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Hey guys, so I just started to go to the gym today! I found a gym near where I live and I'm loving it there. It was really hard at the beginning and I almost puked! And now my body is sore. Haha! Despite everything though, I have never felt better. I'm proud of myself and I hope I'd continue this until I reach my goal. I'm 5'4 and 125 lbs. Not really so fat, but I'm very weak. I'm planning to lose my body fat and be stronger.

Hello Rangers! Since I had so much fun last year, so I signed up for another Warrior Dash, this time July 11th in Minnesota! And my mother, my sibling, my best friend, and her boyfriend are all going to do it with me! So I have four challenges to get in Warrior Dash form! Last year my time was one hour and fifteen minutes and I was unable to climb over the Great Warrior Wall. But not this year! Main Quest: Complete the Warrior Dash in under 1:15 and complete all obstacles! Goals: Find a gym and use it! It's January and icy and cold. So I need a place where I can run indoors and I need a pull up bar, if only so that I can look longingly upon it. For this goal I will "interview" the three gyms closest to me, as well as my potential "home gym" and then start using one. As long as I go to the gym, get changed, warm up and cool down, it's a victory! This is a two part goal: Weeks 1-3: Interview the gym, do a minimum of two strength training sessions, and two running sessions, and take a yoga course, if offered.Weeks 4-6: Pick a gym and use it four times a week.Reward: An exercise armband for my phone A: 4+ work outs per week, 4 gyms interviewed B: 3 work outs per week, 3 gyms interviewed C: 2 work outs per week, 2 gyms interviewed D: 1 work out per week, 1 gym interviewed F: No effort Get enough sleep! I have more motivation and feel better when I get enough sleep. And I look better too! So I need to consistently get eight or more hours of sleep a night. For this goal I will start getting ready for bed at 10:30, this means brushing my teeth, getting into pajamas, turning on my heated mattress pad and what not. On days when I'm not home at 10:30, I will start getting ready right when I get home. Reward: If I start getting ready at 10:30 I may either read until 11:00 or listen to a meditation as I'm falling asleep. A: 6+ days starting at 10:30 B: 5 days starting at 10:30 C: 4 days starting at 10:30 D: 3 days starting at 10:30 F: Less than 3 days starting at 10:30 Take care of myself! I've found that in the past that post-workout stretching happens if it's a separate goal. So for this goal I will stretch after each work out, and give myself permission to take extra rest days, especially if I am sick or feeling under the weather. I will only take two or more additional rest days in the event of an emergency. Reward: I will either buy myself a new book, or get a massage. A: 6+ days starting at 10:30 B: 5 days starting at 10:30 C: 4 days starting at 10:30 D: 3 days starting at 10:30 F: Less than 3 days starting at 10:30 Drink enough water! I've been feeling headachy lately and it's not fun. So for this goal I will drink two and a half full water bottles (or 8 glasses) everyday. If this is too much water or too little I'll change this goal to match my needs. Water consumed during exercising doesn't count towards my daily intake. Reward: I'll buy myself a brand new water bottle, one that isn't dented and doesn't leak. A: 6+ days drinking 8 glasses B: 5 days drinking 8 glasses C: 4 days drinking 8 glasses D: 3 days drinking 8 glasses F: Less than 3 days drinking 8 glasses Life Quest: Conquer the Russian Cases! I can definitely speak Russian to save my life, but I can't properly use the case endings to save my life. For this goal I am going to study the uses and endings of the five Russian cases (six but I already use Nominative) and I will make flashcards to study them. The point is to finish this challenge with a better grasp of case endings, and a large flashcard deck to study from. Reward: A trip to the Russian Museum of Art A: Flashcards for 5 cases B: Flashcards for 4 cases C: Flashcards for 3 cases D: Flashcards for 2 cases F: Flashcards for 1 case New Job Clause: I am in the process of interviewing for a new job with an actual 8-4 schedule. In the event that I get the job and switch jobs/schedules mid-challenge I am free to take one week to get things figured out. Everything that I do that week counts towards my goals, everything I don't do doesn't result in a penalty.

Trials, The Tribulations. Alliteration, as always, an abstract aptitude allows anyone awaiting an awesome acknowledgment at any altitude an absolute application acquired ages ago after acing all applicable areas. K...I think I am done now... Anywho, back to the challenges after a leave of absence; I had taken leave as I had lost my path to level 50 and searched for it again. I had found that I really do enjoy these challenges, and look forward to accomplishing life goals again. Listed below was my Level 50 Goals as a project in works: Main Quests: Work out to improve overall health Document and Improve PR's of weighted workouts Improve Running: 5k [3.27 miles 26:30-ish on 19 November 2014; 30:05 on 9 June 2014]; 10k, 1/2 marathon Ruck 20 miles in full battle weight Become proficient with weapons: Bow, Hand Gun, Long arms (rifle, shotgun, etc) Learn a martial Art; Learn a sword style Learn a second language Learn a third language Earn a Master's Degree Dive Florida Keys; Australia/Great Barrier Reef; Japan This past month, I realized finances are pretty darn important as most of those quests will cost money (through acquiring and instructions). I thought I had my finances under control, but I have recently reached my max credit on my credit card and it gave me the heebie-jeebies to make some adjustments A bit of backstory; I had a roommate who was supplying some income and was able to pay for himself (or so I considered). For one reason or another, lost the job and no longer had that income. Being the nice guy I am, I tried to continue affording our cost of living while he searched for another job. 30 days later, I know I couldn't bear the burden and had to kick him out (no hard feelings on either side; roommate is currently living with someone else while he continues looking for a job). I also purchased tickets to attend my college roommate's wedding (who invited me as his Best Man) and didn't really have the "emergency/slush fund" to pay for it. Between those two, I am sure I will be swinging my finances back on the right side of the track, but I want to actually take the nerd approach to my financial issues this challenge; and I also need to clean the house. With that, this six week challenge now comes into play 6 Week Quest Fitness: Gym Workouts 2x/week with Bodyweight workout 1x/week If failed, Bodyweight workout replacement Aerobic Workout 2x/week Life: Build budget spreadsheet of at least three months prior to analyze finances Pay off as much debt as possible [Credit Card > Student Loan > Car Loan > Personal Loan] Clean all rooms of house [2 bedrooms a complete mess; 1 bedroom, living/dining, kitchen, and 2.5 bath need maintenance] For this challenge I am willing to sacrifice my workouts for my life goals, as I am stressing too much over my finances. I am not comfortable reporting the minute details of my finances online, but I will say that the debt tier is in order of percent interest (Credit card with highest and Personal Loan with lowest interest rate). I have already made steps forward in controlling my finances [kicking out the roommate; unfortunate, but needed to be done; and I have also canceled my Satellite TV service as I no longer watch TV with the exception of Netflix (100/month > 11/month)] Big shoutout to anim07734! This first week will be entertaining as I will be traveling Wednesday to 7258 ft ASL and returning on Sunday. Due to elevation, I may not have the energy [or air] to complete my workouts, and my main mission is to support the wedding. I will get what I can accomplished, but I won't be terribly disappointed if things don't go as planned. I will at least have the analysis done on my finance and start cutting other money drains.

