Search the Community

Hello all! So, this isn't actually my first challenge. I used to post here sporadically a couple of years ago, but I'm terrible at forums so I disappeared. Since then, I sort of fell off the fitness wagon (not helped by overdoing it and messing up my back a little), but now I've climbed back on it, and decided to try posting here again. I love the community and attitude here but I am terrible at forums...I always lose track of threads and then wander off. Taking another swing at it, and because it's been so long I'm treating this as if it were my first challenge. Here's to new beginnings! Some vital stats: Name: Abraham Occupation: Transportation planner/engineer Age: 27 Height: 5'10" Weight: 207.5 lb Currently obsessed with: Sense8, anything in Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Favorite color: Red Max pull-ups: Hah. Main Quest: I kind of struggled with this as there are a million things I'd like to accomplish. Since I plan to do many of these challenges, I think I'm going to follow the approach of a book series: each individual "book" (challenge) has its own plot/goal, but all adding to the overall series story arc / main quest. I'll hop around from guild to guild to correspond with whatever the main goals of each challenge are. ...you know, I'm pretty sure that's what you're supposed to do. I guess just thinking out loud helped! Anyway, my snazzy catch phrase for the next 11 months is "build a body I'm proud of for Pride 2016." Part of this is aesthetics. This means a significantly lower body fat percentage (abs would be nice, but judging by my dad not having visible abs even when being in great shape in his 20's, they may not be in the cards...I'd be happy with a flat/firm torso), not having wet spaghetti for arms, etc. I imagine I'd be in the 175 ish pounds range, but this is more about how I look and feel than a number on the scale or even calipers. Basically, I want to feel totally at ease and comfortable taking my shirt off for the first time. Right now I'm uneasy in fitted t-shirts.It's not just about looking good though! Every May, my friend (who is a gym rat in good shape) does the Spartan Sprint, and so my performance goal is to be able to do that with him. I may not be able to keep up with him (though I will certainly try), but I want to be able to tackle the race confidently and have a reasonable shot at completing all the obstacles. This means I'll need to work towards getting stronger--especially in my upper body, which is severely lacking in the ability to do pull-ups, monkey bars, climb walls, or God forbid, rope climbs--as well as work on my endurance.As an aside, Pride 2016 = last weekend in June 2016. So that's the sneak peak of the series finale. But that's a ways off. The first step, and the main goal of this challenge, is to return to the healthy rhythm I had from mid 2013-mid 2014 and make fitness a lifestyle again. Once exercising and eating right are habits again, I can focus on more specific skills/weight-/time-/reps-/etc based goals in future challenges. My specific goals in this six-week endeavor: Work out at least four times a week. Five if my body is feeling up to it. Absolutely no less than three. My exercise program of choice is CrossFit--I love the variety and the team comaraderie, and contrary to what you might think, that isn't how I hurt my back, haha. I have a recurring appointment in my calendar for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 6:45 am before work. Mobilize, mobilize, mobilize. My core is very weak, my hamstrings and hip flexors are always tight, and I have trouble recruiting my glutes into movements...I'm a mess, mobility-wise, and that is how I ended up messing up my back. Back squats + weak core = compromised posture and too much stress on my lower back. Thankfully no herniation, but I had to take a break. Back squats are still on hold for a bit but I can front squat fine. Anyway, I will commit to doing 20+ minutes of mobility work, core strengthening, and stretching per day, as well as attending a weekly hour-long "Active Recovery" class at my gym after my Thursday workout. I even got my work schedule on Thursday pushed back so I could do the AR class. Eat well, and make it home-cooked as often as possible. Going off various BMR calculators I have set a goal in MyFitnessPal for a 2,000 calorie/day limit (let me know if you think that sounds too low/high) in effort to start shedding some of these excess pounds. It's okay if a day or two is higher, if it averages out over the course of the week. A subsidiary of this goal is to cook as often as possible and to buy lunch at work no more than once per week. Life goal: spend at least 30 minutes/day studying French. Another thing I started on a while ago and stopped. I'm very much a beginner here, but knowing English and two Romance languages (Spanish and Portuguese) should help with the vocabulary and grammar. That pronunciation though.... Well that's my incredibly verbose (re-)introduction! As annoying as it is to have fallen off the horse, the only thing you can do is get back on, and that's what I hope to accomplish. See you all around the forums!

Main quest I just got my very first pokémon. But we've got much training to do before we're ready for the road ahead. So lets get ready! To become all-around healthier so that I can direct my focus towards something more specific next time Quest 1; Feeding my new Fennekin Drink 2L of water daily A. Average of 7 days a week (by end of challenge) B. Average of 6 days a week C. Average of 5 days a week Quest 2; Winding down after a hard day of training Yoga 6 times a week A. Average of 6+ times a week B. Average of 5 times a week C Average of 4 times a week Quest 3; Pokémon league, here we come! Weight training 5 times a week A. Average of 5+ times a week B. Average of 4 times a week C. Average of 3 times a week

