Anyone Interested in a Fitness Challenge

I know... I know... This is corny as hell, but bare with me. I run almost everyday. I do various other works outs about 4-5 times a week as well. However, I am seriously laking in motivation.

This entire month has been a hot mess (thanks mercury retrograde). I flew to Orlando in the beginning of the month to present at a conference and received news that my grandmother (in Los Angeles) passed away. I had to leave Orlando immediately, fly back to Illinois to get my things then fly to Los Angeles. I spent a week in LA then the weekend after I returned, I had to go to Chicago for my best friend's birthday. All while trying to remain caught up with school work. While I was out of town I tried to work out and ran most days. However, my diet was not the same and I think the stress (cortisol) has aided in me gaining four pounds this month. I know four pounds is not much and I can lose that in a few day, but it is a wake up call that I need to get it together.

I am going to Hawaii with my boyfriend at the end of the month and I seriously need to get bikini ready. I am not really concerned with weight as much as I am with toning.

As of this morning I weigh 138 and I am 5'9. I would like to get down to 130 ish by the end of the March and create more definition in my legs and stomach.

So, I am going to challenge myself to do cardio six days a week, weight train 3 times a week, and do yoga/pilates four times a week. I am also going to eliminate simple carbs for the month of March rom my diet. Nothing white and no refined sugars. Lastly, I am going to try to eat every 3-4 hours (small meals) and drink a gallon of water a day.

Who's in? You don't have to do what I am doing . Create your own plan. Maybe we can motivate each other.

Spring/Summer is right around the corner.

Lol CC!! You don't have to do what I am doing. You can do what works for you and what will help you reach your specific goals. LETS DO IT!!!!

May31Baby - Lol @ oreos. YUM. Ha!

I am fine the way I am now. But I want to look FABULOUS NAKED. Lol. Therein lies the difference. My stomach is fairly flat and I have gotten rid of my love handles and back fat. But I need to tone and do some finishing touches.

Do carb cycling; up your protein I take to get more defined muscles. I lift 5-6 times out of the week and do over 3 hours of cardio over the week. This consist of cardio machines; cycling and boxing.

Take CLA; to help with burning more fat and keeping it off.

Eat every 2-3( cutting white everything is good) keep green everything in(veggies) with carb cycling you'll have a high caloric day usually ( wheat pasta, brown rice, 1/2 a cup.)

Lifting heavy also helps with getting toned. Don't worry you won't look like a guy; woman don't make enough testosterone to get bulky.

This month I'm eating a higher number of protein 180g a meal. But keeping my caloric intake a 70g to continue losing weight( fat lose)My goal is 125 ; I'm 5'1. I'm at 140 now.

MissFisk - I have to set a timer for myself to remember to eat every 3-4 hours. I pack all my little meals and take them with me to campus. I also drink protein shakes occasionally for variation and to replace small meals sometimes. I typically snack on almonds, cuties, cucumber slices, and (sometimes) beef jerky. I basically try to eat as much protein and lean meats as possible. Skinless chicken breast, lean fish and shrimp and veggies that are low in carbs, etc.

I think the pic I have in that black dress is skimpy enough for accountability. I just took that pic last Saturday night.

Have you tried yoga? I absolutely LOVE it!

I will be sure to keep updating this thread throughout the month with my progress and pics. WERK!

Posted by Sagittarius2315
Do carb cycling; up your protein I take to get more defined muscles. I lift 5-6 times out of the week and do over 3 hours of cardio over the week. This consist of cardio machines; cycling and boxing.

Take CLA; to help with burning more fat and keeping it off.

Eat every 2-3( cutting white everything is good) keep green everything in(veggies) with carb cycling you'll have a high caloric day usually ( wheat pasta, brown rice, 1/2 a cup.)

Lifting heavy also helps with getting toned. Don't worry you won't look like a guy; woman don't make enough testosterone to get bulky.

This month I'm eating a higher number of protein 180g a meal. But keeping my caloric intake a 70g to continue losing weight( fat lose)My goal is 125 ; I'm 5'1. I'm at 140 now.

Carb cycling... I have heard of this before. Wasn't there a book on carb cycling?

Have you heard of Metabolic Precision? I'm learning up on this atm. Google it but to help with aiding your diet in short :you need to eat correctly at the right times and the right foods.

6-8 meals a day (3 can be liquid protein shakes-not just your powered variety)

Diet consists of First class Protein (Lean Meats, seafood, eggs, low fat yogurts, cottage cheese, skim milk, whey proteins)

High Energy Carbs (All breads, pasta's, rice and whole grains, potato's, Bananas, Oats. Wheat, rye, whole grain varieties the better option

Low Energy Carbs ( Fruits Veges and Legumes. The more colourful the better!)

