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Home / Health & Fitness / The John P. Health Challenge Starts May 1, 2011! Prizes and Glory Await You!!!

The John P. Health Challenge Starts May 1, 2011! Prizes and Glory Await You!!!

US Army Golden Knights
John P.

April 22, 2011 By John P.

workoutWell, it’s that time again! The John P. Health Challenge is BACK! The health challenge was invented by my friend Jack Finlayson, CEO of Layered Tech, but I kind of took it an adapted it.

The first thing I can tell you is that this program works! You can see my documented results from the first time I did this publicly, and hundreds of people have done the challenge with me in the last couple of years and seen fantastic results. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to get in better shape – wait no more! Especially since this costs absolutely nothing!

Here’s How it Works

  • 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 8 weeks (ends June 30, 2011).

At the end of the challenge, whoever has shown the most notable improvement wins! So, starting Sunday, May 1, 2011, we’re going to be kicking off the health challenge, complete with glory and prizes! You’ve got the rest of this month to prepare, but then the progress begins in May! (Just in time to get your beach body ready. :-)

Personally, I am starting at 176 pounds and 32″ waist. My main goal is to get down to around 160 pounds a 30″ waist. Even though I’m 6′ tall, this is my most ideal weight where I feel best. I also want to make sure that I get my 6 pack abs back.

Here are the Rules

  1. 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.
  2. 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.)
  3. Snack all you want, but only fruit or nuts are allowed!
  4. 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!

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.

Special Guest Trainer!

US Army Golden Knights

US Army Golden Knights

You might ask, what’s prompting the health challenge right now? Well, my friends over at the US Army Golden Knights have taken me on multiple tandem parachute jumps. But now they want to train me to skydive by myself.

There is just one catch! Lt. Col. Joe Martin says I have to be Army Strong before I can jump on my own, so he’s going to personally oversee my training! (This scares me greatly…) So, every day he’s going to be Tweeting exercise commands to me, and I have to tweet him back as soon as I’ve done what he says.

I’m pretty sure he’s going to take special delight in “overseeing” my training. (Hopefully it won’t be as bad as USMC boot camp.) If you follow Col Martin and myself you’ll be able to observe, and prod me along if I don’t get it done quick enough. Or, if you think your up to it, maybe you can try and follow along as well!

I’m not really sure what he has in store, but hopefully I’ll be able to keep up…

My Progress

As I’m going through the health challenge I’m going to report back right here on my progress pretty regularly. Keep an eye on this area for updates later.

How to Join the Health Challenge

Hey, you really should join us on the Challenge! Here’s what to do:

  • Leave a comment below and let me know if you’re in!
  • Drop your Twitter ID in the comment 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! – UPDATE: Cali Lewis had a great idea and created a Health Challenge Twitter list! Ping her on Twitter to get added if you are joining in.
  • 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.
  • Use the #HealthChallenge hashtag whenever you tweet about it so we can track it!!!

Prizes!

Not that getting in better shape isn’t enough of a reason to do the Health Challenge… but since we’re going to be having some fun getting in shape we might as well have some prizes to go along with it! We’ll be giving out AT LEAST the following at the end of the Challenge:

  • Most Engaged: An awesome bluetooth speaker system to pair with your phone for traveling with your music and podcasts!
  • Biggest Loser: An awesome new digital camera to the person who loses the most weight. But you have to document it!
  • Best Cheerleader: A Wicked Laser (the World’s Most Powerful! NOT A TOY!!!)
  • ZOMMs!: Three ZOMMs to the runner up cheerleaders, so make sure you encourage everyone!
  • And we’ll come up with more…

The Livid Lobster staff will choose the winners, but you guys are clearly in control of who gets the prizes!

Related

Filed Under: Health & Fitness Tagged With: Diet, Exercise, Health Challenge, Health-&-Fitness

About John P.

John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise. Or Money. Money is good.

