Full Metal Penguins - 1st Timers

[Mortikar]

Message of the Week

The only person responsible for your body is -you-. It's as simple as doing it. So get up, get outside, clean out the pantries, and simply -do-.

Welcome

To the group! We are a group of strangers banding together to help eachother through one of the toughest 6 weeks of our lives. This group is open to anyone who needs the little extra nudge or someone to talk them down from that piece of pie in the fridge. Feel free to reach out to anyone and I encourage you to be available to help others out. The human community is one of the best things about being alive. The perspective of one person may be the saving grace in another person. Let's help eachother out and together we will all win!

The Members

Support team

Mort: is somewhat of a 'veteran' newbie here on NF. I've been following the site's advice for the past few weeks and missed the sign up for the last challenge by a couple of weeks. Not to say I waited around for this one to start to begin leveling up my life. Going into this challenge, I'm 20 pounds lighter than I started, at 289 pounds and dropping like a rock. I attribute my success thus far to a healthy diet of cutting out all processed foods (with the occasional temptation, I said occasional). After all, you cannot out run an unhealthy diet. I supplemented that with quitting smoking and taking up running two to three times a week. My dog, Mulligan, loves it. This challenge I plan on stepping things up by adding weight training using a TRX. But TRX's are expensive and a relatively simple but effective workout device. Ask me for the link to make your own at a fraction of the price. We'll see in 6 weeks what the results are. Anyway, feel free to contact me. If anyone needs any special help, like an email or phone call or text, let me know. I'll do what I can if it's reasonable.

Captain Solo: Hey fellow Nerds, Captain Solo here! This is my first challenge, and I'm pumped to be here and meet you all!
I'm a US Army Veteran, so I have quite an intimate knowledge of physical fitness and I'm willing and able to offer help.

Eluial: I think "veteran newbie" is a pretty good description for me, too. I've been focusing on my health and weight since Feb of this year and have dropped almost 20 pounds. I'm pretty nerdy, and not just in the play all the games, read all the books kind of way. I love learning about things and educating myself. So I've done a lot of internet research on exercise routines and diets, as well as how to build successful habits. I've been reading the Nerd Fitness blog since Feb, as well, and have picked up a lot of amazing tips from there. 

Full Roster - Feel free to check on them daily, weekly, whatever, and say some encouraging words.

Aerorin

AJSweet
Ashknife

Baronraymondo
Birdwing

BearsBeets
Captain Solo
Eluial

Fifinella
Genevieve
Gnometosser

imadog
Kozwell
Maireaine
Mannion
Misugrrl
Momofkali
Mortikar

nattybee

Raynman83

robert da strongman
Stacee

PatredtheKnight

Proof
Riskva

ShutUpAndSquat (aka K)

Smlisley

WonderNatarella

To Join

You must be a 1st timer on NF challenges to join this group. Follow this link https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnL943o3CTUvdFd4NWpFcnZnMzJFWjVDRVczVUpaakE&usp=sharing Go to the tab at the bottom labeled "First time." Find our group and enter your name.

Then come back here and tell us a bit about yourself. If you want to offer your services to help out other members, write a little blurb about yourself like I did above and tell me to add it to the "Members" section of this post. If you are here just to get support, that's fine. So long as everyone is getting healthier!

 

You must have a challenge page to be linked to the roster above, and also come on here to introduce yourself and express your intent to join.

 

Attention: Roster is filling very quickly.

 

Due to the overwhelming response to join our humble group, I am going to give people 2 days from signing up on the google doc to post something on this thread showing your intent to join. If your name happens to have been taken down, I'm sorry but there's no way to know if you quit the site entirely or what.

 

I'll take anyone and as many people that want to. I don't care if there is no room left on the googledoc, just post here and I'll add you to the list. This should be a temporary measure. I imagine interest in joining groups will tamper off very soon now that the challenge has started. The main point is that if you wish to better yourself and need help, please join a group. There are many fine ones here. But if you really want us, then we really want you too. Don't worry about formalities and jump in, be active in our community, and most of all get out and get healthy!

Real Life Role Playing Game

Wondering what's with all the characters and stats in people's signatures? Find out for yourself here and here. It's not mandatory but can be lots of fun!