Introduction: Hi I am Kala and this is my first challege here. I started rock climbing recently and wnat to become strong and have the ability to climb anything. I'm training for a long hike next year in addition to rock climbing. Basically, I want to get strong, lean, and agile. Long term my goals are to get stronger, have more agility, and increase my endurance, and as a result get healthier. Quest 1 Keep Calories under 1600 every day or 11,200 over the course of a week Measurement A = 1600 every day or 11,200 per week; B = ∓ 200 calories on 3 days, C = ∓ 200 on 5 days Reward A = +3 CON; B = +2 CON ; C = +1 CON Quest 2 Work out 3 days per week for 45 minutes each time Measurement A = 45 minutes 3x a week (18 times); B = 45 minutes 15 times; C = 45 minutes 10 times Reward A = 3 STR, 2 STA; B = 2 STR, 1 STA; C = 1 STR; Quest 3 Stretch 4 times a week for 15 minutes Measurement A = 4 times a week for 15 minutes (24 times); B = 20 times for 15 minutes, C = 15 times for 15 minutes; D = 10 times for 15 minutes Reward A = +3 DEX, +2 STA; B = +2 DEX, +1 STA; C = +2 DEX; D = +1 DEX Life Quest Not spend money on any non-essential item (Food, rent, bills) Measurement A = No spending on non-essentials; B = Spend less than $50 on non-essentials Reward A = +2 WIS, B = +1 WIS Motivation: My motivation is to be strong and healthy. I want to be in control of my health and not feel like I have no control over what's going on (even if that's case).

My name is Sam and this is my first challenge. I am a huge DC Comics nerd! I also do a little RPG when I have the time. I have been out of the military for two years now and have gained some unwanted pounds. I just participated in my first Color Run (second 5k total) and ended up walking the majority. I am a single mother of two and need to get back to my military size and energy. I'm 38, 5'5" and top out at 176lbs. Would love to lose about 40lbs and get back into those size 6 jeans again. I have two main quests/motivation: 1. Completely run the next 5k Color Run, which is in September 2. Fit into my Black Canary costume before my cousin's CosPlay wedding in October SMART quests: 1. Drink 4L of water everyday. 2. Run 5 days a week (I'm attempting to follow a Couch-to-5K program) 3. 5 minutes of stretching everyday 4. Stick to a meal plan (I typically eat one meal a day and I'm going to change that to better eating habits) Side quest: Attack my social anxiety and travel with my kids Motivation: Besides the main quests, I really want to set a good example for my children in living a healthy lifestyle. Women in my family do not live past their 50's and I want to know I have done everything possible to combat that curse. And so this quest begins....

Day 208, year 1002 BBY 5km run : 30:32 Just over a 6 min/km pace. Need some work, but a good start to establishing a baseline. Next 3 weeks or so will be all about the baseline of getting in the 5k's 3x/wk and then I'll start working on getting faster. Water: TBD Eating: TBD Meditation: TBD

Here I am for another rodeo. Yeeeehaaaw! *coughcough* Sorry, my bad. After a first time that didn't go so well I am back and ready to actually accomplish some goals. Without further ado: MAIN QUEST Two weeks ago I threw out my back and couldn't move for a week. Heck, I could barely sit in one place for longer than an hour. It meant that I couldn't work out the way I usually do. Then came a week-long vacation filled with deep-fried fish and chips intermitten with other delicious but unhealthy food. Work out? What work out? In the end I put on 5lbs and lost all definition in my muscles (arms and abs in particular). GOAL: Lose 10lbs (CHA +2) Current weight: as of this morning, I am at 185lbs (ugh, I almost cried when I saw that) Goal weight: 175lbs QUEST #1: The moment I loosened up my eating habits my body immediately started feeling worse. When I tried Paleo, I felt like a goddess. I endeavor to cleanse my body and get back on the wagon. GOAL: Keep Paleo diet for 6 weeks (CON +2 STA +2) Stipulation: It is impossible for me to do kickboxing/muay thai without some extra carbs (and I hate the sweet potato) so I will be eating one regular potato before a workout each day. I will allow myself one non-Paleo meal a week. 100%-76% full marks 75%-51% (CON+1 STA +1) less than 50% no marks QUEST #2 I live in Colorado where constant hydration is key. When I add the intensity with which I exercise, I really need a lot of water to replenish my reserves and stay properly hydrated. Sadly, I'm usually severely dehydrated. GOAL: Drink 128oz of water per day (CON +2 WIS +2) Current drinking habits: about 60oz a day First 3 weeks: consistently drink 90oz/day Last 3 weeks: consistently drink 128oz/day 100%-76% full marks 75%-51% (CON+1 WIS +1) less than 50% no marks QUEST #3 I signed up for a 5K run this October and I want to run it without having to stop. GOAL: Run 3 times a week (STA +5) I will be using Couch to 5K as a guideline for my training. Schedule - Sunday morning - Tuesday afternoon - Friday evening 3 days +5 2 days +3 1 day +1 End of week 2: I have to admit that I can't do the running challenge due to a minor injury to my ankle and a bunion flare-up in my right leg. That being said, I still want to do something that will help me improve my stamina. Enter Airdyne. Goal: Do 9 minutes of HIIT on Airdyne 2 days a week (+5 STA) 3 x 3 minute sets, one (1) minute rest in-between Set: 30 seconds @ 70 RPMs 30 seconds @ 35 RPMs Most probable days: Tuesday & Thursday 2 days: full marks 1 days: +2 STA 0 days: no marks Mini-quests: Week 1: SMART goals WIS +1 (COMPLETE) - see just below Week 2: Making friends CHA+1 (COMPLETE) Week 3: The Library CHA +1 (COMPLETE) Week 5: The Cafeteria CON+1 (COMPLETE)