Like Thorunn from the series Vikings. Part 2 Background information: When I joined Nerd Fitness about one year ago I was struggling with health problems (probably due to an enormous lack of self-discipline). By discontinuing the birth control pill (instead golden spiral) and taking homeophatic pills for some weeks in order to put the hormone balance back in order I was able to step stairs again without being totally exhausted after only 10 steps. Damn, I was jumping up the stairs from the ground floor to the third floor at university (66 stairs) and felt so proud of it I still prefer to use the stairs instead of the elevator, there are only a few exceptions every now and then. At the end of September I did a 5 day fasting cure and this finally really dragged me out of my health issues. Feeling so awesome and loving life again after only holing up in my room being depressive for 2.5 years. That's an indescribable feeling Last week I did a second 5 day fasting cure but messed up the build-up days completely. Yesterday I gave in to cravings, ate all afternoon long and am still struggling with the consequences Another good thing nevertheless is that I started hitting the gym again with the start of this week. Have been there Monday and Wednesday and enjoyed it so extremely much. I like the feeling of the muscles burning and vibrating like hell - or better said, the feeling you get afterwards Last challenge: Well, I fulfilled only one quest and that's way my Earl Svakhet isn't giving me the permission to go yet but he saw that I am trying and is giving me another chance. Due to the last challenge now going for a walk regularly is something I don't wanna miss anymore. This challenge: Finally stop running away and adapt the new daily routine! Running away: I know I should stay at university and study there but instead I am driving home, eating all day long what is resulting in being overloaded and sick and because of that I can hardly study anything. New daily routine: 6 AM: alarm clock + get ready 7 AM: go to city, study + drink 1 liter water + go for a half hour walk at noon, go for a walk / visit the gym in the late afternoon and then have dinner (if the schedule allows this order) 7 PM: drive back home 8 PM: sleep 10 PM: study + drink 1 liter water and 1 liter tea 1 AM: sleep --> 7 hours sleeping --> 8+ hours studying --> 2+ hours doing sports --> 1 hour eating This is valid for the days Mon - Fri. On Saturday I am heading home at 4 PM and then spend the rest of the weekend doing housework and meeting friends but trying to be at home as little as possible. The Quests: If a quest is not fulfill-able on a day because of a good reason the day gets discarded. Main Quest: Adapt the new daily routine 1) Work out Hit the gym 3 times a week and go for a 5 km walk every "no-gym day". Haven't found any workout plan I want to follow yet anyway. Rather planless training therefore unfortunately. I am going to do this Workout #1 HIIT on the elliptical trainer and try some Crossfit also if that's possible at the gym but basically use this next six week to get used to training again and try out the different stations at the gym. 100% +3 STR, +2 STA + 1 DEX 90% +2 STR, +1 STA, +0.5 DEX 80% +1 STR, +0.5 STA 2) Stay hydrated Drink three two liters water or tea per day. 100% +3 CON 90% +2 CON 80% +1 CON 3) Do intermittent fasting Do a 16 h fast every day from Mon - Fri. 100% +3 CON 90% +2 CON 80% +1 CON Life Quest: Succeed at university 4) Study enough Study 8 hours per day from Mon - Fri. 100% +3 WIS 90% +2 WIS 80% +1 WIS

Hi fellow rebels! I've been going up and down with these diet/fitness challenges for a year or 2 now and I've decided to FI-NAL-LY get it over with and do it properly! I'm quite new to Nerdfitness, so I hope this'll help me get through, just as I would love to motivate others!! Here is my list of quest for my first 6-week challenge. MAIN QUEST: Lose 3 kgs (I've had serious difficulties with weight loss due to hypotension (need food for more energy) and a ridiulously slow metabolism, so that's about all I can do I think) SIDE QUESTS: - Leave that PB&J sandwich I crave every day for a friday night snack, when I need it the most after an exhausting week! - Be consistent in my workouts. 2 days of cardio, 3 days of strength, one day of yoga practice every week. - Up that protein intake to 90 grams every day. Additional side quest: Make a healthy diet-friendly Christmas dinner for the entire family and don't drink on New Year's Eve! LIFE QUEST: - Study for maths every day and ace those exams so I can get into a good college abroad next year!! I'd love to get tips from all of you!! My starting day is tomorrow (Lifestye changes ALWAYS start on Monday, just because it's easier ) I can't wait to complete this challenge successfully (and I SHOULD!!) Happy 6-week challenge!

