[Arya Sapphire] Through the Looking Glass

[Arya Sapphire]

Introduction:  Hey guys! Arya Sapphire here. :3 This is my first challenge here and I'm ready to tackle it! I named my challenge thread ''Through the Looking Glass'' because I'm a huge Alice in Wonderland nerd, yes, but also because I want to go through this challenge working out for me. I want to feel better, get stronger and know that deep down everything I do is for a better health and a better me! So I'll try to focus less on my ''looks'' and more on my fitness progress and how I feel.

 

I'm 90% vegan. I've been going to the gym 3 times a week for the past 6 weeks, doing strength training (a little barbell work, which I adore and a lot of lunges, squats, rowing machine and etc.) I also used to do pilates and yoga for a year.

 

Fitness has been the best thing I have done for myself in the past year and a half. I stopped for 6 months during fall and winter because I burned myself out by doing too much cardio, too much muscle work and also by working my job standing up a crazy number of hours. It led me to eating badly again, never working out and I gained back all the fat I had lost. I'm 5'5 and my highest weight was around 148. 

I've never been majorly overweight but having been bullied all throughout high school and primary school, it made me a super self-conscious person and I used food as my only resort to happiness for way too long now. But I'm ready to change!

 

Anyway, this is getting super long, haha. Here are my goals! :3

 

 

Main Quest:  My current body fat% is around 27-28% and I'd like to drop it down to 20% eventually. (also, I want to feel good in that cosplay )

 

Quest 1: Keep doing strength training at least 3 times a week.

Measurement: A = 3 or more times a week, B = 2 times a week C = 1 time a week

Reward: A = +3 STA, +2 STR, B = +2 STA, +1 STR, C = +1 STR

 

Quest 2: Jog outside 3 times a week.

Measurement: A = 3 or more times a week, B = 2 times a week, C = 1 time a week 

Reward: A = +3 STA, +2 DEX B = +2 STA, +1 DEX C = +1 STA

 

Quest 3: I really want to bring down the number of times I eat take-out food.

Measurement: A = 0-2 take-outs, B = 3-4 take-outs, C = 5 or more take-outs

Reward: A = +3 CON,  B = +2 CON, C = +1 CON

 

Life Quest: Clean my room at least once a week. A clean place for a clean mind, right? It would help me greatly to meditate and be less anxious I think!

Measurement: A = Clean it once or twice a week, B = Clean it once every two weeks, C = Clean it once a month or less

Reward: A = +2 WIS, B = +1 WIS, C = +0.5 WIS

 

Motivation: I work a lot. I have two jobs and finding time for fitness has been hard, but when I do, I am in the best mood possible. I want to find the time for myself, to feel better and have a clearer mind. I also do acting on the side and feeling strong and beautiful because of those lifestyle changes would benefit me for my self-confidence. :3

 

Let's do this guys! The next 6 weeks will be extremely rewarding. 

[Silverwind]

Hey Arya,

 

Awesome Quests, you'll rock this challenge! (aside: Ugh, somewhere down the road on this fitness journey I'm gonna have to address the take-out food thing too )

 

Are you planning to change things up with your lifting and cardio routines from the last time you were doing them and got burned-out and had to take extended time off?

[Arya Sapphire]

Hey Arya,

 

Awesome Quests, you'll rock this challenge! (aside: Ugh, somewhere down the road on this fitness journey I'm gonna have to address the take-out food thing too )

 

Are you planning to change things up with your lifting and cardio routines from the last time you were doing them and got burned-out and had to take extended time off?

 

Thank you! And as crazy as it sound, the take-out quest will probably be the hardest for me since I ALWAYS buy food. I almost never take the time to cook for myself so that one will kick my butt! We can do it though; one step at a time.

 

At the time, I would workout 1.5 hours in the gym, walk 2 hours a day and then work on my feet for 8 hours, all that 6 days a week. I just really put way too much on myself too quick and I won't make that mistake this time. :3

[Hazard]

Hello!  Just stopping in to wish you luck on your challenge!

[TheStephil]

Yay another person that has a cosplay related goal! That was my goal last challenge (click "1st challenge" link in my signature if you want to see it + my cosplay pictures) and its a life quest goal of mine this time around.

 

Are you following a program for strength training?

[18ck]

Hi

I enjoyed reading your post and you obviously have a lot of diverse interests. I get the feeling you'd be at home in almost any of the guilds, but while you're making your mind up, I wanted to extend an invitation to you to drop by the Scout Tavern and say hello any time you feel like it. We are big into running, cycling, waking, swimming - all that cardio stuff, so if you like jogging (you do!) and walking (you do!) or if you want to be a mermaid (hey, well whaddya... you do!) you might find a friendly ear there and someone who can give you advice about some of it.

[katastrophenkatzchen]

Alice-theme? I'm in!

