16 Week fitness Challenge-Join if you wish

[Fubarcdn]

In order to get rid of my last inch of belly fat I will be starting a 16 week fitness and diet challenge My wife is doing the same.
It will start on May 25 when I get back from holidays.

Mine will consist of
1. Gym 5 days a week.
Monday. - Chest and 30 mins cardio
Tuesday - Shoulders and 30 mins cardio
Wednesday - Legs and 30 mins cardio
Thursday - Back and 30 mins cardio
Friday - Arms and 30 mins cardio

2. Walking 45-60 mins every day

3. Abs 15 mins per day

4. Diet Considerations as follows
No processed sugars or obvious sweets
No added salt
No white bread
No alcohol- Obviously since I am a non drinker now.
Making at least one substitution daily of old eats with something with
less sugar (eg melon slices for orange juice) or less fat.

5. Take 1 dose of protein powder daily. Hate that part.

I am giving it a good go and if I don't succeed I will give up on six pack abs and find some other mindless pursuit to do.

I plan on using this as my record.
Please join in and post here if you wish.
Now it is packing for vacation time.

[californiapoppy]

I'm considering this...it just sounds too tough, however I really do need a better diet plan, I'm pretty sure I can't get much more exercising in. I guess I have a week to make up my mind. Yeah, maybe.

[Gypsy Feet]

Hahah!! Poppy get out of my head!!! O.k., I am a definite maybe with poppy=)

My problem isn't the extra exercise though, I just cant STAND the thought of giving up my bowl of ice cream at night><

[itisatruth]

Thanks

Definitely would like to start something like this - but I have to think about realistic goals for me at this point. I'll think about that but I'm in for now~

[californiapoppy]

When you get back Fubar, and before I decide that I'll accompany you on this trial, why did you choose SIXTEEN weeks? If I like the answer, maybe I'll join up, how is that?

[Gypsy Feet]

You start the week I leave. . .so mine will have to be 15 weeks if I do it

[californiapoppy]

Maybe I'll join with you Lisa. 15 weeks sounds easier !

[Believe808]

I don't belong to a gym!!!! I probably need a personal trainer to get my a*s moving each day. I really need to lose weight.

[californiapoppy]

Originally Posted by Believe808

I don't belong to a gym!!!! I probably need a personal trainer to get my a*s moving each day. I really need to lose weight.

Does that mean you're joining in? I don't belong to a gym, but I do go to gym and stretching classes. Maybe, like Fubar, if you put it down in writing here what you plan to do for 16 weeks and you check in everyday to tell us if you've met your goals for the day, that would be enough incentive to get you moving. You have till the 25th to decide. And to me your signature says it all ! You can do it.

[californiapoppy]

Originally Posted by uglyeyes

Hahah!! Poppy get out of my head!!! O.k., I am a definite maybe with poppy=)

My problem isn't the extra exercise though, I just cant STAND the thought of giving up my bowl of ice cream at night><

Maybe you could try frozen yogurt. Heck, they probably have non-fat ice cream in the States. They've got non-fat cheese, they've even got non-dairy cheese, of course I'm not really persuaded that it's good for you. They want the real thing in France, I agree it's good, but it would be nice to have a light substitute in the freezer sometimes.

[GiveLove]

I don't think I can keep up with fubar in terms of exercise, but I'd like to commit to doing SOMETHING for 60 mins each day. Either fast-walking, jogging, resistance training, swimming, power-gardening, something physical. And I'm in on the dietary stuff...though I might have to ease into it!!

Oh boy.

[Gypsy Feet]

I buy light=) Its 110 calories for 1/2 cup, so I think new rule of 20 crunches/20 push ups to earn a bowl is fair. Last night I wanted a second bowl:P I asked a fit buddy of mine what to do, he said easy, if you want the second bowl you have to do 40 more push ups and 40 more crunches. I got to the tenth and decided ice water and bed was a better idea

[californiapoppy]

Originally Posted by uglyeyes

I buy light=) Its 110 calories for 1/2 cup, so I think new rule of 20 crunches/20 push ups to earn a bowl is fair. Last night I wanted a second bowl:P I asked a fit buddy of mine what to do, he said easy, if you want the second bowl you have to do 40 more push ups and 40 more crunches. I got to the tenth and decided ice water and bed was a better idea

You're so good !
Hopefully I'll have the same disciplined attitude, but I'm waiting til Fubar gets back, no need to be a zealot. Not too much of one anyway, I'm off obvious sweets again anyway.

[Believe808]

Alright, what I might commit to and this is a big one for me, is a list of core strengthening exercises that my Physical Therapist wanted me to do 2x a day. I never bothered doing them they have been sitting on my refrigerator staring at me each day. I will do them as a start. If that's good, then I'M IN!!!!!!!! Before the 25th I will list the 5 exercises and how many each. Hey it's a start.