Dear awesome fellow NF-followers, It's been a while since I visited this forum (hence the respawn), but I'm very motivated to get back on track and kick some ass by working out and eating right. This year september, I've started at the university and therefore moving away from my parents' house and started living on my own. I've been eating quite ok, mostly Paleo-ish for dinner, I drink mostly water and I don't eat candy or cookies. Next to that some healthy snacking in the weekends (peanuts) and I've cut back on drinking beer. Also, I've joined an Ultimate Frisbee club, which is freakin' awesome and I would recommend it to everyone! So I get my weekly workouts at least once a week. (loads and loads of sprinting ) I have been on and off strenght training routines in the past (last one in june I guess), but I really like to pick it up again. I now have access to a proper gym (I already bought the membership) and I'm gonna use this month to set goals for myself and try to sort everything out. I'm a bit scared to step foot in the gym for the first time, especially because I'm quite weak atm. So I'm also gonna use this month to build some strength again and get used to a routinely way of exercising. I have a pair of dumbbells in my room which I use for some compound exercised in combination with bodyweight exercises. I started with this last week. My most challenging goal for this month is to make up a good diet scheme. I really like the freedom that I have now that I live on my own, but I still need to get it structured. I have to think of a good way to prep meals and what to replace my breakfast and lunch with. I now eat either two sandwiches with chocolate sprinkles or a bowl of yoghurt with a banana in the morning and 4 peanut butter sandwiches at lunch. I want to replace this with more Paleo-ish dishes. Omelettes for example. I'll work it out. My dinners are mostly Paleo as mentioned and snacking is an apple, a banana or some peanuts in the weekends. I've been experimenting with some easy Paleo recipes and my goal is to gather lots of em and try which recipes fit my schedule best. I've also been thinking about Intermittent Fasting (I'm a big fan of Anthony Mychal, also because I can relate to the skinny-fatness), but I think that's too much of change in one go. Maybe I'll work up to it. Long story short: I'm gonna use this month to sort everything out and set goals for myself, so that I can (cliché, I know) start fresh next year. Keep track of everything and accomplish goals!

As I walked into the gym the first time I felt like a stranger in a strange land. I was hit by an overpowering sent of sweat and Axe bodyspray. Strange torcher devises littered the floor. And grunting giants roamed between them aimlessly. Here there be meat heads. I did a few stack machines and then some cardio and got the heck out. As any good stranger in a strange land I then began to research this alien world. I listened to podcasts asked my friend and generally stumbled around the internet. Until I found the proverbial "Old Ben" hiding in plain sight of Nerd Fitness. I am much more confident but I still struggle to get any time with the true lifting area because of the meat heads that tend to monopolize it. So now I humbly partition the dissensions of the internet, Is my tale a common one? Do you have any suggestions to help me navigate? Are there any unwritten rules of civility that are employed? Any good horror stories out there?

Previously on my journey, I was a Pokemon master, who fell out of her universe to land in a strange place she now has to learn to call home. It’s called Hogwarts, nobody knows me here, and since I look kinda weird and don’t fit in, I have to rely on other things to get where I want to be. To quote the headmaster: “Really, Hagrid, if you are holding out for universal popularity, I'm afraid you will be in this cabin for a very long time.†I’m not channeling my inner Hagrid though, pleasant as that would be. I’m currently tiny little Snape, trying to get in with the cool kids, find a new home outside of the old one, a place to call home, and a place in the world. If I manage to do meet my goals, I’ll allow myself to slip into the skin of another person. I won’t do it the GoT House Bolton way, I’ll instead use a Polyjuice Potion. Which is only slightly less disgusting. There will be a lot of goals. But many of them are just things that I need in daily life. Habit building on a small scale. History of Magic: History of magic is boring. So is the school I’ll be going to. But I need to ace this. I’m smart. I really am, despite the decisions I sometimes make. It’s usually easy for me to learn things, but I’m lazy. I’m also not really looking forward to school because I’d rather just work, and because all the other people there will be 16-18. A big issue I need to tackle is the shame I’m feeling, and the feeling of being a big fat fail. Which will be put into big relief when 23 year old me is thrown at the same stage as all those little 16 year old girls. I need to get over myself and not let that put me down, I need to focus on what’s important, bring home good grades, study and make the most of this chance. I also need to not skip school or be annoyed at the classes I have to take (I need 120 hours of typing class. Which seems ridiculous to me in the age we’re living in, but I might just be the only nerd in that class that types more than she talks). I’ll have 2 days of school per week, which really isn’t much when I think about it. So! Goals: Do ALL the homework. Take notes in class & participate. Keep a tidy folder for school. If there’s an exam or other thing, ace it. Rewards: Knotgrass Powdered bicorn horn Potions: I’m eating healthy. However, I also need to eat smart. All the time I’ve put into researching bentos and whatnot can now finally be put to the test. Ideally, I’d like to have a meal plan. In fact, I might just type it up and add it here (since I’m writing this a week before the new challenge starts, chances are I’ll have it done by then). My mom is making all the dinner and whatnot, so there’s nothing for me to worry about. But I have to bring lunch to work/school with me now. I have a 90 minute lunch break, which means technically I’d have more than enough time to go out and buy a pizza. But I’m not earning nearly enough for that, and it’s lazy and unhealthy. I just bought a two-tiered lunch box that can keep food both cold and warm (we don’t yet have a kitchen at work, so no microwave or fridge) and I need to use it. Goals: Make a “Rosie Projectâ€-ish standardized meal plan. Bring lunch with me to school/work every day. (possibly not fridays, as I get off work at 1) Take pictures of the lunch. Rewards: Leeches Jogwarts club: Exercise. Life has just gotten a hell of a lot busier. I’d like to exercise three days a week, which isn’t much when you think about it. Ideally this means gym 3 times a week, but I have to see whether I’ll actually manage to drag myself to gym after work. If not, I’ll have to quit. I can’t afford to pay 50 bucks per month and then not go. Whatever the outcome, I need to do some form of exercise 3 times a week. Even if it’s just 5 minutes of hooping or a quick crazy-dance. Goal: Exercise 3 times a week. Rewards: Lacewing flies Astronomy: It’s a huge pain in the bum, having to get up in the middle of the night to stargaze. Or, in my case, go to work. My alarm wakes me at 5.30am, so I need to be in bed early. This has worked fabulously the past week, as I was always so pooped after work I just fell straight into bed. I need to keep at it. I remember this being one of my very first goals on Nerdfitness, and I function so much better when I go to bed at a healthy time. Goals: Sleep. Sleep a lot. Read more books. Find good books to read (suggestions very welcome!) Rewards: Fluxweed (picked at full moon) Herbology: I really don’t want to end up like Eloise Midgen and have my nose, big as it already is, be off center because I tried to curse my skin pretty. So I’ll go with the traditional route - diluted bubotuber pus. Also known as a good skin care regime. I’ve fallen back in love with a proper routine thanks to those awesome Korean cosmetics I ordered. And more are on the way, straight from San Francisco’s Face Shop. They’re incredibly light, look super cute and are a joy to put on the face. I’m currently using a wildberry foam cleanser, sparkling water apple juicy toner, peach sake serum and mushroom BB cream, all from Skinfood. But, as I said, more is on the way from the good friend that also introduced me to NF, who went and bought me a busload of stuff. I also do face masks more often now, because I bought a kilo of healing earth and can’t not smear it all over my face. Goals: Skin care every morning. Skin care every evening. At least 3 masks per week, ideally one every night (but I don’t want to overload my skin/have to buy even more products, so the minimum will be healing earth mask 3 times a week!) Rewards: Shredded boomslang skin (because obviously that's what you want after you've followed a strict skin care regime for 6 weeks) Hair from someone's head. This looks like a lot at first glance. But really it's just basic survival skills, be it for Hogwarts or muggle life. I've thought a lot about the things I want to do, and challenge myself to do, and things I'd like to experience, do or make. But what it comes down to is this. Habits that I need, desperately, to survive. And I need Nerdfitness in my life to help me with all of this. Because you’re awesome. Grading is as usual in Hogwarts: Outstanding Exceeds Expectation Acceptable Poor Dreadful Troll