[Captain Solo]

Hey fellow Nerds, Captain Solo here! This is my first challenge, and I'm pumped to be here and meet you all!

I'm a US Army Veteran, so I have quite an intimate knowledge of physical fitness and I'm willing and able to offer help, and I'd be honored to be added to the "Members" section.

 

For the Rebellion!

[Mortikar]

*Salutes*

 

Welcome aboard, Captain. Thank you for offering your experience for the penguin legion!

[Kozwell]

Names Kozwell and this will be my first challenge. When I go for something, I go full speed. I'm pretty reserved and tend to "lurk" around these forums. I'll help out where I can and give advice when asked.

I figured that I listen to Speed Metal when in the gym, so why not join up with the members of the Full Metal Penguins.

 

Its Go Time!

[Captain Solo]

Sample workout anyone? It's broken up into Hard Days and Easy Days to give the body time to recouperate.

 

Hard Days

 

Warm-up

_{30 Jumping Jacks}

 

Workout

_{20 Burpees}

_{5 Pullups / Hanging Crunches}

_{~2 Min Rest~}

_{10 lunges}

_{10 Bear Crawl Pushups}

_{30 Second Plank}

_{5 Pullups}

_{~2 Min Rest~}

_{Do it again!}

 

Stretch / foam roller

 

Easy Days

 

Warmup

_{3 Mile Walk}

 

Workout

_{30 Crunches}

 

Stretch / foam roller / catch up on Nerd Fitness

 

Lee's Bodyweight Workout.doc

[Mortikar]

Welcome Kozwell!

 

I wish you well in your journey. If you need any external motivation, you know where to go. So welcome from out of the shadows. A fellow nerd once told me: If us nerds don't stick together, what's the point?

 

I don't know if I've been exposed to much Speed Metal but I do love some of the original Metal. Seen Mudvayne 4 times and Slipknot twice (we dont get many concerts around here). So we're practically cousins!

[Eluial]

Hey guys! I signed myself up here. I mean, how could I not? Penguins? Have you seen my avatar? Also, I'm a bit obsessed with penguins. Can this be our mascot?

 

My bio

 

Eluial: I think "veteran newbie" is a pretty good description for me, too. I've been focusing on my health and weight since Feb of this year and have dropped almost 20 pounds. I'm pretty nerdy, and not just in the play all the games, read all the books kind of way. I love learning about things and educating myself. So I've done a lot of internet research on exercise routines and diets, as well as how to build successful habits. I've been reading the Nerd Fitness blog since Feb, as well, and have picked up a lot of amazing tips from there. 

[Mortikar]

Welcome Eluial!

 

That effigy is a full metal penguin if I ever saw one! Good on you for being a fellow game and book nerd. I'm currently burning through the Dresden Files books. Love it. I hope your stay here is a pleasant one and may you find help among your penguin comrades. Also, I'll add your bio in case someone can use your super hero powers of research to their own advantage.

 

-Mort

[aerorin]

Helloooo thar!

I'm Rin (aka Rini-roo or Rinrin or Rinnyrinrin) and I am a total newb
This is my first challenge and I'm just getting myself acquainted with the rules of the game.

[Riskva]

Howdy everyone! I just created my challenge and was looking for a group to join. You lovely ladies and gents popped up and I couldn't say no. 

 

I'm an aid worker from Texas currently based in Seattle that has short term deployments to the Middle East. I love my job but the lack of routine has not helped my health. I've been focusing on cutting fat and have gone from 245 pounds to 214. Still a little ways to go, though! Ready to get started!

 

My challenge

 

Also, the character thing seems like a ton of fun. I'm going to have to put some thought into it. 

[Eluial]

Welcome, Rin and Riskva!  What's up, my Penguins?

[Genevieve]

Hi! 

Just joined the Full Metal Penguins - this is my first challenge. Looking forward to it though!

[Birdwing]

Hey everyone! I've been reading up like crazy, I crafted my challenge (mostly...I'd like to give it a theme, but goodness I need to go to bed...)

 

Found you all, and hey hi hello, I'd like to join up.

 

I'm a 23 year old taking a break from double-majoring at university due to financial issues (bleh, let's not discuss that bit). I decided to take the time that I'm broke and rework some bad habits I have, and get fit and all that. I want to focus on clean eating, strength training, and walking/running.

