acrobatics, strength and cardio), but I at least want to look closer to the part. So, I figure I'll use the Jedi work out as my strength and acrobatics, and use my cycling as the 3D Maneuver Gear! So, my goal is to get trimmed and toned the way I used to be so I can make suave cut figure at AWA. From November to present, I was doing the beginning Jedi Work out three times a week, plus some cardio on my off days. I started cutting sugar, but not so much the grains (i'm also a vegetarian, which makes the paleo diet hard, but not impossible!) Now it's time to up the game and make an official challenge here for all of you to see! MAIN QUEST: GET FIT FOR SURVEY CORP 1. Do Intermediate Jedi Work Out 3 times a week! 2. Cut back my grains to one meal with grains a week. Weeks 1-2: One meal with grains a day. Weeks 3-4: Three meals with grains a week. Weeks 5-6: One meal with grains a week. 3. Start cycling everyday! I love cycling and now that the winter months are over and my bike is ready to go, I want to ride for a minimum of an hour a day. Weeks 1-2: Ride to and from work whenever I have work. Weeks 3-4: Ride for 45 minutes a day, even non-work days. Weeks 5-6: Ride an hour a day, everyday! Side Quests: Life Quest Take the GRE. (I live in Idaho, so you can be a librarian here without a masters. I just want to have a masters!) -Get the money to take it. -Schedule a date. -Study 20-30 minutes a day once date is set! Fitness Quest: Cut high fructose corn syrup out all together! I'm just gonna stop eating it! I'm sure this will really help me lose my girlish figure. XD Current Weight: 168lbs. 5'10" 40-30-42 measurements! Welp, that's it! I'm gonna do it!

"A sound soul dwells within a sound mind and a sound body." Hello nerds. I'm a nerd. I'm a research engineer with a two year old mini-me IRL. I have had so many false starts (several 6 month bursts) and it seems like every 5-10 years I gain another 5-10 lbs. A couple days ago I set out on a new quest to de-clutter my head, my house, and my body. Perfect timing for my first challenge. I've been a member of NF for over a year. Devouring blogs and doing workouts but I've never posted before. After regaining 10 lbs of the weight I lost and lost nearly all of the strength I gained last year I think its time for support. My 6 week challenge will be in two parts, since I already embarked and set my own goals. I'll do my weigh in and measure at the end of the first 6 week challenge. These might seem like they are overly ambitious but I don't mean for this challenge to be my way of life. I need a boost to reboot my body. A 90 day boost. 90 days I can do. After that I plan to do yoga in the am and then go to the gym 4 days a week to lift free weights/ TRX or attend one of the classes below. I am happiest when I work out daily, thus the day of rest/meditation. I don't drink soda and I love vegatables but I still have a carbs addiction. I'm not diet focused right now as once my regular mood returns, diet isn't really an issue and is mostly paleo+rice by accident. Start: BMI: 25 (targeting ~21) height: 5'4" pants size: uncomfortable 6/8 (for my height/body "comfortable 4/6" is toned and healthy, 2/4 is sickly on me) skin: blotchy and stretchy from losing 50+ lbs of pregnancy weight and having no muscle mass and high BMI mood: stressed, depressed, anxious, but improving and starting to be positive and hopeful towards fitness, life, and general outlook Main Quest: 90 Days of Awesome:1st Chronicles For six weeks+3 days I will stick to my plan to include the following specific goals: P90X 5 days a week (I don't like their yoga or their stretch videos) (4-5x= A, 3x =B, 2x=C, 1x=D, 0=F)Gym 3 days a week (to include cycling, free weights, bodyweight circuits, TRX, UXF Burn, or Hatha Yoga) (3x =A, 2x=B, 1x=C, 0=F)Rest or meditate 1 day a week (1=A, 2=B, 3=C, 4=D, 5+ or 0=F) Side Quest: attend the bodyweight class at work once (gold star)perform pull up without assistance (Chronicle 2 will be 10 of these since I am almost to one already) (gold star) Life Quest: Dave Ramsey Baby Step 2: Pay off all Debt (I've been on this one for 6 months already... I've already cut my debt by over 50%!! It will probably take another 2 years to finish this step if I keep my 'gazelle' intensity)Motivation: To be happy & at peace with myself, to be the best me I can be for God, myself, and my family.

I did it! I've just clocked 100 miles for this challenge! And I've still got a few more to go today! 8) When I get home, I think I'm going celebrate and make paleo pancakes! Pictures of my bike to follow. <3

Hey! I'm looking another rebel in the Boise area to hang out with and party up with for accountability and learning! Preferably another girl, but I'm not opposed to any guys either. Any skill level! My interests are cycling (intermediate), hiking, and learning to lift.