[Gypsy Feet]

I did 3 sets of each last night just for the heck of it. Just did my first set today and MAN AM I SORE haha.

It dawned on me a few hours later that 3 sets was my 20 of each plus 40, so I grabbed a spoon and had an extra bite or three.

I think I might need ice cream detox next=)

[Believe808]

Hey I thought we don't start till Fub gets back??

[californiapoppy]

Originally Posted by Believe808

Hey I thought we don't start till Fub gets back??

I don't start until Fubar gets back but if you guys want to start I'll admire your courage, and applaud you !

[Philly]

To all,

I found it so much easier to go to the gym and also limit my calories without the alcohol. I can't imagine trying something like weight watchers while drinking. OMG I drank a weeks worth of points in one long weekend.

Fub,

The program sounds great. I'll try and visit this thread to see how everything is going. I go to the gym right after work for a few hours a night anymore and my husband will shoot me. I am a cardio nut who seems now has developed a bad knee. Having it checked in June. I love to run. It will suck big time if I have to stop. Good luck on the program.

[Fubarcdn]

Originally Posted by californiapoppy

When you get back Fubar, and before I decide that I'll accompany you on this trial, why did you choose SIXTEEN weeks? If I like the answer, maybe I'll join up, how is that?

I read somewhere that it takes about 16 weeks for the skin to replenish itself and fit to your hopefully revitalixed body and that is the reason for the time frame.
Tomorrow is the start and I hope some of you will join in.
Just make your own goals for the 16 week period. Could be just a 15 minute walk a day. Something is better than nothing.
Try it you may like it.

[Tsar7]

I have noticed that if I walk for thirty minutes a day that my pants get looser.

I have noticed that if I don't walk in the morning, my other activities usually take over

I have noticed that after walking, I feel better the next day.

Imalso enjoy the walk itself.

So I guess it boils down to scheduling and priorities

[Fubarcdn]

Today is day 1 of the challenge.
Woke up early and anxious to get started which is good.
Weighed in at 175 so I have about 5 pounds to lose.
Substituted my regular cereal for a half and half mix of it and fiber 1 original. This cuts my sugar in half so this is my substitution for the day.
Off to the gym now with all systems go.
If you are joining in good luck.

[GiveLove]

Starting today as well.

Just wanted to jot down my goals, as a starting point.

1. Exercise 60 minutes each and every day of some form (fast-walking, running, hiking, resistance, cardio, etc.). Aim for 2-3 resistance sessions each week and at least one yoga or tai chi session.

2. Diet:
No processed sugars or sweets
No added salt
At least 6 servings of fruits/veggies each day
At least 2 servings of whole grains each day
1800 calories or fewer
Minimal saturated fat

3. Supplements: Multi, fish oil, calcium/magnesium

4. Hydration: At least 1 quart (and preferably more) pure water each day.

5. Mental health: Fifteen minutes of stress-reduction via contemplative activity (journaling, meditation, stretching)

Off we go! Heading out for a gentle jog in the rain

[itisatruth]

5. Mental health: Fifteen minutes of stress-reduction via contemplative activity (journaling, meditation, stretching)

I like the mental health aspect GL.

I said I'm in so I guess I better get on it. Can't start today though - already off track with Memorial Day stuff planned - but I may get some tennis in. Tomorrow for sure though.

Will be back later to put my plan in print!

[itisatruth]

1. Exercise:
M/W/F Cardio consisting of alternating running, walking, and biking, increasing my time from 30-40 minutes that I do now up to 60.

With the running, I will start tomorrow and see how far I can go comfortably then begin increasing the time each week.

T/TH/Sat Cardio for warm-up 10 minutes or so then weights, concentrating on upper body.

Once summer starts, I'll add swimming.

Also, I'll continue with tennis and running/walking up bleachers with friends about once/twice a week - but this is more dependent on our schedules

2. Diet:
*Breakfast - egg-substitute omelet with one slice of cheese and coffee
*Lunch - salad
*Dinner - 1 chicken breast with vegetables or other lower fat meat with veggies
*lots of water
*In between snacks - fruit or yogurt

3. Supplements: vitamins

My main goal is to be in good health while losing some stubborn weight which I think has been difficult with my thyroid issue. Mentally - I'll continue with my meetings, reading, writing, and time for myself.

Let's do this!!

[Fubarcdn]

Welcome Givelove and itsatruth. Glad to have you koining me in the challenge.
Looks like we all have good solid plans and together we can do this. It is good to have others in the same boat.
I also do a bit of meditation 3 times a day. It is more of a breathing exercise I learned to lower my blood pressure when it was high. It was suggested by a doctor in a blood pressure study I did through the Heart and Stroke foundation and it worked so I keep at it.
On to day 2.
Good luck to all.