Hello. I'm Dreena. This is my first challenge. I realize I'm late to the party, but no matter, there is still plenty of time left in this challenge! I'm 56 years old, Mom to 5, Jack of all Trades, Paraprofessional in Special Ed Main QUEST: Lose 60 pounds and become a certified Special Ed teacher; transform from an Adventurer to a Ranger. (Thank you Nuala for helping me figure out who I am and where I'm going through your class finder!) For this challenge, I have these sub-quests Fitness Quest: Lose 3.5 pounds (2 WLP, 3 CON) by eating paleo; I'm very close to this lifestyle already, just have to divorce myself from sugar and grains Increase my steps per week by 3000 (1 STA, 1 END) Train 6 days/week: 3 days running or swimming (1 STA, 1 END), 3 days strength (3 STR) Life Quest: Get started on my first course for certification (waiting on approval to begin) (2 WIS) If approved prior to July 1, complete 2 courses (1 WIS) What the heck, I'll throw in a fun quest too: Take my little ones camping at least once during the challenge (1 CHA) Yes, I know that makes 16 points. I am doing that! Dreena Level 0 Adventurer STR.2 DEX 0 STA.0 CON.0 WIS.0 CHA.0 END 1 Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Hey everyone, my name's Maiki and I'm really excited to get started on this challenge! Technically, this is my second go at it... I entered in the last 6CW (mid-April), but pretty much dropped out two weeks into the game because a.) school was crazy and it was a real struggle maintaining any kind of a routine and b.) I got blindsided by an acute episode of depression. This being my first encounter with mental illness, I'm still in the process of figuring things out. The good news is that I've found help. And this is really just an episode, triggered by a combination of factors in my life that just came together to form on helluva cocktail of hurt and struggle... and when left untreated, after simmering for a couple of months, that can develop into a real problem. Which is what happened in my case. By the same token, rather than being a disease it's a temporary condition. With a little help I'll come out at the other end just fine. If anything I'll be stronger than I was before. Isn't that awesome? Anyway, the reason I mention this is because to me, the real challenge during the next couple of weeks will be re-establishing a basic rhythym (or set of routines) in my everyday life that help me in the healing process and just promote basic well-being. It's as simple as that. In terms of what I like to do and what my aspirations are for physical fitness, I'm headed for the assassins. But scanning through their forum I was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer mass of information. Plus, their challenges are specifically geared towards "their" forms of activity... and I feel I'm not quite at that point yet. So for the sake of keeping things simple, I decided to stick in the recruits corner for this challenge and just ease in...

Introduction: Hi, my name is Jeremy Boyum. I've already done an introduction here but I will summarize and expand a little. I work at Dell as my profession but have an aspiring career as a touring musician in my band Shadow of Whales and running a music news site Anchor Music news. I have a wife and step son I adore a lot. I didn't have any special doctors visit that brought me here and I am not visibly unhealthy. However, I've never had a healthy eating habit (EVER) and fitness has been seldom at best. (I think my longest running routine was in my sophomore year at high school for like maybe a month?) I am very serious about working my way to being full-time in the music industry and want to live for as long as possible so as to spend as much time with my family as I can before I leave this world. All of the men in my family at some point in their twenties started exponentially gaining weight and I'm afraid of getting to that point. It hit me about a month ago that it was time. It was time to start acting like an adult with my fitness and health and diet, and stop making excuses. To be a touring musician, I'm going to need to be healthy and fit if I want to keep jumping and running around on stage the way I love to. (And if I want to keep myself from injury) I discovered Nerd Fitness late last year and really dug in in the last couple months. I've been reading about the six week challenges here for weeks now and I'm so pumped that I'm finally getting to start my own. As suggested I've started changing habits slowly as I'm prone to being to eager to take everything on at once so I'm taking small steps. Looking to be pretty well rounded with a focus on Strength and Stamina so I'm thinking I will likely end up in the Ranger class, however, the Assassin class looks hella fun and I've always loved the idea of free running. Main Quest: Obtain/Maintain Healthy/Fit Lifestyle with both my diet and fitness Quest 1: Run 10 minutes (outside), 5 days a week. Right now I'm on a ten minute routine that takes me about 1.2 miles around my neighborhood. My goal is to be able to do this without taking any breaks. I normally take one. If I reach that goal I'm assuming it will take me less than ten minutes which is why I put a ten minute goal instead of 1.2 mile goal) I really want to make sure I'm able to be consistent with this before adding on to it too much. Best I've done is 3 days a week but I want to get it consistent Monday-Friday. Measurement: A = 10 min for 30 days, B = 10min, 25 days, C = 10min, 20 days Reward: A = +3 STA, +2 STR, B = +2 STA, +1 STR, C = +1 STA Quest 2: Drink no soda for the whole challenge. My first step was to drink only one cup of coffee a day. Right now I do that with an occasional soda near the end of the day. (between 1-3 times a week) I want to take soda out completely. Next six week challenge will be to eliminate caffeine completely Measurement: A = 0 sodas, B = 1-6 sodas, C = 7-12 sodas Reward: A = +3 CON, B = +2CON, C = +1 CON Quest 3: Ab Circuit workout 3 times a week. This is the goal I'm worried about. Like I said above I don't want to add too much too soon, I really want to make sure I make habits that change for good. My wife gets off work at 6 and I get off at 5. So normally, I do my run right when I get home. This should leave me plenty of time to do a small workout every other day. But I'm worried about being able to be 100% consistent with it. They don't call it a challenge for no reason though. Workout is: 30 leg lifts 30 knee lifts 30 knee lifts + crunches 15 bicycle kicks 15 v-sit ups 30 second plank Probably not the hardest workout in the world but I've done it twice now and I am wiped by the end... Beginners Body Weight Workout 3 times a week. I changed this due to suggestions below. I'm liking it better... I think haha. I like that is more well rounded than the ab circuit I started with. 20 body weight squats 15 push ups 20 walking lunges 10 dumbbell rows 30 second plank 30 Jumping Jacks Measurement: A = 18 workouts; B = 15-17 workouts C = 14 or below Reward: A = +3 STR, +2 STA, B = +2 STR, +1 STA, C = +1STR Life Quest: Finish a book on marketing in the music industry or financial planning within the six weeks. (I suck at sticking to reading unless it's online articles or comic books so this one will also be a challenge) Measurement: Pass or Fail Reward: PASS = +2 WIS, FAIL = Nothing Motivation: I kind of already said. But I want to be in best shape so I can be better ready for my aspring career but also to ensure I live a long life. I know this change will be good for me and I think I'm really ready to do it. I know the challenges seem small and honestly I feel like I'm not doing enough but I know it's a challenge for me to stay committed and consistent, what I'm aiming to change is my habits and I will SLOWLY add on to this as I master each habit change. I want these changes to be permanent.