Comments

  1. John California says

    May 26, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I have been looking for a challenge like this. I just heard about it on Cali lewis’s podcast and I’m excited to begin. I use my Nike plus shoes/ iPod to track walking so this is going to be a great tie in

  2. Cali Lewis says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    How’s everyone doing with the challenge??

    Fas above pointed out that we need to be posting our updates here as well as Twitter, so here goes…

    Last week I lost 4 pounds. Feeling better, although very sore! :) In addition to doing most of @GKJoe’s daily challenges, I tried doing a variety of hour long cardio and weight spurts. I just got back from upping that to 2 hours tonight and I feel even better!!

    We want to hear your stories! How are you feeling so far?

    John…how are YOU doing with the challenge?? ;-)

  3. 1CPAinNC says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:30 am

    1week late, but no less motivated.

  4. Aline says

    May 8, 2011 at 12:46 am

    I’m in!!!

  5. Jeremy Vest says

    May 3, 2011 at 11:55 am

    I’m in late
    @videoguild
    Weight: 194
    Goal: 180

  6. Etopman says

    May 2, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    I don’t have a twitter account, but I’m in. For those of you that have iPhone (or idevices) there are apps to help track calories, excersie, weight, etc. I use MyNetDiary, but have also used Calorie Counter from fatsecret.com. I’m sure there are others. This is a great way to monitor caloric intake and track this challange. Good luck to all.

  7. mf rader says

    May 2, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    Posting from my iPod touch, I missed the Twitter field ;)

  8. mf rader says

    May 2, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    Count me in too. Just heard about it on geekbeat; since it’s 1:30am here, I’ll kick it off tomorrow ;)
    Guess I’m one of the few vegans in the bunch?
    Looking forward to some extra motivation.
    Mario aka @r8r

  9. VJ says

    May 2, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    I’m in too! Starting weight: 219 lbs, Goal weight: 185 lbs.

  10. TheKrishna says

    May 2, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    One day on and i feel great (of course I totally forgot to comment here). lol.

    my twitter name is @TheKrishna. Hit me up

  11. dave barbush says

    May 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    I’m in. Started a serious calorie counting and regular exercise regime last week, so I’m off to a good start. could use the encouragement Cali.

    • Cali Lewis says

      May 5, 2011 at 11:39 am

      Awesome! How’s it going in the last three days, Dave?

  12. nic miranda says

    May 2, 2011 at 11:49 am

    @nic_miranda

    I’m in! Let’s do this!

  13. Wade says

    May 2, 2011 at 8:21 am

    I am in. Looking forward to the extra energy

    @whindell

  14. Juan l Aguirre says

    May 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Twitter:Juan_Lauro

    Hello I am staring this the fattest I have been in my life 197 pounds I an 5′ 6″

    Oink oink

    Goodbye beer goodbye joy will be ever meet again !!!

    :)

  15. Jon Avalon says

    May 1, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    If you can do it John, I’m definitely in!!!

  16. Jen Ritchie says

    May 1, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    I’m in as well. Like hubby up above (Christian Ritchie) I’m in dire need of a kickstart.

  17. Matthew McGarity says

    May 1, 2011 at 7:02 am

    Count me in. My goals are to reduce my spare tire as much as possible. I’m also going to follow along with GKJoe as much as possible.

  18. Andreas Johansson says

    May 1, 2011 at 6:19 am

    I’m in for sure!

    http://www.twitter.com/techfreakout

  19. Ethan says

    May 1, 2011 at 12:50 am

    I’m in. If it’s not too late.

    • Cali Lewis says

      May 5, 2011 at 11:37 am

      Never too late! :)

  20. sinalco says

    April 30, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    Ok, I’m in! Starting first thing in the morning for sure!

    Do I have to give up my beloved Diet Coke?

  21. Gary O'Toole says

    April 30, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    I’m in 100% starting off 101KG, ultimate goal 78KG. Started with a 8KM ‘run’ this morning, cant wait to see how I do :)
    Please add me to your list and, if you feel like it, follow me too :)

    • Cali Lewis says

      May 5, 2011 at 11:21 am

      I’ll be happy to add you, Gary! What’s your Twitter ID?