Challenge 3 - OneEyedWolfie's 30 Rock challenge Hi all! The first challenge helped me get focused. The 2nd challenge really helped with my running. The 3rd challenge I hope, will help me combine running with the gym. That's why I want to join the rangers! I am studying Lean and Six sigma, like my hero Jack from Tina Fey's 30 Rock. So I will throw out some 30 rock references as I go. This is my project charter, there are many like it but this one is mine! Main Quest: Jack Attack! Lean mind, lean body ....be a ranger! 1. Train using a Convict conditioning hybrid. I am following convict conditioning now, but find I can focus more in the gym. I am moving through the steps and using Paul's suggestions, throwing in an alternative workout on top of the training to keep things fresh e.g. as well as push ups, I do dips or bench press. Going to complete C25k ( on week five) and have Run Zombies running at the same time. It's synergy people- don't fight it, it's bigger than all of us! I will then progress to 10k. I will score this using my HEART. Hard equations and rational thinking. A = 3 workouts a week and complete C25K programme for the week. B = 2 workouts and miss a C25K session C = 1 workout and miss 2 C25K sessions F= no training that week. 2. Eat paleo meals twice a day and vary my third meal with carbs. Almost carb cycling to aid in fat loss and muscle growth. I get one cheat meal a week, any more and I take points. I will score this as A = 3 meals a day as described B = 2 meals a day as described but 1 was a 'cheat' C = 1 meal a day as described but 2 were a 'cheat' F= diet went out the window that day 3. Get more sleep and recovery. Remember to relax Last challenge I had an injury that I tried to work around, in the end I couldn't. I learnt a lot which is why my wisdom is quite high. I will aim for 8 hours of sleep. I need to get to the gym for 6.30 for a 45 min session or wake up at 6 for a session at home / outside. My little boy is 2, my wife is 23 weeks pregnant so I need to sneak around like Nixon, the wire tapping bastard. I will score this as A = 8 hrs as described B = 7 hrs C = 6 hrs F= 5 hrs or less Life Quest Get a secondment! I am actually going for a job interview today but my goal is to get a promotion for 6-12 months to get the experience in improvement and innovation within my organisation. To do this I am studying for my black belt in service improvement. I don't see a module for handshakingness though. By the end of each week I want to complete and pass a module. Ok Wolfie, it's the bottom of the 9th. What you gonna do?! Your mommys fancy boy! You're a lion! Take it, it's yours! Wish me luck

Hey fellows! Tomorrow the new university semester starts. I am lagging behind with the subject matters. I start the 5th semester now and have to deal in addition with 3 subjects from the 3rd semester and 3 subjects from the 4th semester. If I don't pass those I cannot study this study course anymore. So there's a lot of work to do this semester. I applied for a job for preparatory work during the week and working at Saturday near university. So I'd go by bus to the city earlier, do the preparatory work and then walk to university. I need a work besides studying. I've been working for four years every Sunday until March and I really miss it (not the working place where I've been but the physical labour itself). I plan to write some more applications the next days to make sure I get a new job. I am going to fit out my locker at university with all I need for studying and then only study at university or while doing cardio at the gym but not anymore at home. This way I want to get rid of my eating habits (giving in to cravings every few minutes) and procrastination plus have a fixed time for rest in the evening. In the morning I will have a filling breakfast but without grain because this makes me tired so fast. Any suggestions? At lunch I am going to eat at the canteen. I prefer to eat every few hours but preparing food for a whole day which I store in my bento box every evening is nothing I'd be able to deal with for a longer time as far as I know myself. I'll just put some fruits and vegetables in the bento box for inbetween snacking. In the evening I will have some fish (tuna, salmon, ..) with salad. At weekends I will go out with friends and go hiking a lot.This will be rather expensive and I don't know yet exactly how I should be able to afford that but I am sure this whole daily routine will do me the world of good. During the breaks between the lectures I will walk around the building or during longer breaks I will go for a walk outside. As everytime after eating at the canteen I will have a walk afterwards. To reach the gym in the city I have to go 1 km and I aim to go there two to three times a week. If everything goes as planned life would be rather awesome then I guess. At least way better than it's been the last 3 years. Why I am posting this here is to ask you if you have got any suggestions for me. Any things I didn't think of, I missed or any tips for implementation. Like ideas for breakfast or dinner for example. Or ideas on how to find a job fitting to a student's timetable. Whatever. I am scared to mess this all up again and then I'd have wasted 3.5 years at university for getting a degree that you could get in three years but in the end having 'nothing'. So any piece of advice, every idea - no matter how crazy - is welcome. Greetings Magnhild