Jumping in with both feet and a smile ! Next -- establishing a "battle log." First Challenge beginning June 8: Main Quest: Reduce BMI to “normal.†At 5’ 6â€, that’s 148-150 lbs. AND maintain it. (Measured: loss of 3-5# adipose tissue and potentially, waist size. Some lean mass may be lost but can be minimized through resistance training.) Strategy 1: Conform to “eating window†or IF regimen plus carb-reduced intake. Measure: daily periodicity and total sugars/gr of carbohydrates Strategy 2: Perform HIT (resistance) twice a week, 20 min/session. Measure: weekly “workout day.†Bonus: early morning fasted cardio gets + mod (on something) Strategy 3: No more than 2 servings of ethanol, no more than twice a week. Measure: track day/amount Bonus: “dry week†gets + mod (on something) Ancillary support strategy #1: Meditate min. 20 minutes a day every day Ancillary support strategy #2: Read four “rolemodel†books (nonfiction) in six weeks. REWARD: Earn (self-selected) Guild membership as “Warrior†for Challenge #2. “Scenario settingâ€: Tombo of the moon of Endor arrives on Coruscant and is amazed at the wonders of the city! After having spent most of her life in the forests of Endor, she samples the delights of “city living†… only to find that, in fact, sitting and being entertained, and eating all sorts of tasty but not-so-healthy foodstuffs, troubles her non-â€city-fied†spirit. One evening at a cantina she sees a poster for the Rebellion … wonders “Why not?†… and realizes that here is a purpose plus discipline! A chance to test her own limits and surpass them through focus and intention. She arrives at the Intake Center -- a dusty subterranean warehouse full of jumbled metal objects -- met by enthusiastic officers who lead her through various range-of-motion and stamina assessments. Good news! YOU’RE IN! But … while there’s a lot of basic good strength to work with, instead of going right to membership in a unit [guild], part of learning the sequence of Rebel life is FOLLOWING THE PROTOCOL. That means: Recruit, go find your locker and bunk and assemble with all the other recruits. On her way to the common area she notes a slogan over the doorway: “THE CHALLENGE YOU MEET TODAY WILL BE YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH TOMORROW.â€

Introduction: Hi I'm Zeff_Kay and this is my first challenge. I was an athlete in high school and have stayed "fit" since then, but I want to do and be more than that. I want to feel in control of my body and I have a high stress desk job so mental health and fitness will be important to me as well. I think the rebellion is the right place to do it because the entire concept of turning my life into a game is fantastic idea. Each little step is one more quest and I cannot slay the final boss without learning how to use the slingshot first! Main Quest: Do a 60 second freestanding handstand by the end of the year and complete 20 pull-ups without failure Quest 1: Perform a free-standing handstand. I am currently able to hold wall handstands for a fair amount of time, but lack the body control to come off the wall for any reasonable period. Measurement: A = Kick up from the ground and hold for 10 seconds. B = kick off the wall for 10 seconds. C = 60 second wall handstand Reward: A = +2 STR, +2 STA, B = +1 STR, +1 STA, C = +1 STA Quest 2: Perform 8 perfect, consecutive pull-ups. I can do 5 right now, but not with perfect form. Measurement: A = 8 perfect consecutive B = 6 perfect, consecutive C = 8 perfect, with 1 failure Reward: A = +3 STR, B = +2 STR, C = +1 STR Quest 3: Eat healthy and clean at least 5 entire days a week. I usually snack a lot and eat whatever is convenient. I will plan my meals ahead of time and even if I do break from the plan, it will be a healthy break. Measurement: A = 30 total days of clean eating B = 25 days C = 20 days Reward: A = +2 WIS, +2 CON, B = +2WIS, +1 CON, C = +1WIS Life Quest: Work diligently for 10 hours a day (measured in 50 minute Pomodoros), 6 days a week. Sleep at least 7 hours, 4 nights a week. Sleeping enough is a big problem for me because I tend to put work off until the end of the day. Measurement: A = 10 hours, 36 days; 7 hours, 24 nights B = 10 hours, 30 days; 7 hours, 18 nights C = 10 hours, 25 days; 7 hours, 15 nights Reward: A = +2 WIS, +2 CHA, B = +1 WIS, +1CHA, C = +1 WIS Motivation: I want to feel in control of my body and mind. I want to look in the mirror and know that what I see is the best possible version of Zeff_Kay that I can create at that point in my game of life. No chest unopened!