      Great job on the run!

  22. David Oliva says

    April 30, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Last minute entry, but I in.

  23. Skotha4 says

    April 30, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    I am starting at 245 lbs and my goal is 220. I started by doing a 2 mile walk daily and some resistance workout.

    @Cali Lewis. Could you add me to the list.

  24. Cali Lewis says

    April 30, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    I think I have everyone added to the Health Challenge Twitter List who’s put their Twitter ID so far. Let me know if I didn’t!

    http://twitter.com/#!/CaliLewis/health-challenge/members

    Who participated in the pre-challenge warm up? I know @MrAndyL and I did, and that @schnelle is just choosing to drink beer all day today. Hoping lots of you joining in the challenges from @GKJoe! :)

  25. Andy Lear says

    April 30, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    I’m in! Been working on the C25k running program in preperation for a string of 5k’s in July. I work a rotating 2 week schedule at a remote site and sometimes it’s tough to get motivated each time. I picked up a bike trailer for my 1.5y/o and plan to tow her to and from daycare when home. The toughest part on the food list will be giving up the soda and popcorn I enjoy when going to movies but a bottle of water will suffice. I currently use DailyBurn’s website and iphone app to log my workouts and progress. It’s very inclusive. Currently 235lbs, 6’4″, 38waist. Goal is 210, and 34waist.

    Here’s to us all becoming loosers.

  26. Jeff says

    April 30, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    Add me and the wife into the program. @jbaluch. I’m starting at 190 and want to get to 180

  27. Michael Tunnell says

    April 30, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    I just heard about this challenge a day before the start of it so I have basically no time at all to prepare but I am going to participate as I am sick of having an “internet gut”.

    So good luck all and have fun. I hope to. :)

  28. ivon says

    April 30, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    TWITTER: @awesomeIncl

    I am in and i will be doing the workout regularly

  29. Michael says

    April 30, 2011 at 11:35 am

    I’m in.

    I was about 285-290ish a year ago. Lost about 15lbs last summer and was maintaining that. Recently I returning to the US after 4 months traveling for work, i was stunned to see i was down to 244 lbs. But being back in the states has caused me to slip into so old bad habits. Already back at 250lbs. I would love to loose another 20-30lbs and this seems like a good start in that direction.

  30. Mark says

    April 30, 2011 at 11:14 am

    I’m in. I really need to loose these pounds that I have packed on.

    Start Weight: 320lbs
    Start Waist: 56″

    Twitter: @markphenom
    Blog: http://www.abrahamsram.com

  31. Sean Thornton says

    April 30, 2011 at 8:32 am

    I’m in! Twitter is @NDQuietman

    Starting Weight: 270 lbs

  32. Stephen says

    April 29, 2011 at 9:52 am

    I’m in.

    Current: 255 lbs
    8 Week Goal: 230
    End Goal: 180

  33. Brian says

    April 27, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Oh I am so in on this!
    https://twitter.com/goosefeather

  34. Aaron says

    April 27, 2011 at 9:37 am

    I’m in.
    Twitter: @aarontbutler
    Height: 5’11”
    Weight: 183

    Looks like a great way to lose some unproductive weight and kickstart my training for a 15K race this summer!

  35. Kashif Ahmed says

    April 26, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    I am sure IN.
    @Cali Lewis – please add me to the Twitter list

    I am 175lbs and 34 waist – my goal is to go 160lbs and 32 waist.

    I am IN IN IN.

    Twitter: @KashifAhmed

    — Kashi
    http://www.about.me/KashifAhmed

  36. Skotha4 says

    April 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Count me in too. I would love to lose some weight.

  37. cynthia says

    April 26, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    I’m in! Giving up soda is cool since I drink water mostly already but beer and sweets might be tough lol

  38. Richard says

    April 26, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Twitter: dervari_1

    Been on a diet and have dropped about 50 lbs but have many more to go. Woohoo! Bring it on!