Omega Fats (salmon, sardines, tuna in water, maceral, cod, lobster, scallops, bluefish, flax seeds/oil, canola oil, spinach, green lettuce raw, butter lettuce, kale, collard greens, red lettuce.

JUST BEFORE EXERCISE: Protein Supplement (Fast absorbing 20-50grams
Carbohydrate: Fast Absorbing, small dose 10-40 grams

IMMEDIATELY AFTER: Protein Supplement
Carbohydrate Fast absorbing

WITHIN THE HOUR AFTER EXERCISE, SOLID MEAL: Protein + High Carb + Low Carb + Omega Fat

WITHIN THE 3RD HOUR : Protein liquid should contain fast and slow absorbing protein. Carbohydrate High & Low, Omega Fat

YOUR METABOLIC WINDOW IS 3 HOURS FROM EXERCISE AND THESE MEALS CAN ONLY BE EATEN IN THIS PERIOD!

OUTSIDE THE METABOLIC WINDOW MEALS SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS: When not exercising

PROTEIN: at least one first class
CARBOHYDRATE: low energy only
FATS: Omega - 3 ratio

Don't know; maybe there is. A lot of physic competitors carb cycle. It's not good to do it for a long period of time though(2 months tops) which on that time period you should see significant results.
However, your energy level will drop and at times you'll get cranky. It's cause carbs is our source of energy; because your intake is low; your body begins to go after it's stored energy(stored fat.) and will feed of that.
If you eat like your suppose to; with snacks in between, you'll continue burning energy, instead storing it.

Read up on carb cycling. The down side is when you do begin to introduce carbs back in to your diet ( rice, pasta, potatoes)take care to do it little by little . If you don't you can risk gaining the weight back.

CLA's are good to keep from storing fat in the mid section. Also get fish oil; carb cycling can cause joint pain in some people.

I do take fat burners.

Thanks sweethearts and Sagittarius2315, I am going to look more into carb cycling and metabolic precision. I think I have been doing a very light variation of metabolic precision.

Lily - I LOVE yoga. I recently started a few months ago and currently go to yoga at least three times a week. Of course, you do not have to do exactly what I am doing. I am doing what think/HOPE is going to affective for my timeframe and my goals. Please join the challenge. Lets do it!!!

Do any of you any health/nutrition/fitness/weight goals you would like to reach this month?

Posted by LilyTree
At 5'9", wouldn't 130 pounds be a bit underweight?

No, I think the lowest I can weigh at 5'9 is 130 or a little less before I am considered underweight. I have put that as a tangible goal, but I am not maarried to the number itself. I mainly care about how I feel look and feel.

Posted by Gobshite

Posted by LilyTree
At 5'9", wouldn't 130 pounds be a bit underweight?

Don't worry about it - anorexia comes and goes in cycles, and it's currently hip.

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....and theres always a stinker attempting to rain on ones' positivity parade with negativity and pessimism. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Take care! 🙂

Posted by Prince_Pisces
Im so glad I don't get fat like regular people LOL! That sounds like so much work.

You get on my nerves! UGGHGHHHHHH!!! Lol. 😉

Posted by DonJohnson
i am giving up on deadlifts.

had my first back injury last week. warmed up and everything. perfect form. wasn't maxing out. just a routine weight that i've done thousands of times before. then felt a muscle fibre just tear. fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

out of the gym for a while.

Yikes.... Youre getting old!!! LMAO!

Posted by CluelessCancer
Oh sorry Natural i didn't mean to offend you by my comment, but are you sure you want to lose 8 pounds...

can we see some pictures.

No offense taken sweet pea. My goals that I set for myself are to make me feel good, no on else. So, trust it's all good. 🙂

As I said before, 8 pounds is what I think will get me to my goal. But I might very well reach my goal after having only lost 5 or 4 pounds. I care more about the way I look and feel. But I do remember when I used to weigh 130 and I did look hot. Lol.

I can post a pic. I just uploaded a picture that should be my default picture, I am still waiting for it to change. For now, it's in my pics on my home page thingy. Lol.

@130 your bmi is 19.2 barely above underweight which is < 18.5 ...be careful to not topple into that area.

Too many women compete with other women and convince themselves they are fat or out of shape when they are not.

There is a huge difference of healthy weight and unhealthy, going both directions if over and under.

Me- I have more to lose but have never felt healthier in my life but it has taken several years to get to this place physically and mentality. My fitness trainer had to pound it into my head to eat at least 3 times a day, as I never ever are breakfast.

I love your motivation!!

Posted by justagirl
@130 your bmi is 19.2 barely above underweight which is

You know where I live, women are not real concerned with nutrition and fitness. Lol I laugh but I am dead serious. There are two gym in the entire city. Soooo.... This based on some lumps and bumps I see that I am not pleased with.

