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Well, the last 6 week challenge I tried was almost a total failure. I think I've addressed some problems so now i got no reason not to start again! In being the overtly automotive nerd I am, I'm gonna give this challenge a theme. Might even make it more fun. Step 1- Power to Weight Ratio- Quickest way to get a little bit better at everything is to shed a few pounds, so Goal 1 for this challenege is to lose 15 pounds, or 4-5% body fat. Currently- 5' 7.5", 197lbs, 20%BF(Army tape test standard) CHA+2, STA+1 Step 2- Extend the Rev Limiter- For some extra top-end speed, i will practice running with proper form, with specific focus on foot cadence and breathing. This Goal is not quite measurable so I'll have to "feel" it out to see if I'm improving myself. DEX+2, STA+2 Step 3- Torque X Rpm / 5250- Well, the second way to increase power is the brute strength of torque, So for this goal I'll make it to every Strong lifts work out I do. 3x a Week over 6 weeks, so 18 work outs total. STR+3, CON +1 Step 4- Reprogram the Computer- Everything comes from the brain so by the end of this 6 week challenge I would have finished up a few Army courses and started my introduction into online college courses. WIS+3, CON+1

Hey All, Wanted to get some feedback on people's experiences/thoughts on returning to a linear progression program (a la Starting Strength or StrongLifts) after being off of one. When I started, I used a linear progression (think SS with rows instead of cleans) and made good progress, even while cutting. Eventually (after about 4 months consistent use), I maxed out...then kept grinding away for 3-4 more months but had no improvements to show for it (generally still in a caloric deficit, although not as consistently as the previous 4 months). Technique started to suffer, I was demotivated...all was not well in the world I switched to 5/3/1 and have been using it for the last 4 months or so (still cutting), and I have been pleased. I haven't progressed on any of the big lifts at all (to be expected given the cut - 3500 cal/week deficit), but I really enjoy the program. However, I'm looking at go into calorie surplus in about a month (1750 cal/week surplus), with the goal of working towards a 1000 lbs total (squat/bench/dead). Currently I'm at about 825 lbs (275 squat, 225 bench, 325 deadlift - all estimated 1RMs based on current 3-5RMs). My biggest issue (I think) looking back at my logs and the timing of my stalls on SS, was my recovery. I wasn't eating enough or sleeping enough (had a newborn, at the time). Additionally, I was bike commuting to/from work a couple of times per week (46km/28 miles round trip), and those rides really took a lot out of me. The situation has now changed - will be eating at a slight surplus, sleep is better, and bike commute is significantly smaller (24 km/14 mile round-trip), although frequency will go up from 2x week to 4-5x week. So my question is, is it likely that I still have gains to be made from following a linear progression model? I had planned on continuing 5/3/1, but after some discussions on these boards re: pros and cons of 5/3/1, I'm wondering if using it would be sub-optimal for my upcoming situation and goals. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Can some of the strength-oriented folks chime in (well, anyone's welcome to chime in, really ) and let me know your thoughts? I'm 34, male, 6'5", and will be approx. 215 lbs with 15% bf when I start. Thanks!

I acquired (and have been playing through) the new Tomb Raider. I’ve been enjoying the game so much, I’ve been inspired to base this challenge off it, and Lara Croft. I am making the swap to the Warriors! I’m focusing mostly on lifting heavy things, and since I was successful with my most recent challenge, I decided it was time to change things up. Train: Stronglifts. 3 times per week. Spark challenge. 5 times per week. (www.fitocracy.com/spark/) Eat: Cooking. 1 new low-cost high-yield recipe per week. Discover: Raid tombs. Visit 6 places that I’ve never been to in the Pflugerville/Austin area. 1 place for each year of living here. ____ Rewards: Item(s) from amazon wishlist A - 3 items B - 2 items C - 1 item ____ Starting Weight: 173lbs Starting Measurements: For those of you averse to cursive, I’ve also typed the measurements. Biceps: L- 12.5in | R- 12.75in Bust: 45in Underbust: 34in (measured tightly) Waist: 36.5in Hips: 43.5in Thighs: L- 27in | R- 26.5in Calves: L- 14.5in | R- 15in *Tummy: 43.5in (measured across belly button) Selfie-Face picture for tracking: Body shots. NSFW:

Hi everybody! So a coworker has been working out with me lately which is great to have someone to chat with at the gym. But we're both pretty motivated so we don't sit there and gossip. So that's a +1 I started Starting Strength and I'm on day 3. It's great so far, still working out kinks in my form. But today was the day that I was attempting to bench the bar. And I did. And it was awesome!!! So that's +2 Then, right before my last bench set a guy came over to me. I had seen him earlier doing barbell rows in the squat rack (which forced me to use another kind of rack, but that's okay). Anyway, I thought he was asking for the bench because I had been kind of camping out and there was a shortage of benches. But instead he said, "are you doing Stronglifts" and I said no, Starting Strength" and then he complimented my squat form and basically said, "you're the only person I see in here going all the way down" And I brought up some things like, "I feel like I'm leaning forward and my butt is coming up first" And he was like, "stick your chest out more and that will help". So yay! New gym buddy to geek out with! +3 It's going to be a good day