  39. Ed says

    April 26, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Adding the Twitter handle.

  40. Gav W says

    April 26, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    One more to add to the list — Oh dear, what have I done?!.

    I’m 6 foot and 16 stone 7lb, so plenty to loose. Holiday booked for early July so perfect timing.

  41. Clint Ryan says

    April 26, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    I’m in!
    7 weeks ago I was at 217 and now I’m at 192! I want to keep on going down and I think I’ll do the Tweet exercises right along with you! I have my first 5k run on May 6 so this will be a great thing all around!!
    TID: clntryan

  42. Adam R says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Forgot to add twitter account @redmarx

  43. Thomas Marshall says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I’m in.

    I have been doing something vary similar over the last 6 months. No junk food, No sugar, good diet and exercise. I have become a bit slack over the last couple of weeks. This should help me get a second wind.

  44. Adam R says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    5’10 173lbs. I’ll join up! Be needing to kiss sweet sweet beer goodbye soon. Sad days

  45. Ed says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    As we are techies App recommendations please. For iOS I have TargetWeight & WeightTrack, neither are quite what I’m looking for.

  46. Ed says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I’m in. In fact @BigBadEds_Scale started Tweeting Yesterday at 282lbs. Looking to get to 255 before second honeymoon mid July. 6’4″
    No Coke you say…

  47. siobhan richards says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I’m in, cutting out sugar will be good for me anyway because i am diabetic, but i also want to get in shape so yeah definately in
    ID icvamps

  48. Steve says

    April 26, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    I’m in!!!! Have been trying to motivate myself and that just doesnt’ always work that well. Peer pressure in a positive way can be a good thing. My twitter handle is irockon15. Oh man… this means it’s only 5 days away…

  49. Christian Ritchie says

    April 26, 2011 at 9:54 am

    I’ve decided to use my long unused tumblr account to good use for this challenge. My tumblr is http://jishosan.tumblr.com.

    My goal is to jumpstart my process of weight loss. I’m Type 2 Diabetic, so I need to cut some crap out of my diet, and drop some pounds. I’m 6’4 and 288lbs, with a final goal weight of ~205-210. i’m certainly not dropping 78 lbs during the challenge, but I think 25-30 might actually be doable. 288 is my ‘resistive’ weight (I have to double or triple my eating to push my weight above this level), so my body is already at the point where it wants to drop pounds. It’s just waiting on me to do the work. :)

  50. Ruben says

    April 26, 2011 at 9:34 am

    I’m in…

  51. Scott Ellis says

    April 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    twitter: vsellis

    I’m all in. Ready to drop from 210 – 175 and 5 – 6″ on the waist.

    Will report on http://scottismy.name and here.

    Should we leave “updates” here as a response to our own comment opting-in to keep it easy?

    • Scott Ellis says

      May 1, 2011 at 6:20 pm

      Day 1: Kicking it off at 208lbs (uh). I have to travel most of the week so this is going to be a “challenging” start…

    • Scott Ellis says

      May 8, 2011 at 4:38 pm

      One week in…. Down 4lbs and I was on the road for a big part of it. can’t wait for next week.

      • Scot Ellis says

        May 16, 2011 at 4:34 pm

        Sadly 2 weeks in and went UP 3 lbs… bah! But somehow still lost an inch off my waist.. must be water…

  52. Jared Schnelle says

    April 25, 2011 at 10:28 am

    I’m in, John. Going for a bit of weight loss but really just overall fitness. You say you want to cut 50% of your calories. I’m curious what kinda calorie intake you have overall.

    I think it would be nice to include daily vitamins along with 5000 IU daily Vitamin D3(cholecalciferol) to the list. Coming out of the winter we’re all really low on D3 and I’ve seen how much sun you get (or don’t get). You should go get blood work done before and after the workout to really show you how much your diet changes your body. It’s not very expensive. It’s not just the outward appearance that’s important.