 

I've had the idea of joining the military in the back of my mind for a while, but the last time I went to a recruiter's office, he laughed at how much weight I'd need to lose. I want to blow them out of the water - maybe not by actually joining, but by being so fit that I could get a fitness badge (270+ points on the qualifying test, if I'm reading all of this stuff right).

 

Oh, and I listen to metal on the regular...namely, German metal. I am a hyoooge Rammstein fan (seen them 3 times...twice just a few hours away, and once I rode a train all the way to Canada to see them :X). But for workouts, pop music is probably actually better for me. I'm liking Pink lately. Hey, whatever works!

 

Now I need to go to bed. Crappy 10 hour shift tomorrow where I'll be doing 3 peoples' jobs...whee!

[Mannion]

Hello ladies and gents!

 

I'd like to join you nice-sounding bunch for my first ever challenge.

 

Quick bio then: I'm 21, live in the UK, currently a student after finishing a year's work placement at Disney and have been on a fat-burning journey for some time. This weekend I had an epiphany that it was time to change everything up and start eating more and building some muscle after a VERY LONG TIME of trying to cut down. But in short, I don't know a lot about bulking up so I'm feeling like a fitness newbie again.

 

Seemed like a good time to join a challenge!

 

n short: Down to 180 lbs from 250, but need to get rid of this "skinny fat" body now and get the body fat down and the muscles up.

 

My challenge here

http://nerdfitnessrebellion.com/index.php?/topic/33701-mannions-first-job-with-the-browncoats/

[Riskva]

Welcome Genevieve, Birdwing, and Mannion!

 

Way to go on your weightloss so far, Mannion. That's really impressive! I'll be visiting the UK soon to look at The London School and The University of Edinburgh and their grad programs. Super excited.

[Maireaine]

Hey everyone!  I'm Maireaine (a odd variation of my name, but I've been using it forever).  I was sold at Penguins, as I also love them!  (My wedding reception was penguin themed.  Penguin cake topper, igloo groom's cake with penguins...penguins everywhere!   )  I'm a nerdgeek so I was thrilled to find NerdFitness (Level up my life?  SOLD!)   

 

I sort have video game ADD...I hop between games and sometimes forget to go back and beat them.  Right now I'm switching between Assassin's Creed 3, Dishonored, Skyrim, and SWTOR.  Even more than a gamer, I am a bookworm.  What I hate the most about my current full-time job (and subsequent commute) is it really cuts into my book time.  I get cranky if I don't get to read.  

 

I admit I'm not a big metal fan (though I do like Rammstein), but I hope you all won't hold that against me!

 

I have strong introvert tendencies, but I'm going to try my hardest to delurk and support all of you groovy penguins.  I think the next six weeks are going to be AWESOME and I'm excited to be doing this will all of you!  If any of you are on Fitocracy, I'm there also as Maireaine.  

[ashknife]

Full Metal Penguins? What the hell is that? That's just absurd and silly!

 

I think I found my place in the world.

 

I am not just a newbie here, I'm a newbie to the whole fitness gig. THERE WILL BE PAIN. But we'll all have a good time. Right? RIGHT?!

[Riskva]

So much of a good time you'll be crying.

[Mortikar]

Whoa I go to sleep and so many new people come in. Welcome everyone! Thank you to those of you who have already welcomed our new people.

 

Helloooo thar!

I'm Rin (aka Rini-roo or Rinrin or Rinnyrinrin) and I am a total newb
This is my first challenge and I'm just getting myself acquainted with the rules of the game.

Yay, welcome! Rin's already been doing so well and I'm proud of her.

 

 

Howdy everyone! I just created my challenge and was looking for a group to join. You lovely ladies and gents popped up and I couldn't say no. 

 

I'm an aid worker from Texas currently based in Seattle that has short term deployments to the Middle East. I love my job but the lack of routine has not helped my health. I've been focusing on cutting fat and have gone from 245 pounds to 214. Still a little ways to go, though! Ready to get started!

 

My challenge

 

Also, the character thing seems like a ton of fun. I'm going to have to put some thought into it. 