I was fit once. Now I am not. I hope Nerd Fitness will finally get me back on track. (literally and figuratively) Main Quest: Be fit and healthy. Like I used to be in school. (Now I'm 28) Quest 1: Do the beginner body weight workout and the interval training at least once a week. Slowly build up from there. Also try following the Paleo Diet to the best of my ability. Quest 2: Make sure I do quest 1. I have done the beginner body weight workout once. It was death. I managed only one circuit. My legs were like jelly for the next few days. Interval training tomorrow...

I'm a newbie runner and I'm halfway through C25K and run with a beginner's running group. I use Map My Run app on my iPhone to track my distance and speed. These aren't actually that important to me at the moment, I'm just aiming for that 30 minutes of continuous running and consistency. I carry my phone in a Flipbelt. I'm looking at all the GPS trackers as I'd like something I can look at as I run, rather than analyse at the end. I want to see how long I've run for, distance etc. I don't have a computer, so it will need to be able to sync to my iPad/phone. I've been looking at the Garmin forerunner 220, as this seems to have everything I need as a newbie runner, from what I can see I am able to programme intervals for running and walking and it can take me forward as I'm planning to continue to 5km + in the Autumn, then further from there. However, it's an ugly thing and is more than I had hoped to spend (decent shoes and sports bra make running more expensive than they let on!). Does anyone have any alternatives?

Introduction: Hello, I’m Kylee. I am an amateur artist/animator and I enjoy sewing and general crafts. Iâ€m about 160 ibs and I’m just finishing high school, so I want to make sure that I get myself set into a healthy lifestyle before going to college (in order to avoid the dreaded freshman fifteen). I also want to lose some weight and gain some muscle for cosplay, since I do a lot a crossplay especially. With the upcoming summer, I know from experience that I’ll likely lock myself inside for months marathoning movies and playing video game (shout out to Dragon Age for taking over my life for the last few months!), and I’d much rather use the time a little more productively. Main Quest: Lose at least 12 ibs by the end of this challenge. Quest 1: Walk for 10 minutes a day and work out 3 times a week. -Walk 10 minutes for 39 days, work out 18 times. REWARD: (+3 STA) -Walk 10 minutes for 30 days, work out 13 times. REWARD: (+2 STA) -Walk 10 minutes for 18 days, work out 9 times. REWARD: (+1 STA) Quest 2: Cut out sodas/sugary drinks and switch from coffee to tea (without adding sugar, of course). -No coffee or soda. REWARD: (+3 CON) -<5 cups of coffee or soda. REWARD: (+2 CON) - <10 cups of coffee or soda. REWARD: (+1 CON) Quest 3: Cook at least twice a week, following paleo guidelines. -Cook 12 times. REWARD: (+2 CON) -Cook 6 times. REWARD: (+1 CON) Life Quest: Work on my artwork at least 4 times a week, for at least an hour. -Work on artwork 24 times (24 hours). REWARD: (+2 CHA) -Work on artwork 12 times (12 hours). REWARD: (+1 CHA) Motivation: To be able to go through a convention looking AND feeling fantastic in my awesome cosplays. I also think this will help my confidence so I can branch out and get some more friends in the cosplay world. For additional motivation, I’m basing the money I get to spend at Geekfest on my stats earned. -10 earned stats REWARD: $130 -9 earned stats REWARD: $115 -8 earned stats REWARD: $100 -7 earned stats REWARD: $85 -6 earned stats REWARD: $75 -5 earned stats REWARD: $65 -4 earned stats REWARD: $50 -3 earned stats REWARD: $45 -2 earned stats REWARD: $40 -1 earned stat REWARD: $35 -Starting amount $30 I'm super psyched to start, but I want to start on the 8th with everyone else, so right now I'm planning out a bit and finding some good recipes

I'm Ryan, from Sydney, Australia. I do research in poultry nutrition, I love my job. So I have been living pretty healthy for the last half a year, and it's been fantastic! Weights at the gym, yoga (and more yoga), eating clean. I've never been in better physical or mental condition! I love levelling up - my friend suggested I check this site out, and it seems perfect for me. Not 100% sure what I do first, but I think I will jump into the current challenge and go for it! I've been pretty much doing a challenge by myself anyway - fixing anterior pelvic tilt. Wow, what a life changer!

Hello All! First off, the name is Seton (nice to meet you all) and im here because not only do i want to get into shape eg lose upwards of 120lbs but i want to find a sense of community that i cant find anywhere else. I want to find people who will push me to do my best and see me through till the end. I'm a half elf druid measuring up to about 6'3"(1.9 meters) tall and weighing in at about 335lbs (152KG) I'm based out of Dayton, Ohio and i want to find a group to help support me. What i do: -avid video game player -amature poet -novice guitar player -aspiring chef My goals - drop down to below 200lbs - quit smoking -eat healthier (vague, i know) - Get connected My favorites Music -I will listen to just about anything besides country, blue grass, or classical Books - big poetry lover - Fantasy - scifi based on games Thats about all there really is to know about me. Anyway I'm hoping to level up my life as much as i can and i need your guys help doing it!