    Here are links for good vitamins. 5000 IU Vitamin D3 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Vitamin-5000-Softgels/dp/B0032BH76O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303745247&sr=8-1

    GNC Mega Men Sport: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4033435

  53. Matt chandler says

    April 24, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I am in. I am going to start on the soda now so i can kick the caffeine addiction buy May 1st. follow me on twitter NewMacUser. I just followd both the Col. and John.
    My goal is to drop the 30-40 lbs. i have gained over the past 5 years when i left public service and to go from a waist 36″ pushing a 38″ to a 34″ pushing a 32″. This is jut the push i need. Does anyone have a #hashtag yet?

    • John P. says

      April 24, 2011 at 11:12 pm

      Hey Matt, glad to have you in. The hashtag will be #HealthChallenge

      Cheers,

      John P.

  54. Rosi Bustamante says

    April 24, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Twitter ID: gleefulgirl

    I’ve been wanting to kick the sugar habit, start to exercise again, AND lose weight, so this is great! I’ll also drop coffee while I’m at it and drink only green tea (unsweetened), which is supposed to be a superfood, so hopefully that will help me increase my health.
    As a bonus for me, it’ll be great to do it with this group, since I’m an avid follower of all you do!
    Is anybody considering using an app to track your progress, too?
    I don’t have a weight or size target — I just want to stick with it! My goal is to incorporate any new learnings or habits into my daily life after June 30.
    Already sweating at the challenge, but looking forward to it!

  55. A.J. Wood says

    April 24, 2011 at 10:47 am

    I’m in. It worked last time but I stopped shortly after the challenge. My goal this time is to continue well after the contest is over. I hover around 215-225lbs. 165 would be better for my 5’6″ frame.

  56. Cali Lewis says

    April 24, 2011 at 9:14 am

    I’m in of course! But there’s no way you’re finding out my weight… ;-)

    Congrats Brian on already losing so much!

  57. Brian McGrain says

    April 23, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    Twitter: bmcgrain

    I’ve dropped from 202 to 170 already, but have just been hovering in the low 170’s for 6 weeks now and can’t make the progress I need. Would like to hit and easily maintain 165. Already working out 4-5 weekly (treadmill, situps, rowing machine, and some resistance machines) … this should push me over the top. Missing bread, but not Coke or Pepsi!

  58. Devin Pike says

    April 23, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    As the newest member of the Livid Lobster family, and the one who liiks like they could use the most weight loss, I accept this Health Challenge. You’ll get to see the results on the show, week by week!

  59. Pete says

    April 23, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    I’m in , was going to last year but , being the champion procrastinator , I had to wait in order to hold that title another year . But , its time someone else take it over !

  60. fas says

    April 23, 2011 at 8:46 am

    I am always in. Joined last year too but John needs to update this post rather than twitter so that we keep up.

  61. Christian Ritchie says

    April 22, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    @jishosan

    I’m in. 8 weeks, eh? I needed a motivator to get me jump started again anyway.

  62. Kien says

    April 22, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    I’m in. I’ve been trying to find some inspiration to restart my work-out plan. Now this is just what I need. Thank you.

  63. Ross LaRocco says

    April 22, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Sounds great. I’m in.

  64. Ryan Schwarz says

    April 22, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    I’m in! I’ll post results and starting weight, etc on my twitter.

    ID: TheSchwaaz

  65. Kat Curlee says

    April 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    I’m in, John…..

  66. Joe says

    April 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Count me in too! I’ll comment here as well with my updates. You rock!

  67. me-in-DC says

    April 22, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    I’m in! I’ve already been trying to eliminate sugar — I’m on day 3 and MAN it is tough but I think sugar wrecks my system and so for health reasons I need to lay off of it. Your challenge will help me feel like I’m not alone. Until June 30th, eh? Since I don’t want to blog or tweet about this, I’ll just post my updates here. Start: 135 lbs, 5’5″. (Anything else I should include?) Thank you for this post!

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