Awesome! I went to college in Texas and my brother lives in Seattle, so there's 2 degrees of Kevin Bacon. I have no ties with the middle east though, although I've had a pretty Armenian girl say I looked Turkish once That sounds like a mighty exciting job. And I'm glad you have already done so well!

 

 

Hi! 

Just joined the Full Metal Penguins - this is my first challenge. Looking forward to it though!

 Welcome! I've always thought Genevieve was such a pretty name. Feel free to reach out to any of our support people if you need the extra nudge.

[Mortikar]

*takes a deep breath*

 

In the interest of not making super long posts, I won't quote anymore

 

Birdwing- Oh I love German anything. I recently started trying to learn the language. i used to love Rammstein so much. I think I memorized most of the lyrics on their album that had DuHast and had no idea what I was saying. I couldn't imagine double majoring so good on you for it. I'm sure the break can be a real breath of fresh air no matter how it came. And yeah, I'm sure that recruiter will be eating his words soon. Whether or not he'll actually ever know it!

 

Mannion- Welcomes from America! Did you work at the park? I was watching this guy's vblogs on youtube about working for a disney park and it was so funny, also strange how that company operates.

is always good for a laugh. If you worked at the park, i wonder how much of that you can relate to. Anyway, I'm glad you decided to make the choice to get healthier and hopefully someone here can offer some insight on bulking up.

 

Maireaine - Oh don't worry about not being a metal fan, heh. The actual name of this group is in respect to a wonderful Anime/manga called Full Metal Alchemist. The FMP namesake has been very dear to me since it's inception... like 10 years ago. Dang, has it been that long? Anyway, I thought this challenge was worthy of the banner and indeed all you challengers are worthy to represent it. I thought the same thing about the nerd aspect of this site. In fact, I've tried many different sites but never felt a connection with the community. Here, that connection is almost tangible. And you have to be careful when you research anything health related. Everyone stands to make a dollar off of us. And although Steve (the guy who runs this site) has e-books to sell, I believe his intentions are pure and that sold me on this site. Welcome to the group!

 

ashknife - Well you're in good company then! I agree with you. I chant that silently to myself every time I go running and feel like quitting half way through. So far I've finished every set. It's my mantra!

[aerorin]

Hehe...we've got a good group here *nods*

Thank you for the warm welcomes and I'm impressed by the challenges that I've read through so far

[aerorin]

I also want to add that I've been on a fairly strict Paleo diet since the start of July, so I'm glad to assist anyone that's just starting out. I have some excellent resources for information and recipes so that you don't just get stuck in the "salad" habit (but I do love salad!).

 

I've also discovered that while the initial cost of switching to a Paleo diet was expensive, I've been surprised at the amount of money I save on a weekly basis now that I'm almost 4 weeks in. Of course, I DO splurge on coconut milk ice cream from time to time, or higher quality grass-fed meat. But I've also reached a point where I can eyeball a good sale at the grocery store and stock up on beef, chicken, or fish while it's cheap. And fruit/veggies are nearly always inexpensive if you buy in season.

 

[Riskva]

aerorin I would love the resources you have on paleo. If you have a chance could you post those? Here or in my challenge thread or PM. Whatever works for you.

[Eluial]

http://www.paleocupboard.com/ is a great resource for Paleo recipes. A warning, though,a lot of the recipes are more for intermediate-advanced cookers. Not that anything is difficult, but they're not really just throw it together kind of things. 

 

Rin (and whoever else has ideas), what do you do for breakfast? That's my biggest struggle, and I'm actually not 100% Paleo, so I have cottage cheese with some fruit, typically. If it's a weekend I'll make eggs and some sort of breakfast meat, though I try not to buy bacon too often, cause I'll end up having it for every meal. But breakfast is a bit of a mystery to me in terms of being creative and varying what I eat. 

[Proof]

Hi guys,

I'm Proof and when I don't save the world I'm a sysadmin/programmer in the second largest German city (Hamburg). I'm starting the 8th week of couch to 5k tomorrow. I'm really into reading and all things technical. I usually enjoy diving into some new tools on the weekend which puts me into a dilemma, whether I want to cook, clean or just sit in front of the computer. There's so much interesting stuff to do.

 

 

Regards, Proof