Sorry I don't have a fancy theme for this challenge. If anyone wants to suggest one, by all means, hit me with it I figured it was more important to get this posted than to delay it for "pretty-ification" So, I stepped into the realm of getting a personal trainer the other week. It feels so weird to have one, to have sat down for a consultation/talk and really got my brain picked and examined AND got to butt heads with a great smart guy. This challenge is really about me following direction (from someone I signed a waver form with lol). I'm kinda nervous about this and I'm really realizing just how stubborn I can be! This challenge is defined by the goals we set (and might change) depending on how my body reacts and such. I talked to Cody (mine and my wife's personal trainer) and purchased some sessions with him. I don't think I'll have the extra income to get more sessions after the initial four, but I am going to do my best to implement what he teaches and shares this challenge. He asked me what my main motivations were, so I shared them... he knows them now... no turning back, right? The goals I shared were the following: 1. Be healthy and around for my kids (best. motivation. ever.) 2. Do a real pull up (because it would be bad-arse!) 3. Do a Tough Mudder (because I'm crazy?) 4. Get more comfortable in the gym (told him about the mental struggles I've had and still do to some extent) 5. Get comfortable with lunges again (used to be in fencing in freshman year of college and loved it) I know they're all over the place, but he said they were good things and was impressed. Fun part is that I've got a trainer who's girlfriend is a HUGE nerd (and fitness) person. I really hope by the end of this time with him I can convert his girlfriend to Nerd Fitness lol. His exact words were "I believe my girlfriend loves Link more than she does me." He also told me one of his own goals is to do AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR, so that's pretty cool. Main Quest still remains, do a real pull up. Two "Simple" goals yet again. 1. Workout I'm working out 4-5 times a week. (3 workouts 1-2 cardio days)Doing my best to do what is prescribed. (not a clue what he's got in mind yet)I already know he wants me to do warm-ups on the stairs machine.... I think that's to get me more used to lunges and such (and to make me use something I've never touched in my life lol) 2. Food Metrics! Follow prescribed/adjusted metrics as best I can.Calories 2,500Carbs 250Protein 188Fat 834:1 egg ratioPic logging with Metal_WeaverTrack food on gym site as best as possibleHe said I wasn't eating enough to lose weight. Which after looking at things, it makes sense. I've basically been starving my body even as I push it. If I don't fuel it properly, it will go into starvation mode and hold onto everything. In this area, he kept mentioning low-fat foods and while I can't follow paleo to the letter of the law, it still made me cringe. I will do what I can to eat reasonably and still try and avoid so much of this 'low fat' stuff. If that means I have to cut out cheese (<has a moment of silence for this loss>) for this or do his suggested 4:1 ratio on eggs to egg whites... then I'll do it. It's just one challenge and I need to show some trust and willingness to listen to his advice. I know he's the type of trainer that's not going to harp on the food thing, so that's reassuring. I'm also going to keep pic logging with Metal_Weaver throughout this and doing my best to log things on the gym site so Cody has a good idea what I'm eating. Oh and I did get to pick his brain on warm-ups. He equated it to studying for a test the night before the exam. If you study all night and then don't get much sleep, you're going to perform worse on the test than if you actually got a full night's rest. Same goes for warm-up. It's to get the blood flowing, but it shouldn't be a separate workout all in itself. Overall, his take is that it's a mental thing to get you ready to workout. so that's good to know. I've also asked him to show me stretches to aid in whatever we're doing for the day, so if there's any pre-stretches that would make an exercise better I'm hoping to pick them up Note: Also, this month, August 16th, to be exact, I hit my 35th birthday. (My dad also has his birthday on the 24th.) So, that'll be something to both look forward too, but also to plan ahead for on how I'm going to handle the celebration. (I think if my parents give me cash for my birthday, I'm going to go up to the gym and get some more sessions lol) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section is a reminder to myself that I have come a long way and yet the journey isn't over. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Previous 9 Challenges: BlamedCat Wars: Episode 1: The Fatman MenaceBlamedCat Wars: Episode 2: Attack of the GroansBlamedCat Wars: Episode 3: Rehinge of the PithBlamedCat Wars: Episode 5: The Return of Three Dead NighBlamedCat travels to Mt. KoltsBlamedCat trains on Mt. KoltsBlamedCat's Second Rite of Ascension Challenge!BlamedCat's Return - Lets have a dark match!BlamedCat's Enough is Enough (Let’s get down to business) Challenge

I don't know if a thread like this already exists so I apologize for my ignorance if there already is one. This thread is sort of inspired by the "Overheard in the gym - Share!" thread. I thought it would be cool and inspiring to see what others have achieved, whether it's in the gym, sports, martial arts, hobbies, health and fitness goals or even other goals you might have. Share what you've achieved and let's make this a positive thread. I achieved something yesterday. I reached a new maximum dead lift yesterday, pulling 170kg (374Ibs). My previous best about three months ago, was 140kg (308Ibs). This Monday coming I will be attempting a new maximum squat of 140kg (308Ibs) with my previous best being 120kg (264Ibs).