Feral druids are like the swiss army knife of the druid population. They will fight when needed, heal when needed, or hinder enemies to help friends escape danger. They have a distaste for closed in places or places with a high concentration of other humans, and prefer to spend days wandering the wilderness changing shape and using their multitude of skills and one-ness with nature to survive off the grid. Now that I've become a happy, healthy druid, it's time for me to start improving and training for real life situations. My short term goal was basically to get my body to a point where I could use it and I was happy with how it looked; and having completed my first challenge I feel like I'm in a place where I could go any which way I please. I never had a specific place where I wanted to be fitness wise, just "be as fit as I can possibly be." And as long as I continue completing workouts and making it harder for myself I know that's going to happen and I don't mind how long it takes. Long term goals start to get a little hazy because I rarely plan things in the future, but I know that my Love and I would like to one day be living completely self-sufficiently together somewhere pleasant. Also, in case of nuclear fallout or zombipocalypse, I have to be prepared for anything. I don't want to be violent, but I will shift into feral mode to protect what I must. This challenge therefore I will be focussing less on strength building and weight loss and more on building functional skills and spiritual development. And defeating some bosses along the way. Main Quest: Do all the forms! Speed Forme (+3STA +2DEX) Cycle or run 3x a week. A: 3 a week B: 2 a week C: 1 a week F: 0 a week Success markers; New PB for cycling distance (currently 10.6kms) New PB for running distance (currently approx. 5kms) I've come to like cycling, despite having had bad experiences with it as a youngling. So I intend to utilise it for health, and for having to buy fuel less often. I'm sure Mother Nature will be glad. Also despite messing up my ankles last time, I intend to try running again because I feel like my body should be able to carry me a distance without wanting to quit. Also, fast zombies. *shudder.* Obviously if I complete my 3 sessions a week that will be a success, but I want to be able to measure that somehow hence hopefully cracking some personal records to show myself how awesome I am becoming. Zen Forme (+5WIS) Meditate or yoga 3hrs a week. A: 3hrs a week B: 2hrs a week C: 1hr a week D: <1hr a week F: 0mins a week Success markers; Touch forehead to shins Do the splits Have a revelation about myself or others Stay calm when once I would have lost it. This fell by the wayside a bit last challenge, I was more focussed on body fat loss and strength building, but that's never been a primary goal of mine so I intend to bring meditation and yoga back into my life more. Shapeshifting only works when you're totally calm in the face of chaos and I intend to be that calm. Side Quests: Living off the land. (+2CON) Garden 1hr a week A: 1hr a week B: 40mins a week C: 20mins a week D: <20mins a week F: 0mins a week Success Markers; Grow something. Duh. This is another of those "One day" things I keep meaning to get around to and never do. My garden's gotten into a terrible state and hopefully if I just spend 10 minutes a day on it I can get it looking respectable. Obviously rather then just flowers I would ideally be growing vegetables and edible plants, but for now let's just chase the weeds out. I'm also notoriously bad a tending plants for a period of time so hopefully I can keep what I'm growing alive long enough for something to grow that I can cook. ------------------------------------------------------------- Uh oh, a BOSS BATTLE has appeared! Real Life. (+3CHA) Call doctor to make appt for check up. update 10/3: Called this morning for appt next week. update17/3: Actually went. Booyeah. I am a healthy druid. Get tested for gluten and dairy intolerance. update 17/3: Went to said appt and got a blood test done. Buy fitness shoes. update 9/3: bought comfortable shoes that slip over my feet and they're awesome. Apply for my passport. Try a Tai Chi class. update 24/2: Went to my first one today. Unsure whether I'll keep going right now or start with the beginner's in July. Make a dentist appt. update 10/3: called this morning for appt in two weeks time. Quit my job. update 21/2: Stated my intention to resign to my manager. One step at a time. update: 13/3: Last day of work today. Booyeah! Some of these I'm just putting off because I'm anxious about trying new things; other things are big ones I've been avoiding because I'm scared. But no more dicking around, I wanna get these stupid things done and out of my life. I only need to accomplish one a week to get them all done, and hopefully by the time week 6 comes around I'll have built enough momentum up to chuck my job in without blinking, but we'll see. ------------------------------------------------------------- Miscellaneous other things to remember. Diet Rules. (not enforced, but necessary) No gluten. No processed foods. Minimal dairy. Minimal added & refined sugar. Try to source food from local outlets instead of Woolworths. I experimented with Paleo last challenge and it worked well, but now I know what kind of foods upset my body and what doesn't so I won't be "Paleo" as such, just not eating crap that hates my guts. (teehee.) I like penut butter and snow peas, What can I say? Anyway, I also feel like I'm missing out on real wonderful produce that my part of the world creates, so I intend to try and do my shopping elsewhere, hopefully eventually compiling a master list of where I can buy everything that I need. And I think that's everything for now. I might fine tune this more before next week but I'm pretty keen to get started! Except for those boss battles, those I'm fearing a little.

What's up rebels? I'm a 20 something who had recently lost a ton of weight doing CARDIO CARDIO CARDIO and eating BLAND BORING FOOD. Okay so that wasn't really sustainable and I gained a little back. Now I'm ready to get STRONG and also improve my running endurance by eating the right foods to keep me going and actually are tasty. I love running and want to do an ultra one day. I am a bike commuter for most of the year. Okay and my high school reunion is coming up in July and even if I can't go because of work I still have a GOAL of dropping back down to the size 12 I was back in high school by then. Looking for allies in this journey!

Day 1: I've outlined my goals in the level 1 rebels forum, but basically I want to build muscle, (cardiac and body). I've been Paleo since January 2nd (really January 3rd, but I made my decision on the 2nd). I just finished my Beginner Body Weight Circuit, I've still got all the basic amounts for reps, except plank, I'm up to 20s. Today felt like I needed to force myself to do the workout. I guess I'm just not a morning person. Now I need to get breakfast Brunch. Any Suggestions? Eggs are always an option, but I want to see if there are any other suggestions of food for me to try. Paleo has really given me the motivation to cook for myself. Signing off BludEvil