I am currently at 29% body fat. I would like to get that down to around 24% . The lowest it should go is 21% I believe.

Posted by CluelessCancer
You look incredible, you must be one of those type A personalities.

Anyways does the Pisces workout?

He does. But he eats terribly!!! He has gotten a lot better since I have introduced him to some healthy eating alternatives. But he works out in bursts. He will work out for a few weeks and then will miss an entire week. But his body is amazing. I wish I could post a picture of it. LOL!! Girrrlll from God herself! Lol.

And thank you for the compliment!!! 🙂 🙂

I love hot yoga. I love to sweat while I am working out. If I am not sweating, I do not feel like I am really doing anything. Let me shut up because I am beginning to sound like a compulsive Scorpio. Lol.

Posted by natural25

Posted by justagirl
@130 your bmi is 19.2 barely above underweight which is

You know where I live, women are not real concerned with nutrition and fitness. Lol I laugh but I am dead serious. There are two gym in the entire city. Soooo.... This based on some lumps and bumps I see that I am not pleased with.

I am currently at 29% body fat. I would like to get that down to around 24% . The lowest it should go is 21% I believe.

click to expand

I gotcha you are hella motivated and will get there 🙂

Posted by CluelessCancer

Posted by natural25
I love hot yoga. I love to sweat while I am working out. If I am not sweating, I do not feel like I am really doing anything. Let me shut up because I am beginning to sound like a compulsive Scorpio. Lol.

Is that what it is? Your obsession? I've seen this play out with scorpio women. Seem to intensely follow through on things regarding your body.

click to expand

I wouldn't say I am obssesssive about it. But if I am going to do something I am going to put my all into it. There is no sense in me going to the gym and not really getting a good work out, and there is no sense in me getting a good work out and then eating crap and completely ruining the workout. Its a matter of practicality, a bit of perfectionism, and a lot of passion. Lol.

They do not call it Brkram yoga here because I live in the arm pit of the US. They call it hot vinyasa yoga. Smh. This place irks me. At any rate, yes, I love it. I really see a difference in my flexibility and the over all work out when I do traditional yoga. Go tomorrow!!! Lol.

PHV stop making excuses.... Lol.

Posted by PotHeadVirgo24
Procrastination can't hold me down forever, lol.

Dam Virgos and their procrastination.. YOU & DAMNATA!! Shaking my head at you both!

Get yer asses in gear 😛

Damnata- you send it yet—— 😄

Posted by natural25
I know... I know... This is corny as hell, but bare with me. I run almost everyday. I do various other works outs about 4-5 times a week as well. However, I am seriously laking in motivation.

This entire month has been a hot mess (thanks mercury retrograde). I flew to Orlando in the beginning of the month to present at a conference and received news that my grandmother (in Los Angeles) passed away. I had to leave Orlando immediately, fly back to Illinois to get my things then fly to Los Angeles. I spent a week in LA then the weekend after I returned, I had to go to Chicago for my best friend's birthday. All while trying to remain caught up with school work. While I was out of town I tried to work out and ran most days. However, my diet was not the same and I think the stress (cortisol) has aided in me gaining four pounds this month. I know four pounds is not much and I can lose that in a few day, but it is a wake up call that I need to get it together.

I am going to Hawaii with my boyfriend at the end of the month and I seriously need to get bikini ready. I am not really concerned with weight as much as I am with toning.

As of this morning I weigh 138 and I am 5'9. I would like to get down to 130 ish by the end of the March and create more definition in my legs and stomach.

So, I am going to challenge myself to do cardio six days a week, weight train 3 times a week, and do yoga/pilates four times a week. I am also going to eliminate simple carbs for the month of March rom my diet. Nothing white and no refined sugars. Lastly, I am going to try to eat every 3-4 hours (small meals) and drink a gallon of water a day.

Who's in? You don't have to do what I am doing . Create your own plan. Maybe we can motivate each other.

Spring/Summer is right around the corner.

Good luck!! Sounds like a great plan. I recommend, 1/2 of your body weight in ounces, of water each day... (69oz)

Also, you can be 138lb and look great! If you go to the gym and define your muscle, build your lean body mass and lose fat mass, you will look fit and not too skinny.

Im 5'7" 132Lbs, and I've been told Im too skinny, or I look wayy lighter. So dont keep your mind on the number, focus on your muscles, and just being fit!

Nutrition is 85% of your sucess!

Posted by MissFisk

Those are very anatomically correct pants -- and ladyparts ! 😉

(especially on my phone that randomly blows up pics thrice their size, lol.)

aquaninja44 - thanks! Yup, as I stated before, I am not necessarily married to the number on the scale. More so, the way I look and feel. I also want to get my body down to about 24-25 percent.