Hi guys, I'm starting a uni course in September and I want to hit the ground running with a gym membership. In the past, I've been a bit too timid in the gym and stuck to the cardio and weight machines - weights were always something the proper gym bunnies used, not someone like me. But, I've decided/realised that I'm never going to complete my quest without using weights, so I've got to tackle the weights section. Problem is, I'm clueless. I wouldn't know where to begin. So, I'm wondering if someone can recommend an iPhone app which provides training schedules and guides for strength training work at the gym? I don't mind paying, but free is better! Thanks guys, ChairmanDavey NB. I have tried searching the forums, but 'iOS', 'gym', and 'app' all have too few characters for the search function. Sorry if it's been posted before!

Hi, I'm not sure how many other members of the Rebellion are based in Scotland but I'm looking for a recommendation for a good gym in the Glasgow area. I am keen to try strength training and would love to learn how to deadlift properly but I'm a) unsure what sort of gym I'm looking for (there are lots of gyms with shiny equipment and some freeweights but will there be someone there to actually help with my form?) there are a few boxing gyms about but I'm not sure how female friendly they'd be and I'm quite nervous about going somewhere and being completely clueless about what I'm doing...although I would actually love to get into boxing! I'll be honest, I'm surprised I'm even asking this question as although I've always looked at barbells and thought "I'd like to do that", I've never thought it would be something I could tackle, but reading the stories on NF has made me think I should give it a go. Any help gratefully received!

I live in the Crofton area. I frequently workout at the golds gym in Glen burnie during lunch. I love the outdoors and rock climbing. I go to Earth treks frequently. I am hoping to find a workout partner. Really just someone that motivates me to get to the gym on a regular basis. I would love to teach someone how to climb and that as well.

Mission: Start my journey out of the 200 club once and for all - step out of that comfort zone! My last challenge focused on getting myself somewhat in the mindset of losing weight with minimal failure - discovering myself, my strengths and weaknesses, what I like and dislike, etc. Well, now it's the time to put on my cowgirl boots and get to work. I'm also going to up my grading scale so it'll be a bit more challenging. Quests: #1: Create a routine I'm not saying a daily routine from the time I wake up until I go to bed, but a routine. You know, the routine you have when you shower and brush your teeth and eat lunch and dinner and all of that daily stuff. It isn't scheduled, but it just happens. I'm sure there are some people out there that look at the clock and scream "Oh gosh! It's 10:01pm!! I'm a minute and twenty seconds late in brushing my teeth!!!" But I'll be okay with looking outside, noticing that it's dark, and thinking to myself "Hmm, I need to brush my teeth soon" and go ahead and do so after killing the dragon I'm fighting in Skyrim. So lets throw some of these bad boys into my "daily routine": - brushing teeth - going for a small walk - cleaning the pool/hot tub - going to the gym - fixing up my face - reading - dishes - keeping up with my bedroom, bathroom, and office room - relaxation time! - go back to logging my food, since I've been neglecting that majorly Grading: A - I successfully incorporated at least 7/10 of these into my daily routine! (+2 CON, +3 WIS) C - I incorporated a few of these into my daily routine, but could have done better work. (+1 CON, +1 WIS) F - I didn't do crap. (+0 CON, +0 WIS) Yeah, I don't take good care of myself when it comes to brushing teeth. THAT'LL CHANGE THOUGH!! I'm already a week or so into this "habit" and have been doing good! Onward... #2: STEP INTO THE GYM Sending myself to the gym is like pulling teeth, and that'll only happen if A ) I'm heavily drugged. or B ) I stop letting this damn social anxiety eat me alive and go. I just need to GO. Rianne, you have been building yourself up mentally to the EXTREME to get to this point, and this may be the opportunity for you to finally do this! June 13th (hahaah friday the 13th, a day of a full moon as well) I'll set my foot into the gym, scope around and see where everything is set up, and do some work. As long as I exercise for as long as it took me to get there and back home, I'll be happy. After I take that initial step, I'll begin to incorporate that into my ritual and make it into a habit. I will go for at least 21 days during this challenge. I will be greatly rewarded, much happiness. Grading - A - Yay! I went at least 21 days - actually, I went above and beyond 21 days and am kinda sorta okay with going now! (+2 STR, +2 STA, +1 CHA) B - Yay! I went at least 21 days! (+2 STR, +2 STA) C - Hey, baby steps, right? I went between 5-10 days and am damn proud of it! (+1 STR, +1 STA) D - I still have a lot of work to do. That's okay. I went, I tried to conquer, I somewhat failed, but I still get a shiny point! (+1 STA) F - I didn't go. sadface. (+0 STA) #3: Get sum smarts - more books, more brownie points! I have some of these on my list of books-to-read and books-to-finish: 21st century yoga - culture, politics, & practicewill grayson, will graysonit starts with fooda unified theory of happinessIf I can get through all of these, I'll be a super happy camper, since they're been on my back burner for a while and I keep saying I have no time to read, or do anything else for that matter... Grading: A - I read 4 books! (+5 WIS) B - I read 3 books! (+4 WIS) C - I read 2 books! (+3 WIS) D - I read 1 book! (+2 WIS) F - Yeah... not this time. (+0 WIS)

Wow. My first challenge thread. This is exciting. Main Quest Lose 12lbs (to get down to 172lbs) in six weeks. All the side quests will contribute to this but I'll also be tracking all my food and exercise on My Fitness Pal. Grading: A-F (not pass/fail because I don't want to berate myself for not losing enough weight. This is the goal but as long as the scale moves down, I consider that a win). Side quests Go to the gym three times per week This might be for body weight training, weight lifting, cardio or some HIIT mix. Most of the time, one session a week will be with a personal trainer so it's the other two sessions I really need to push myself get to. This is on top of roller derby training 1-3 times per week. Grading: A-F Do one full chin up by the end of the challenge I have a pull up bar in my house and have been doing negatives. I feel a long way off this but I'm going to practice every day. I'm also going to make sure I train biceps and back to build more strength there as this will help. Grading: Pass/fail Cut out processed food/drink five days a week I think it might be a bit too much of a push to cut processed food out completely. Plus, we all need treats. This is the first step to a cleaner/greener lifestyle that should also help me to lose weight. This includes alcohol. Grading: A-F Life quest Save £400 by the end of the challenge My savings have been seriously depleted by a non-paying client. I need to recoup that money (I'll be fine if they pay!) by starting from scratch. This is all to go towards a car that roars. I'm going to do this by keeping a closer eye on my finances, cutting out unnecessary spending, taking on more work and putting money aside on a weekly basis (roughly £66 per week). Grading: A-F (Could be pass/fail but any money saved is good so I'm not going to punish myself with a fail if I only save £300) I want to add stat points to all of this but I'm not sure of the best way to do it. Advice appreciated on this.