Hello, my name is Simon, and I am following NF for nearly two years. Until now I haven't found the courage to join the forums or in any way activelly participate on the Rebellion. This changes right now. I have decided to start a six-week challenge in order to get back to shape, which I consider the first step in turning my life around. Some information about me: I am 21 years old and I come from a beautiful small land in Europe called Slovakia. Currently, I weigh 106 kg and stand 197 cm tall. Last year I have finished my bachelor degree in Civil Engineering, and after a nice summer I have moved to Denmark to study towards my master's degree. Before I left I used to workout 3-4 times a week, with cardio on my off days. Being overwhelmed with the new school, new friends, new culture and basically new everything I started to skip workouts, morning runs and stopped stretching at all. Now it is the time to change it. My main Quest: Get back into my previous shape. This doesn't sound very specific, but a year ago I was able to run 8 km, do 100 push-ups, 10 pull-ups, swim across a lake and touch my knees with my head, with my legs straight. Now I can barely run 4 km or do 1 pull-up, not even talking about the swimming, because that is just terrible. My three goals: 1. Strength training 3 times a week for atleast 1 hour + Stretching. In order to get them pull-ups back. 2. Keeping track of my calories. 2500/day that is it. For me this means mostly giving up the bad habit of soda drinking. 3. Doing cardio on my off days. It is either swimming, running or bike. Hopefully, this first six-week challenge will help me build the momentum I need to stick with the training even after I go back to Denmark after the holidays. To keep me accountable I have created an excel sheet where I keep track of my workouts and calories, which I will post weekly. My side quest: I am starting to work on a small project, which will basically be a board with the map of the world and the places I've been to. Then I will pin photos of me and my friends in those places in order to create something like a memorable board. The point is, that when I look at it I will just have to smile I will post weekly updates on this. I want to thank everyone for their support and advice, and I am looking forward to working with such a great community as NF is. P.S. I am sorry for my bad english, but it is not my first language, so please forgive me the mistakes.

Hi! My name is Anna aka Hippolyte (for one of the most famous leaders of the Amazons, those women were badass). I have been relatively fit my whole life but multiple surgeries and my own lack of motivation have prevented me from reaching my true potential. I want to make the world my playground and not let lack of strength or overall fitness hold me back. Too often I stand in my own way and I'm hoping NF will put that to a stop. My main quest is to be able to do 3 reps of 10 pull ups; I'd like to be able to lift my own bodyweight Quest 1: workout for at least 45 minutes (good, focused workouts) 5x a week Quest 2: no regularly eating dairy. I have a dairy sensitivity so it makes me sick but I have little self control.. (exceptions are things like my 93 yr old grandma's cinnamon buns, not cupcakes that my coworkers brought in) Quest 3: stretch everyday. I have naturally tight muscles and stretching is something I tend to neglect I have a lot of trouble staying motivated past a week and I tend to just want to eat junk, but I want to finally stick with it. I'm young and would like to get my body in peak shape to allow myself to go farther and harder. To be able to climb anything, flip over stuff, etc I'm excited to meet everyone here!!

Introduction: Hi, I'm Mosquito Girl (or, y'know, Matilda) and this is technically my second challenge, but I gave up on my first one way back when (about a year ago), and this is a fresh start. I'm 21 years old, 5'9" and weigh about 125 pounds (I'm a bit iffy on that since I haven't stepped on any scales for about a year and a half, but my body hasn't gone through any noticeable changes). I've always been slim, but don't have a lot of muscle on me. I have a pretty stationary job and need to be up and moving to feel good. Work will be crazy busy for most of this (for example, I'll be working 16 days straight somewhere in the middle of the challenge), but I need to take this time for myself and for my future. Life is short and fragile and I want to be the very best I can be, so that I can battle what might be to come. Main Quest: Get stronger and build endurance. Quest 1: Be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. At the moment, I can run for about 15-17 minutes a a pretty high speed (about 8,5 km/h/5,3 miles/h) before slowing down to a walk, but I can probably run a little further if I push myself. I have a couple of races coming up (one of which will happen during the 6WC) and I want to do somewhat good. Grades: A+: Being able to run for 30+ minutes. A: Being able to run for 30 minutes. B: Being able to run for 25 minutes. F: Being able to run for 20 minutes. Quest 2: Work out every other day. I'll include both going to the gym and taking gym classes into this. Grades: A+: Working out 25+ times. A: Working out 21 times. B: Working out >15 times. F: Working out <15 times. Quest 3: Eat a minimum of two fruits per day. I do love fruits (and some veggies and berries too), but more often than not, I opt for something else, like chocolate. I want to change that. Grades: A+: Eating 90+ fruits. A: Eating 84 fruits. B: Eating 70 fruits. E: Eating <50 fruits. Quest 4: Try new/other types of exercises. As it is now, I go to the gym, run on the treadmill, lift some weights and then get out of there, but I want to keep trying new things (and semi-new things that I'm just not doing at the moment). This includes new classes. Grades: A+: Trying 6+ new things. A: Trying 5 new things. B: Trying 3 new things. F: Trying >3 new things. Quest 5: Sleep more. My sleep schedule is pretty messed up, but I know that my mind and body needs sleep. Grades: A+: Getting six hours (or more) of sleep for 40 nights. A: Getting six hours (or more) of sleep for 30 nights. B: Getting six hours (or more) of sleep for 25 nights. F: Getting six hours (or more) of sleep for 20 nights or less. Life Quest: Unpack. I recently moved to a new city and still have things in boxes. This needs to change. Grades: A: No longer have things in boxes at the end of the 6WC. F: Still have things in boxes at the end of the 6WC. Motivation: I want to feel my absolute best. I want to feel strong and capable and maybe even get a high-five from one of those big, muscular guys at the gym. Reward: If I complete 4 or more these quests with a grade of A or higher, I'll treat myself to a full-body massage.