 

If you want to limit take out cooking beforehand is a great help. You are less likely to order something if there is a delish meal waiting for you in the fridge oder you have a healthy and tasty lunch with you.

If you have limited time consider cooking all lunches and diners at the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer.

There are also programs where you just cook once a month (google "Once a month meals") but personally this is too determined for me.

 

Maybe grab 3 lunch and 3 dinner recieps, double them and you got 6 days ready in your fridge.

You could also google "Salad in a jar", they keep the whole week in the jars.

[Arya Sapphire]

Hello!  Just stopping in to wish you luck on your challenge!

Thank you!

Yay another person that has a cosplay related goal! That was my goal last challenge (click "1st challenge" link in my signature if you want to see it + my cosplay pictures) and its a life quest goal of mine this time around.

 

Are you following a program for strength training?

Yay! I'll go check it now! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a cosplay related goal.

For strength training I basically do a different muscle group each day, 3x times a week. So legs twice and arms once. I try to do planks on other days to work my full-body and core! I love lifting weights and I can't wait to get stronger. Do you have a program?

Hi

I enjoyed reading your post and you obviously have a lot of diverse interests. I get the feeling you'd be at home in almost any of the guilds, but while you're making your mind up, I wanted to extend an invitation to you to drop by the Scout Tavern and say hello any time you feel like it. We are big into running, cycling, waking, swimming - all that cardio stuff, so if you like jogging (you do!) and walking (you do!) or if you want to be a mermaid (hey, well whaddya... you do!) you might find a friendly ear there and someone who can give you advice about some of it.

Thank you so much for the invitation! I'll definitely come by the tavern to say "hi" and meet the Scouts. Would you guys mind a gnome who dreams of being a mermaid and has an affair with weight lifting? Because if not, I'm in!

Alice-theme? I'm in!

 

If you want to limit take out cooking beforehand is a great help. You are less likely to order something if there is a delish meal waiting for you in the fridge oder you have a healthy and tasty lunch with you.

If you have limited time consider cooking all lunches and diners at the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer.

There are also programs where you just cook once a month (google "Once a month meals") but personally this is too determined for me.

 

Maybe grab 3 lunch and 3 dinner recieps, double them and you got 6 days ready in your fridge.

You could also google "Salad in a jar", they keep the whole week in the jars.

That White Rabbit definitely made me work on my cardio a lor, haha.

I love your idea of doubling 3 recipes. I should try that! Generally on my only two days off, I either act in my friend's webseries all day and the other day I sleep and do all the laundry I need to do, ah. But this is a no-excuses week and I will find a way. Any website recommandations for quick and healthy recipes?

[18ck]

Some of my best friends are squat-loving, mermaid-dreaming gnomes. I'm not sure how they're able to swim with a barbell on their back. Actually, now I think of it, maybe it was a barbel. Yes, that sounds more likely.

[TheStephil]

Thanks for checking out my last challenge =)

 

I'm following Stronglifts right now. It's compound movements 3x/week. I'm about to add some accessory work though since I've noticed some of my body parts need extra work. Definitely need to start doing some planks, my core is WEAK.

[Guest]

Good luck, Arya.

 

I highly support cosplayers. Rock that Black Widow outfit!!! I'll eyeball your challenge and shoot you over some encouragement as the weeks go by.

[katastrophenkatzchen]

Any website recommandations for quick and healthy recipes?

I like Budget bytes a lot. The reciepes are low budget too and sorted in categories.

Most of my other suggestions would be vegetarian and vegan since I'm veggie myself.

But I don't want to press my option onto you....

 

You could also check out paleo eating, it's pretty popular on Nerd fitness.

You could also opt for a cup of tea... or three.

[Greenleaf]

Ok, so I also stopped in here because of the title of your thread, Alice in Wonderland is my all time favourite book from my childhood, I currently have three copies on my shelf (plus the full book in poster format on my wall in the hallway). Ok so I have finished nerding out about that, now I can wish you luck on your challenge, I like your life quest too, de-cluttering your room is the way forward for a clear mind.

[Tate]

Hey Arya, thanks for stopping by my challenge. I really like the look of your challenge, especially eating less take-out bit, definitely something I need to work on the future! Good luck to you!

[natkal709]

Hi arya, just stopping by to wish you luck. looks like you have some good goals and everything planned out really well. Just wondering what method are you using to track your body fat percentage?

[Mugen]

Woot Arya! Your challenge is looking great! (And I used to be vegetarian yay for vegan too!)

 

Honestly your plan is inspiring I'll be sure to sub and see how it goes. I wish you luck and remember to have fun too! 

 

(And if we can see cosplay pics here at some point, AWESOME! Cosplayers ROCK!)