Hello Challengers! This is my second challenge, and having learnt a lot from my last one, this time my goal is simpler, more concise and altogether less arbitrary. By the end of this 6 weeks, I want to have visible abs, and that means sub 15% body-fat. That's how I will judge my success or failure- can I see my abs? Yes or no answer. I think that's a lot easier to judge than wether I reached a bunch of random numbers I know It's a vein, self absorbed goal, but it's a goal nonetheless. My starting stats: Weight - 197 Height - 5.10" Body fat % - 16.5 As a side note, iv been using a formula to figure out my body fat %, i know for a fact it isn't entirely accurate but it is consistent. I may not be 16.5% but i have definitely lost at least 6 percent from where I was before. Best of luck everyone!

- MAIN - Survive & thrive! ->Do what I have to and then do some more. 4/4 exercise a week. I usually do one group lesson on Wednesdays (either bootcamp or bodypump) and work out in the gym 1-2 times a week by myself. I'm currently squatting 45 kgs, my weight is around 62 kgs. I wonder if I can get up to bodyweight during this challenge (Not my main goal by any means, but it would be great). The amount of exercise is what's important here, though. One of four workouts can be a simple longish walk. - SUB1 -> More time in the evenings… Do not go to bed before 10 pm 6 days a week. (Use extra time for reading, cooking/baking, colouring, playing music) Ah, I love me some sleep. Meds MIGHT be playing into this, but I prefer to sleep for ridiculous amounts of time. Especially if I'm not feeling well (mentally) or if I'm simply very.bored. I'm known to go to bed at 8 pm (or even earlier at times) just because I don't feel like doing anything else. I rarely get up before 7, most days 8-ish. This means that not going to bed before 10 pm (which means I can get ready at around 9.30) should still mean plenty of hours of sleep. I just want to try Naps in the afternoon are allowed, however. -SUB2 -> Get rid of the sugar. (Yes, this has crept in again. Tbh I can’t be bothered about avoiding grains right now, but I know I can (and like) going without sugar. Let’s re-form that habit! Exceptions: Birthdays of family members (Nephew, my dad). -LIFE -> Create a spreadsheet with LOTS of ideas for the summer holidays. I'm going to get you guys involved As mentioned in the bedtime-goal - I get bored easily. When I do I feel miserable. Summer holidays... (6-7 weeks... teacher-stuff ) TERRIFY me. (Seriously). Obviously I'm looking forward to being able to do my own thing... but I need a bit more planning than just 'let's do what I feel like during the holidays'. So this challenge I want to create a list of things to do/try/achieve during summer. Then next challenge I'll make an actual schedule (keeping 2-3 days a week 'off' and having a general idea of what I'd like to do when.). This should make this summer a lot easier and better than ... ever Spreadsheet of epicness

6 Week Challenge (Well... 9 weeks ) Hey so I joined NF a while ago but Uni and a variety of other things happened.. and so I fell out of my routine. Damn! Gained 10 kg and my fitness went downhill! So this challenge is about getting myself back to having better diet and exercise habits. Main quest Get down to 65kg and be able to run a 5k. My method for doing this is: (1) To lose 5 kg in the 6 week time slot, working my way down to my weight goal. I will do this by; a) Not drinking anything aside from water/tea/milk/hot chocolate/pepsi max Making my lunch and eating it at least 4 times a week c) Keep to my nutritionists' suggestions in terms of what I should be eating d) Keeping note of everything I eat e) Carry water bottle with me and aim to finish at least two full bottles plus half after exercise f) Keeping up an exercise routine (see below) (2) To regain my exercise routine. I will do this by; a) Going to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, cardio -- treadmill (15 mins, working up to high intensity), low intensity weight training 15 mins Doing my 1/2 hour 3-5 km walk every day, rain or shine c) Biking to and from Uni at least 4 times a week (15 mins generally, 1 big hill at each end, rest flat) d) Doing 15 mins yoga Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays e) [WILL SPECIFY LATER] angry birds exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Side quests (1) Learn how to skateboard-- Motifier to help with this (2) Go on at least 2 more tramps this year Life quest Save up ~$1000 for gear Training Partner: Motifier (http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/48209-motifier-first-challenge/#entry1029883) Thats all for now Daisygirl out

