Hey folks, next week I’ve committed myself to starting a new Health Challenge. Well, technically I stole that name from Jack Finlayson, our CEO at Layered Tech. You see, every year Jack runs a Health Challenge for the folks at work. It works about like this…
- First of all, participants are all on the honor system. You can choose to participate or not, but if you are disqualified then you have to admit it and you aren’t eligible for the prizes that come at the end.
- There are some exercise requirements.
- There are some dietary requirements.
- It lasts for about 12 weeks.
At the end of the challenge, whoever has shown the most notable improvement wins! So, starting this coming Sunday, April 12, 2009, I’m going to be kicking off my own little health challenge right here for readers of my blog. Complete with glory and prizes! You’ve got the rest of this week to prepare, but then the progress begins next week!
Personally, I am starting out at 188.8 pounds and 22.5% bodyfat. My number one goal is to lose inches off my waist which is 34″. Ideally I would like to have a 31″ waist.
Here are the Rules
- Almost completely eliminate sugar from the diet. No more candy, Coke, or other sugary drinks. In fact, nothing but water! One Coke and one candy bar per week are allowed.
- Decrease food portions by 40-50% for all meals. Instead of eating whatever looks good, stop eating after you feel full. (Overall, I want to consume half the calories I used to.)
- Snack all you want, but only fruit or nuts are allowed!
- Exercise every single day. This doesn’t mean long exercise daily. It means frequent bursts of exercise. Pushups and situps as many times a day as you can squeeze them in. Whatever you are capable of, just lots of it!
In a few days I’ll give you my Marine Corps style workout schedule. Perhaps I’ll even video a few of the exercises guaranteed to get you in shape… That’s it! Now, some of you are going to have to follow a couple extra rules if you decide to go along with me here.
- If you are a big beer drinker, you are going to have to treat it the way I treat Coke. Cut it out! Only one or two per week!
- If you are a smoker, I would prefer to see you quit altogether, but at a minimum you must cut down by 50% during the Health Challenge.
My Progress
As I’m going through the health challenge I’m going to report back right here on my progress pretty regularly. I’m also going to tweet periodically about it, so if you aren’t following me on Twitter, feel free.
| Date | Pullups | Squat Thrusts | Pushups | Arm Curls | Treadmill | Weight | Body Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | 35 | 34 reps / 60 lbs. | 188.8 lbs. | 22.5% | |||
| April 9 | 30 reps / 60 lbs. | 186.5 lbs. | 22.1% | ||||
| April 12 | 50 | 20 | 87 reps / 60 lbs. | 185 lbs. | 21.7% | ||
| April 15 | 80 | 57 reps / 60 lbs. | 183 lbs. | 21.5% | |||
| April 20 | 15 | 125 | 20 | 25 reps / 70 lbs. | 182.4 lbs. | 21.3% | |
| April 25 | 50 | 181.1 lbs. | 20.9% | ||||
| April 29 | 15 | 50 | 56 | 75 reps / 60 lbs. | 178.6 lbs. | 20.4% | |
| May 8 | 176 lbs. | 20.1% | |||||
| May 13 | 174.5 lbs. | 19.2% | |||||
| May 16 | 300 | 30 reps / 60 lbs. | 174 lbs. | 19% | |||
| May 22 | 30 | 75 reps / 60 lbs. | 172.6 lbs. | 19.1% | |||
| May 24 | 100 | 30 reps / 60 lbs. | 172 lbs. | 18.9% |
How to Join the Health Challenge
If you’d like in on this Challenge, here’s what all you can do:
- Drop your Twitter ID in the comments and I’ll follow you back (maybe you can follow each other too), as long as you promise to stick with it and give us all updates as well! Motivation is key people!
- You can give updates here in the comments on this blog, or via Twitter, or on your OWN blog, but your progression must be documented in order to be eligible for any sort of prize at the end.
Right now I don’t know what the prizes will be, but I’ll think of something if anyone actually joins me here and completes the challenge!
One last thought. A program like this always works best with peer support. So even if you don’t join in, how about sharing this with other people on your blog, or Facebook or Twitter or whatever. I’m committed, but I could use all the partners I can get!
Oh man, oh man. What am I getting myself in to? I have been feeling the itch to do this, and I even hopped on my Wii Fit for the first time in several months… What the hell? I’ll do it! …do you have any pointers for somebody who’s never really done this before? I feel overwhelmed! @hadak
Hey, I didn’t realize you were CEO of things involving Woopra! I love woopra <3 <3!
I’ll give it my best. I need the motivation. Follow me at imarkwebs.
OK!
i will post as many updates as possible! you can find me @desherinka
Lets Do It!! Start Date and Time 4-12-09 : 7:20PM
Norm
Twitter: stormancast
I’ll try! @kiwipride thanks.
I like this challenge. Please count me in!
I am so in…
twitter id : effiejayx
Ok gang, I think I followed everyone on Twitter who dropped a message up to this point. I’m so glad to have you all joining the health challenge! We’re going to have a great time keeping one another motivated and energized!
Over the next week I’ll start putting out blog posts to help everyone with getting in better shape. I’m going to demonstrate my workout routine for you guys on video… I’m also going to give you helpful tips on eating and things you can do to supplement your workout routine.
Now, there is just one thing! I’m very happy to see that you guys are going to participate, but you left out one important detail! I’d like to hear what each of your goals are for the next 12 weeks. This is very important! If your goal is to do nothing, you’ll definitely achieve it. So let’s shoot for something a little higher, shall we? :-)
John P.
I will Follow you wherever you may go!!!
I am willing to give this a try, Me and my hubby are game!! Follow me on twitter @mummiej
I’m going to join in the challenge. Huzzah! I’m @orapower on twitter
I’m following. @david2070 on Twitter.
My goal is to bulk up. Get rid of my stomach and make 4 pack abs. Its not possible to make 6 packs in 12 weeks.
I’m in. My goal is 25lbs. Sheesh
http://catdaddyj.tumblr.com/
Hi you guys, is it too late to join in? my id is @argenisf
Great idea! I’m joining. My goals: Eat less (as prescribed above), eat healthier, double exercise, lose 25 pounds in 12 weeks. Follow me on Twitter – I’m @Sherryness
My ongoing blogging of my efforts/progress can actually be found here: http://sherryness.com/category/health-challenge/
Ok, well – since I’m halfway to goal – I’ve lost 40lbs – my goal will be to GET TO GOAL!!!
Oh and I’m http://twitter.com/lisamariemary – I swear you were already following me. Oh well – get over there and follow!
Do we have a hashtag, John?
never mind, I see – #HealthChallenge – groovy!
Did not workout anything today. Going to do some pulls ups in all types of positions seen on youtube.
No one really bothers to update? I hope you guys are working out.
Please count me in! @psatya
I am seeing this a little late but I am in. My goal is 25 – 30lbs in 12 weeks. Is that reasonable? Hmmmmmm don’t know. @bnordo
Reasonable as long as you stick to your goals. There is no substitute for hard work in the gym.