Am I the only one who finds this a tad overwhelming? Not the challenge but the forum and choosing a race and profession. I'm gonna be honest, I've sat out challenges over the past year because I've been too confused by the forum. What I've been doing is not working well enough for me, so I here I go. I'm consistently inspired by the Nerd Fitness and appreciate the thought and logic behind everything. My main goal is to run a 5k in less than 30 minutes. This is an end of the year goal. For the first 6 week challenge is to run a 5k period. To complete this, I will: 1) Run twice a week (a supplement to the CrossFit I do 4-5 times a week) and not be discouraged by slow speed. Begin with 1 mile, building in .5 increments over the 6 weeks. 2) Drink 100oz of water a day. 3) Eat a vegetable with every meal. Side goal: First the first hour of work, do not get distracted with non-work-related items, texts, and/or websites, with the exception of getting a solid cup of coffee.

First challenge here I go. My name is Cristina. I'm an avid urban cyclist. Riding in the city is the best thing in the world. I fell in love with it about 1 ½ years ago. Last summer all I did was ride and work as a server. All that exercise lead to some awesome weight loss. I felt so good. Then, I started going to school. I no longer work as a server, instead I'm a box office ticket sales person (basically sit at a computer all day). I still ride but less frequently. It doesn't help that I've really slumped in eating well too. So I'm getting myself together, but I need accountability from like minded individuals. Main Quest: Lose 45lbs by the end of the year Quest 1: Do at least 3 significant bike rides per week By significant I mean at least 20 miles (I can currently do it, but I do it rarely and I'm really sore afterwards) STA: 3 Quest 2: Eat paleo/primal for 6 days a week with one “free†(still watch but a little more lenient) day Eliminate wheat products and be smart about when I eat out CON: 3 Quest 3: Drink water and avoid sugary drinks as much as possible Carry a water bottle everyday. I always regret not taking one, and it usually results in me buying sodas or other sugary drinks. CON: 1 Life Quests: Have a better practice ethic (I'm a music major getting a degree for Music Performance on classical bass) CON: 3 Get a grown up wardrobe (currently wearing tshirt and jeans for everything. My business casual is horrendous) CHA: 1 Pay off my debt (Around $850 and I won't add to it) WIS: 2 CON:1 Motivation: Getting a tattoo: Always wanted one but want to be a better me first

Well guess its time to introduce myself. I am Dustoff, a 5'10" 34 year old male. I am married, a father of 4(2 boys and 2 girls), and a software engineer. As of this morning I weighed in at 251 pounds (I don't know my body fat percentage and to be blunt I am afraid to find out). I have been struggling with getting back into shape for a little over a year. I lost 40 pounds on the last program I tried but I fell off of that after hurting my ankle followed by a bout with mono, and never got back to it. Over the past few months I put back on a good portion of the weight I had lost and need to make a change to get going back in the right direction. I stumbled upon NF and after reading a blog post, I decided it was time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back to making a better version of me. I am trying as Paleo of a diet as I can and am setting up the lifting gear in my attic (I have an elliptical there as well that I will be using). My new goal is to lose 55 pounds by October 1st. My wife and I are going on a cruise in October to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and it may sound a bit vain but I want to be able to take my shirt off while around the pool without being 100% embarrassed. That weight loss is the first step in becoming the new me. The weight is an initial goal on my way to being fit. In the long run, my overall goal is to get back to the fitness level I had on my wedding day. It's a pretty big goal to set considering my current state and that when I got married I was in the Army, 19 years old, and had spent years playing football, wrestling, and lifting. I worked out at least twice a day back then and ran 6 miles every other day at noon. I was in shape a long long time ago and I know with the right amount of work and some accountability to myself I can get back there. I will be participating in the next 6 week challenge. I hope to find some support and lots of information here to help me in my quest back to a better me. Thanks, Dustoff

Still new to fitness and dieting, though I've been hearing about it all my life haha. A few weeks ago I really just got hit with the realization, obligation and sense of duty that I just need to do this. I can't put it off any longer. Fitness and diet are vital not only to my well-being but to my career goals. It's time for me to grow up in a sense haha. I've attempted diets and workouts several times with moderate to no success because I was never motivated. I feel like I'm on a good streak with my wife, we've both been encouraging each other and my family (brother and dad) have been doing the same. I've gained most of my fitness knowledge and experience from either my wife, friends and Nerd Fitness. Below is me: Profession: - I work at Dell as a sales representative supporting the Army. Hobbies that I hope to some day be professions: - I am a Bass player (amongst many other titles such as social media coordinator, manager, marketing director, etc.) for a band in Austin called Shadow of Whales - I am the Editor n' Chief of a music news site called Anchor Music News Hobbies that will stay hobbies - VIDEO GAMES and COMICS (and netflix) - Spending time with my awesome wife and step-son Current goals: Eliminate caffeine from my dietI've whittled my way to one cup of coffee a day and usually no soda (sometimes one near the end of the day but it's seldom) the goal is to get to no cups of coffee and no soda every day and use healthier substitutes such as tea and/or apples in the morning to get me going. I'm a night owl so I don't normally need to keep drinking coffee after the morning Get on a consistent routine for working out.As nerd fitness suggested, I started with a 10 minute walk/run every day. I'm working my way doing that every single day and a few days ago I added an ab circuit to the end of my run every other dayEat a little more healthyRight now I'm not giving myself too many restrictions because I'm already changing the above habits. However, it is in my brain to try and eat healthier. (I know this doesn't sound like much but let me explain) My wife and I started meal planning after reading Staci's story. Chicken and veggies for lunch planned out for this week and we have a meal plan calendar that we set up Sunday night for dinners this week.Level Up My LifeI've been utilizing my hobbies a little too much lately. After working all day, coming home and running/working out, doing chores and any other daily routines I kind of let myself veg or go out with friends or my wife or just hang out. But my life goal is to become a full-time music industry professional and I realize that playing video games or watching tv doesn't help me work towards my life goals at all haha. I know it's important to set aside relaxation time but I've been a little gluttonous with it lately so my goal is to do that less haha. (1 hour at the end of the day should my day permit it max)I'm happy to be here and ready to get going. Once I know I can be consistent and start making progress I want to sign up for the academy. I've been very slow moving with habit changes. I want to make sure I don't try to do too much at once because I think that's what derailed me in the past. I'm excited to get going but I don't want to be the eager beaver and burn myself out too quickly. Wish me luck!