Ahaa! Well, hello! I go by the name of Haniya (Hun-nee-yah; Atilla the Hun "hun") but for short you can call me Hans (yes but don't kill me) I am a not-so-quite-new newbie. Joined this site last year but due to life commitments I wasn't able to give time to this site (even though it is friggin awesome and so are the people) Basically, I am 19; standing at 57 kgs and 5'1? (I need to update this soon) with a flabtastic body I've lived long enough with this and now have—against the odds—decided to change things so here I am! Determined yet clueless as ever! I LOVE RUNNING SO MUCH. WIND AGAINST MY CHEEKS, BURNING LEGS, EXHAUSTED MIND~ everything about running is like awesomastic! M. A. J. O. R G. O. A. L: 1. Lose weight (5-10 kgs at best) 2. Add points to my stamina, endurance and strength tally. M. I. N. O. R. G. O. A. L. S 1. Cardio three times a week (Monday to Wednesday) for half an hour at most. 2. Gym three times a week WITH A PURPOSE THOU SHANT GO UNTO THE GYM CLUELESS. 3. Clean eating! (VOT IS CLEAN AND EATING?) 4. Water!!!!!!! 5. No junk food or soda. MINOR. MINOR. GOAL: 1. Learn to sing (Ellie goulding is like my idol) 2. Learn an instrument (Guitar or violin *~*) 3. FOOTBALL!! (soccer because I am crazy about it) 4. BOOKS! LOADS OF BOOKS 5. Learn to draw?? M. Y. M. O. T. I. V. A. T. I. O. N: Well~ that's a hard one because I've got many but the people who top my list are three: 1. Ellie Goulding: singer and my Idol; herself and her music basically inspire me to achieve best possible. She is my health and fitness goddess and like her, I want running to basically fuel my life. I cannot express my love and respect for her and she's the reason I am where I am—a runner. 2. Lara Croft: My childhood idol; I've followed her since childhood. I've always admired her abilities and strengths Jumping here and there, fighting off creatures and swinging from vines—basically I want to be her! 3. Merida: Tremendous bravery, grace and mean archery skills—who wouldn't be her? 4. Black widow: PSSH! DOES IT NEED ANY EXPLANATION?'! Anyway, I think I am done? So, let me know if I've missed anything? WISH ME LUCK! (I NOW RIDE ON TOWARDS MY NEW LIFE! WOOOOOOOOP)

We stood in the middle of the courtyard, formed into straight ranks. It was funny, when we first arrived at the camp, we had struggled to line up in the most basic fashion. Under the watchful guise of the training sergeants and their intense training regime, we learned quickly. Most of us had arrived soft and weak, not at all ready for the sergeants to break us. Now though, we stood tall and strong in the heat of the harsh Rakelian sun. Our backs straight, eyes forward, we met the eyes of the training sergeants as they walked around us. Every one of us had earned the right to meet them in the eye. They were superiors in rank, in training, in experience, but we were not the ‘mud-excreting recruits’ we once were. Captain Daure looked over the column one final time before he gave us one slow nod of approval. It was a sign for the soldiers around us to drag forth the heavy crates that lay at their feet and break them open. Inside each was a set of boiled leather armor and a short-sword, standard issue armament for those of our rank. “Each one of you,†the Captain said, “have struggled and fought. You’ve made it to the end of your stay here at the training camp. However,†he paused and looked a few of us in the eye, “that doesn’t make you soldiers of the Archon yet. You are not yet worthy to have our brand.†“Each one of you has earned the right to fight, and die, for the red flag of Rakelis. You are each hereby inducted to the Auxiliary Force.†He smiled, “Should you survive your first assignment and complete the remainder of your training, you will receive the rank of soldier, and be a true man of this country.†The soldiers started to pass out the equipment while I felt the folded piece of paper in my pocket. The paper I had received the final day of my training, alerting me of my promotion. The paper so many others wanted desperately to receive. Congratulations, you’ve leveled up and achieved the rank of Auxiliary! Previous Challenge Goals: Workout At Least Three Times a Week Completed Earned- STR+2, STA +1, DEX +1, CON +1 Complete Five Pull-ups Without a Break Completed Earned- STR+2, DEX +2, CHA +1 Run a Mile Without Stopping for Rest Earned- STA+3, CON+1, CHA+1 Write 500 Words Five Days a Week Partially Completed WIS+2 Current Challenge: Well, it’s been really busy for me, and I haven’t been on Nerdfitness as much as I liked, hence why I never put up a big post to wrap up my last challenge. I did manage to complete just about all of my goals, with the exception of my writing goal (which flagged towards the end of the challenge). I am super proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I’m around 177 pounds now, and I recently bench pressed a plate on each side (so 135 pounds!!!), and I can do pull-ups now like there is no tomorrow (and by that, I mean around 10 before I collapse). My next post will have my goals for this challenge. I know I’m a bit late, but at least I’ve still been going to the gym regularly. My biggest problem with creating goals this challenge is that there is the possibility I’ll have to alter them if I end up having to move for the summer. I currently live in a dorm (which means access to a gym!), but there’s a possibility I won’t be able to stay over the summer and I’ll move back home (where there’s no gym), so I may have to end up changing the goals to correspond more to bodyweight exercises.

"Since the dawn of my weight loss journey, I have come across many advices but the ones that have stood out among all of them were patience and will pow--" Uhhh..... Sorry, drama moment.. Coming back to my question: Strength training is good for weight loss, yes? Problem for me is that there isn't any gym near me so WHATSHOULDIDO? I do have a treadmill, a pair of 2 kg dumbbells in my house? and of-course, MYSELF! So, what should I do? :|

"Since the dawn of my weight loss journey, I have come across many advices but the ones that have stood out among all of them were patience and will pow--" Uhhh..... Sorry, drama moment.. Coming back to my question: Strength training is good for weight loss, yes? Problem for me is that there isn't any gym near me so WHATSHOULDIDO? I do have a treadmill, a pair of 2 kg dumbbells in my house? and of-course, MYSELF! So, what should I do? :|

Hey guys, I'm 26 years old from Australia (a big shout out to all fellow Aussies on NF!) I am an avid listener of Jonathan Bailor's 'Smarter Science of Slim' podcast and heard Steve Kamb on one of the many bonus podcasts on the show and thought that I should check out NF and see what it's all about - and I like what I see, so here I am! Over the course of last year, as you could probably tell from me listening to Smarter Science of Slim, I ate (and am continuing to eat) paleo whenever I can - lost 5-8kgs just from eating right, went down 1-2 dress sizes and I feel quite good with myself - so much so, I went to the US over my Dec-January holiday break and splashed out on a new wardobe! (And so good value too!) This year, I am focusing on going to the gym, building some muscle and reduce my body fat percentage. I will need some advice on the best exercises/routines to do so I hope that I have come to the right place! I also do soccer refereeing during the winter season and want to get much fitter for it (imagine doing 3-4 games, literally non-stop on a Saturday morning!) so I am looking forward to getting some tips on both endurance running AND sprinting. That's all from me. Cheers