Just saluting Her Majesty, is all. C'mon I'd have to have no pulse not to notice!

And yes actually pics always pop up life-size on my phone when scrolling these forums, Scout's honor =)

'Cause want to be taken dead seriousely! Mission accomplished appearently =)

Im headed to the gym in an hour. I plan on putting in an hour of cardio and working on my ams and chest.

What will YOU be doing today?? What have you already done—

Cycling?
Running?
Skating?
Swimming?
Basketball?
Tennis?
Weights?
Yoga?

To all those who want to look good for the spring (starts March 20) LET GET IT!!!! 🙂 🙂 😉

MF - WERK! 😉

Cake - Lean meats, veggies, high protein, eating small meals every 3-4 hours, no simple carbs

I need to get better with my fiber intake. OK. Im off to the gym. Brb.

Heads up; Mars retrograde! So this is my plan...

Be especially careful of form- mirrors, spotters and maybe an extra PT session- expecially at the end of a set when your muscles are fatiguing
And keep an eye on energy levels, could be an issue- multivitamins and extra fruit etc...

Lots of sleep and lots of water 😄

Heck to the yeah. Something like this is exactly what I need. Holiday eating + lack of motivation is turning my muffin top into a pound cake. :/

@Fisk, you have great shoulders. What's your upper body routine?

Posted by natural25
aquaninja44 - thanks! Yup, as I stated before, I am not necessarily married to the number on the scale. More so, the way I look and feel. I also want to get my body down to about 24-25 percent.

Thats a great goal!! 🙂 Eventually 22% would be a perfect #

Keep us posted! 😄

Posted by CluelessCancer
Why do you have your hands down your pants? Seriously? Why?

+1

Plus its sorta weird with your user name, enfant. lol. 😛

I've been woking out my mouth this Sunday. Went straight to my thighs. *ffs*

Posted by enfant_terrible
I've been woking out my mouth this Sunday. Went straight to my thighs. *ffs*

I hate you! 😢

Oh that's nothing. Here's the uncensored version!

I had some blueberry cheesecake as well =)

Most things I have no problem passing up. Sweets are my weakness. I have a serious sweet tooth. **bows head in shame** 😢

Posted by DonJohnson
im at the point now where i look at that and think it's gross.

THANK JESUS!

Live a little, you elitist prick! 😉

Posted by cakereshkigal
Why am I turned on... I love cheesecake 😭

LMAO! I feel your pain....

Posted by DonJohnson
i think this thread is worthless without topless pics of all participants

Don't make me.

Posted by DonJohnson
i think this thread is worthless without topless pics of all participants

Agreed! Men shirts off. **waiting**

Good idea Cake!

Posted by TMV
Heck to the yeah. Something like this is exactly what I need. Holiday eating + lack of motivation is turning my muffin top into a pound cake. :/

@Fisk, you have great shoulders. What's your upper body routine?

Lol @ pound cake!! Been there done that. Ha!

What are some of your goals—

Posted by enfant_terrible

Posted by DonJohnson
i think this thread is worthless without topless pics of all participants

Don't make me.

*spits out drink* lol

Posted by MissFisk

Don't be afraid to go to Bodybuilding.com. I know it's a fucking meathead site, but it's extremely useful.

Awesome. Thanks. 🙂

Posted by natural25

Lol @ pound cake!! Been there done that. Ha!

What are some of your goals—

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I wouldn't mind dropping 10-15 fat pounds and packing on another 20 or 30 in muscle.

TMV - Do you currently exercise and try to eat healthy-ish? LOL>

Posted by natural25
TMV - Do you currently exercise and try to eat healthy-ish? LOL>

Yes ma'am. Under typical circumstances I'm a bit of a health food junkie and use a combination of yoga and boxing to stay somewhat in shape. I just haven't been pushing myself very hard for a while now and I'm paying for it in fluff.

Posted by GetMisted

Eat, eat, and eat some more. High carb, high protein, low fat. Lift heavy. Lots of sleep.

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*nods*

Just finished:
5 mile run
Weighted Squats
Weighted Lunges
Leg Presses
Weighted Donkey Kicks
Dead Lifts
And tons of ab work - varied planks, crunches on the floor and with medicine ball, etc.

What I have eaten so far:
I started off with a fasted cardio (5 mile run)
Drank a protein shake after my run but before my weights
Breakfast: 2 egg whites, 2 slices of turkey bacon, 1 cup saut?ed spinach
Snack: Handful of almonds, 2 cuties, string cheese

That's me so far today.

WHERE YOU AT!!?!??