[Arya Sapphire]

Thanks for checking out my last challenge =)

 

I'm following Stronglifts right now. It's compound movements 3x/week. I'm about to add some accessory work though since I've noticed some of my body parts need extra work. Definitely need to start doing some planks, my core is WEAK.

 

You're welcome! I really liked seeing your progress. :-) 

 

And I'll check out Stronglifts. It seems great! 

 

 

Good luck, Arya.

 

I highly support cosplayers. Rock that Black Widow outfit!!! I'll eyeball your challenge and shoot you over some encouragement as the weeks go by.

 

Thank you! Cosplayers rock. I am always in awe at some people's talent. And thank you again! :-) 

 

 

I like Budget bytes a lot. The reciepes are low budget too and sorted in categories.

Most of my other suggestions would be vegetarian and vegan since I'm veggie myself.

But I don't want to press my option onto you....

 

You could also check out paleo eating, it's pretty popular on Nerd fitness.

You could also opt for a cup of tea... or three.

 

Eheh, It's not a tea party if you don't have at least 3 cups. ;-) 

 

Oh and I'm basically a vegan so please, send your favorite links my way! I'll also check the Budget Bytes since it never hurts to shop on a budget. Thank you! 

 

 

Ok, so I also stopped in here because of the title of your thread, Alice in Wonderland is my all time favourite book from my childhood, I currently have three copies on my shelf (plus the full book in poster format on my wall in the hallway). Ok so I have finished nerding out about that, now I can wish you luck on your challenge, I like your life quest too, de-cluttering your room is the way forward for a clear mind.

 

Same here! I've read AIW probably 10 times in French, twice in English and saw the Disney movie about 500 times, haha. 

 

Thank you! I really think de-cluttering will do wonders to my mind. 

 

 

Hey Arya, thanks for stopping by my challenge. I really like the look of your challenge, especially eating less take-out bit, definitely something I need to work on the future! Good luck to you!

 

Thank you so much! Eating less take-out will be difficult but once I settle the habit, it will be amazing for my body AND wallet! All the best to you. :-) 

 

 

Hi arya, just stopping by to wish you luck. looks like you have some good goals and everything planned out really well. Just wondering what method are you using to track your body fat percentage?

 

Thank you! The scale I have at home tells me my body fat% and the one at the gym as well. So I'll do both to compare the results, since I know it varies a lot. I'll also do other at-home tests to have variety. 

 

 

Woot Arya! Your challenge is looking great! (And I used to be vegetarian yay for vegan too!)

 

Honestly your plan is inspiring I'll be sure to sub and see how it goes. I wish you luck and remember to have fun too! 

 

(And if we can see cosplay pics here at some point, AWESOME! Cosplayers ROCK!)

 

Thank you so much! I'll try my best to show some cosplay pictures but I don't have a con yet to attend, so it makes it hard for me to motivate mysel to work on it. But hey, I'll show pictures of the wig when I order it. :-D 

 

All the best to you as well! 

[Reverberance]

Hey there. Looks like good goals too me. Wishing you luck!

[Superdan042]

Looks like a good quest with some awesome goals!

 

GET IT!

[Rubydaisies]

Wishing you luck on your goals for the challenge. Thanks for checking in on my challenge. I will def be following your progress. I completely get your being busy and just getting take aways (I am also in that boat). I have found that planning and prepping your meals ahead makes it so much easier with a super busy schedule   

[Twilight]

Alice and mermaids and Black Widow, oh my

 

[Sirona]

I totally feel you on the two jobs front! I am also working on fitting exercise in no matter what and housecleaning. A clean room sounds small, but it's an admirable goal.

[Arya Sapphire]

Hey there. Looks like good goals too me. Wishing you luck!

 Thank you very much! 

 

 

Wishing you luck on your goals for the challenge. Thanks for checking in on my challenge. I will def be following your progress. I completely get your being busy and just getting take aways (I am also in that boat). I have found that planning and prepping your meals ahead makes it so much easier with a super busy schedule   

 

Thank you! It's definitely not easy to deal with working crazy hours and then having basically zero healthy options around. But you're right, as long as I start prepping my meals I should be fine. Maybe we could be meal prep buddies, haha. Just to make sure we have enough motivation to cook for the week. :-)

[Arya Sapphire]

Alice and mermaids and Black Widow, oh my

 

 

Ah! Three of my loves. Also, how stunning was this photoshoot?!

 

 

I totally feel you on the two jobs front! I am also working on fitting exercise in no matter what and housecleaning. A clean room sounds small, but it's an admirable goal.

 

It seems like such a small goal, but it can get so hard when the schedule is already crazy! But thank you for the support and I'm sure you'll do great on fitting exercise in your schedule as well. :-) 

[FabCat]

Woo hoo, Arya!! I really like your goal to eat less take-out. I can so identify with that! I may be using that for the next challenge :-)  In the meantime, good luck with your goals!