Oh, hai, Channing. Nice to see you. So, looking through my movie library a few weeks ago, I noticed I had an inordinate number of cheesy dance flicks. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise, since I'm a former dancer (and still one at heart). This challenge has nothing to do with dancing, but everything to do with stepping up. I've gotten comfortable with my lifts, times that work for me, and my dietary routine. Time to step things up, and push myself to the next level. Step Up my Workouts Part 1: Maintain my 3 workouts per week. Combo of weights and Zumba. Get the personal trainer at my gym to form-check my lifts. [+2 STR, +1 DEX] Part 2: Add core work 3 times per week. The workout will consist of at least 10 minutes of moves of anything I choose. This can be added on to one of my main workouts, or done separately. [+1 STR, +3 DEX] Step Up my Weight Loss I've been losing weight very slowly since the birth of my last son 6 months ago. Time to make things happen. I'd like to lose about 20 more pounds (10% body fat), so I'm reigning in my loose eating habits. Fruit is restricted to berries or green apples, one serving per day. No refined sugar. No alcohol. No gluten. Only 1 meal per week with non-gluten white foods (rice, potato). Protein should remain around 100-125g per day. The only exception will be one cheat day per week. No rules apply. [+3 STA, +1 CON] Step Up my Sanity With these added stresses in my life (along with my normal 3-ring circus of a life), I'll need a way to stay sane. A large project at work and 3 boys at home also contribute to my state of mind. What better way to get focused and sane than meditation. The goal is 2-3 meditiation/prayer sessions of at least 20 minutes each per week. [+2 WIS, +2 CHA]

Loren Wade's Routine Challenge My last challenge was minimalism: I redesigned my living space, switched to a standing desk, sold 90% of my belongings, and sold my car in favor of biking. I currently lack overall discipline in healthy habits and a routine. This challenge will be focused on leveling up my life by following a loose schedule, eating right more often, writing again, and learning self defense.The Life Habit3 Hours Distraction-Free Writing WeeklyThe Fitness HabitsStronglifts 3x WeeklyKrav Maga 2x WeeklyThe Nutrition HabitPaleoLean Gains.Clean Paleo + Whey and Rice.Weekly Cookups.Nightly: Fish oil, Vitamin D, Natural Calm.​​​UpdatesMinimalism Room Before/After​Day 0Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8Day 9Day 10Day 11Day 12Day 13Day 14Day 15Day 16Day 17Day 18Day 19Day 20Day 21Day 22Day 23Day 24Day 25Day 26Day 27Day 28Day 29Day 30

Howdy! I'm excited to join this as it is my first challenge with the Rebellion!! I titled this the way I did because I've decided to put on some serious muscle, get a summer job, and maybe even some responsibility! So, without further ado... Goal 1: Get Stronger. Specifically I will: Squat 200Ibs x5, Bench 170Ibs x5, OHP 100Ibs x5, Pendlay Row 120Ibs x5, Deadlift 175Ibs x5, Chin up 3x12 I have been fooled for a very long time by the mass media of the fitness industry, bouncing from "instant result" program to "instant result" program, and wondering where the results were. I have since learned that muscle building, along with anything bettering yourself, takes significant time, and dedication, and drive. So I have gone back to basics with Stronglift's 5x5 (with a couple tweaks of my own), to build a foundation of honest muscle, and to get good 'n strong. When I accomplish this, I'll add 5 to STR. Goal 2: Get Bigger. Specifically I will gain at least 4Ibs of muscle. My eventual goal is much larger, but for now, I just want to see progress. To accomplish this, I will be consuming 3000+ calories, with 200g of protein, per day. When I accomplish this, I'll add 3 to CON. Goal 3: Get Active. Specifically I will do something active every day. Running, bouldering, swimming, natural movement, stretching, etc. I am a firm believer in the necessity of everyday movement, and I believe sedentary life is not really living. So I will go do something every day. When I accomplish this, I'll add 2 to DEX and 2 to STA Goal 4: Get a Job. Specifically I will acquire, and keep, a summer job. Not sure what yet. My family is pretty damn tight financially right now, college tuition ain't payin itself, and I'd like to be more self-sufficient. So there they are, my bright, shiny new goals! To put these in perspective, here's where I am now: 1: Squat 115Ibs x5, Bench 125Ibs x5, OHP 65Ibs x5, Pendlay Row 85Ibs x5, Deadlift 95Ibs x5, Chin up 3x6 2: I am currently 5ft 8in tall, 150Ibs, and 8% bodyfat (current pictures in my album on my profile). 3: I go to classes, walk across campus, occasionally workout, climb once or twice a month, but mostly sit around on my computer. 4: I've worked at my childhood summer camp the last two summers, but I need a real job with real income. I'm ready to Man Up! Let's GOOOOOO!!!

Whoop for the Battle Log!! This is going along with my challenge as a Warrior. 4/15 Squat:115 lb x 5 140 lb x 5140 lb x 5140 lb x 5140 lb x 5140 lb x 5150 lb x 5 Did a 150 just to see how it felt to squat my bodyweight, it was awesome. OHP:45 lb x 555 lb x 570 lb x 570 lb x 570 lb x 570 lb x 570 lb x 5 That last set was a good push. Deadlift:85 lb x 5105 lb x 5105 lb x 5115 lb x 5115 lb x 5115 lb x 5115 lb x 5115 lb x 5 I was supposed to just do 105, but the guy spotting me encouraged me to go harder and I loved it! My goals were: Squat:140, OHP: 70, Deadlift: 105I accomplished: Squat 150, OHP 70, Deadlift 115 Excellent first day!