We fight or we die!!! That's the plan! Ok, sorry that was such a dramatic entrance. But it is kind of true for me even though I doubt it'll be death by reapers. More like an early death by obesity, drinking too much, not moving around enough. And life is awesome so who wants that? On to the real plan!!! Main Quest To wear a size 7 again. My N7 suit doesn't fit anymore and they don't make them in a 14. My Goals Hit the gym for 20 minutes 3 times a week. Eat paleo from breakfast to lunch at very least. Hit the yoga studio or the gaiam videos at least 2 times a week. Life Quest Move to Portland. Florida is a blazing inferno of hot and my family needs change. Mainly the median age level kind of change. My Motivation Adding as many life points to my health bar as possible so I can be with little clan of people for as long as possible. I am so excited to have found this site. It is like kismet since I just started trying to not feel like crap again. Hugs and wish me success!

So here I am now. Boot camp, in a way. Finding a peasant to give me that "kill 10 rats" quest... look around, get my feet wet. I am a 31 year old, mother of two, turned adventurer... not adventurer, but you know... on the way to Level 1 and chosing a direction. I dance twice in three weeks (husband does shift work and no funds for external babysitter). Oriental bellydancing. Great fun. But I want more. So, changing a lot of things a bit too fast, as usual, here are my goals for this first challenge: Grow habits out of bright ideas: STRENGTH & CONSTITUTION & STAMINA Do either the strength workout or the 10 minute walk every other day in turn. Day 1 strength, day 2 walk, day 3 strength, ad infinitum. No excuses. I'm not aiming for any kind of medals, though a steady increase in difficulty for the strength training is expected, the goal is habitualization. A = 42/42 days | B = 39/42 days | C = 36/42 days | D = 32/42 days | F = anything less OR quitting score: A = STR+3, CON+3, STA+2 | B = 75% | C = 50% | D = 25% | F = 0 WISDOM & CHARISMA Eat healthy meals 75-90% of the time Definition: high volume of veggies, fruit, leaves, moderate amount of meats, eggs, fish, ra ra ra, limit fats (healthy dosage, no no-fat diet, and no deep fried veggies either), severely limit bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc. In short: paleo, mostly anyway. No limit on legumes though yet. LIMITED amounts of dairy allowed - for now. A = < 6 unappr. meals | B = < 9 unappr. meals | C = 12 unappr. meals | D = < 15 unappr. meals | F = 16+ unapproved meals, or 4 in one week score A = WIS+3, CHA+3 | B = WIS+2.25 CHA+1.5 | C = WIS+1.5 CHA+1 | D = WIS+0.75 CHA+0.5 | F = 0 INTELLIGENCE It's not an official attribute here, BUT I am learning languages with a passion, and have a tendency to flake out after that initial yay of easy achievement. Practice on duolingo.com every day for a minimum quota of A = 42/42 | B = 39/42 | C = 36/42 | D = 32/42 days A = WIS+1 | B = 75% | C = 50% | D = 25% Bonus Snackage switched to fruits and occasionally nuts instead: dancing belt Keep duolingo streak going all the way through challenge (48 day streak): >treat to be determined< Loose weight to a point where I am 95kg or less AND can do 3 sets of 20 reps with 8kg of bend over rows per side (starting with 103kg april 6th and 2x 10x 6kg rows): get a Pull-Up Bar Mini Quests # 1 - SMART +1 WIS # 2 - make friends +1 CHA # 3 - library +1 CHA # 4 - halfway point - LVL UP # 5 - Sharing Meatloaf recipe # 6 - heading to the rangers' training camp next Life Quests Bellydancing I'm learning bellydancing, I said so at the beginning somewhere, and I have done so for a few years now... three I think... My teacher has an annual show for which dancers from all over north-germany, germany and even international dancers of all levels practice and prepare choreographies or even familiarize songs to dance to without a pre-planned choreo. "Party Oriental". She's been telling me that she wants to put me on stage. Not right now, but in the next couple of years. I'm now at a stage in my life where I'm starting to get things going and start again to dream big... And even though it scares me half mad, I'm starting to want that... The Prep Project Workshop in her dance studio is saturday/sunday in a week and a half. Even dancers who don't want to step onstage can, if there is room, sign up. I don't have a babysitter or the money to do it spontaneously. BUT I want it, and it's okay to work for things for a little while, now I know when circa it will be next year, how much to save up and all the details... Now I just need to build the body and confidence to go on and do that. Side Quest Get mum into AA. 'nough said. PS I'm not going to keep up to date with this daily, about twice per week has to be enough, taking detailed notes in diary atm.