2013 Year End Challenge! Who's with me?!?!?!
 

The end of the year is fast approaching and I really want to finish this year off with a bang! Most other years, I wait until after the holiday season to start trying to shed the holiday pounds. Not this year! This year, I want to see a weight loss throughout the holiday season and start a new goal in the new year...not try to fix this year's mistake! :rolleyes: I'm aiming to be down 5 pounds from where I am now by New Year's Eve (the 5 pounds was inspired by libby116. Thanks for the motivation Libby!!).

So who's with me?!?! (Becca and Libby....you know you wanna join me...right!?! LOL!!) Who wants to start the year off feeling slim and trim rather than battling the holiday pounds?!?! We can do this! ;)

My last weigh in on Friday had me at 133.2 lbs. I'm aiming to start my new year at 128.2 lbs.....starting NOW!! :D

You can count me in. So that puts my goal for New Years Day at 164. It has been a very long time since I saw that weight on the scale but I can do it this time. Thank you Deb for posting a challenge. Any body else want to join.
The more the merrier.

Woohoo Libby! Glad we're in this together!

Any other takers? Come on...I see people checking out the thread but not joining in. Set a goal that you're comfortable with. Honestly, 5 pounds may be out of reach for me since I'm a slow loser, but I figure I've got nothing to lose if I try...but some weight :D

Debbie, I can only imagine myself at your weight but it will happen some time next year if I remain steadfast to my goal. I am curious as to what size clothes I will be wearing. I am knitting a sweater and I hope to wear it next winter. I now wear size XL or L but I was going to knit size M. What do you think?
I walked for over 30 min. on the treadmill but I am a little high on calories already today. It's hard to keep track of everything. I hope you are having a good day.

Hey Libby :) It's hard to say for sure what size you would wear, but I would think at 4'11" at 130 lbs. a size medium would probably be right. When it comes to winter sweaters, even if they are a little larger they're cozy that way, so if the medium ends up a little big you'll still be cozy warm :)

Looks like it's just you and me Libby....unless others join us after the American Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is weigh day for me. Hopefully I break past the 133's permanently. For the past few weeks I keep bouncing up and down always going back to the 133's. It seems to be my new set point weight. What day is your weigh day?

Hi Deb. I am approaching an old set point of 165 and I am worried about getting stuck there again. Change up your work out or eat most of your calories earlier in the day. That is what I am going to do. I am working on my sweater and am happy with how it is knitting up. It also keeps my hands and mind busy so I don't snack.

Hi Libby :) Checking in with my first challenge weigh in. I'm happy to say I'm back down to where I was a few weeks ago. Today I'm 130.8 which means I have a whole month to lose 2.6 lbs. to reach my NY goal. Mabye I should change my goal...or just keep it the same since I've been going back and forth from 133 to 130 for several weeks. What do you think? I think I may aim for 126 instead!

Great suggestion on changing up the workouts to move past a plateau. That's exactly what I did this weeka nd it seems to have helped. Now to keep it up for another week to see if I can finally break out of the 130's! Even if we get stuck at these set points, we have to just keep trying. Eventually, we'll create a new set point!

I started an exercise challenge of 1K or more a day for 12 weeks. Are you interested? My weight is stuck at 168 this week so I have to do something to get it moving. Great job on getting to 130 and yes you can get to 126 by New Years.

Friday 1K Yes

An exercise challenge is a great idea! After all, we can't necessarily control what we see on the scale but we can certainly control our activity level. Having said that, I'm currently doing a 30 day challenge (I'm on day 10) that has me exercising 40-60 minutes daily, plus this last week I added in an extra 40 minutes of cardio on the eliptical to bust out of my plateau. So can I just join you in 12 weeks of exercising daily? On my rest days, I will do 1 km on the eliptical or treadmill, but I don't want to add anymore to the 30 day challege that I'm doing. We're going to be looking so fine by Valentine's Day! ;)

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Day 1 - yes

PS, thank you for the vote of confidence that I can hit 126 by NY. I haven't seen that number is 5 years! :)

November 30, 2013 Weight 167
Exercise:
Day 1 of 84: Friday - Yes Saturday - Yes
It's been about 5 years since I was at 164.
We can do this.

Hi Libby - Checking in with my workout of the day. I did day 12 of the 30 day challenge. I may do a little extra on the elliptical later, but I have really pushed this week so maybe a little rest is in order...I'll see how I feel later. I'm glad we're both aiming for a number we haven't seen in 5 years. That will be an awesome accomplishment!

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes

Hope you're having a great day! :)

The scale was not kind to me this morning. CW 168. It must have been something I ate. Still thats 6 pounds less than I was a month ago. How did you do this week end?

If only it could be a straight line down...the scale always bounces up and down doesn't? As long as over the long run it keeps moving down which it did for you. 6 pounds in a month is fantastic!! At that rate you'll hit your NY goal and be the lowest you've been in 5 years. Chin up girl, you got this! Remember, keep the faith :)

My weekend is going okay. I always splurge a little on the weekends, but try to keep things to a reasonable level. I woke up this morning with a kink in my neck :( I managed to get a massage appointment for this afternoon (crazy they're open on a Sunday!) Hopefully that helps so I don't miss my workout for today!

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes
Week 1, Day 3 - maybe after my appointment??

year end goal
 

I'm with you Debbie. I had already set a holiday goal, but I was looking for someone to share with for motivation. My goal is to be at 200 lbs by Christmas. I'm at 213 today. I am going to post my weight daily because I know this is an achieveable goal for me. Thanks for being here.

Hi baxtman! Glad to have you join Libby and I in our New Year's Challenge! The more the merrier! :D

We're also doing a 12 week daily workout challenge and posting here. It doesn't need to be anything crazy! Just get your body moving on a daily basis. By doing something every single day, it will become second nature and also help us move closer to our personal goals. If you're interested, please join us with that as well. If not, no biggie, keep posting here for the NY Challenge!

200 will be a weight I have''t seen in about 15 years too. I'm qualifying that statement with being a guy, 6 ft 1 in. Two years ago I was at 254, but I started out about a month año at 232. Ultimately, I plan on setting my final goal somewhere between 180 - 190. Maybe for Valentine's day. Right row I really want to focos on my Christmas goal, and prove to myself I can do it.

That's great baxtman that you're also setting a NY goal at a weight you haven't seen in sometime. We're all going to achieve something we haven't in some time! :)

I decided to do a workout before my appointment today. Now this way, I can go for a massage and rest my muscles for the rest of the day and hopefully feel back in fighting form tomorrow. ;)

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes
Week 1, Day 3 - yes

Hi guys, I just saw the invite on the Friday's weigh in Thread...I'm gain.....I will strive for a 10lb lost by NYE.... :D

I'm doing a 24day AB challenge...I'm on DAY 7

Baxtman1 come join our Friday weigh in thread as well

okay...get set.... GO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Update
 

SW 216.5 Nov 17/2013
Dec 2/2013 CW 212.5
Goal 200 by 12/25/2013
Good morning Libby and Debbie,
I did well yesterday at the hospital. Pulled about 14 hrs and stuck to my plan all day. I thought ahead and called my wife and asked her to prepare a reasonable dinner for me. This morning, I am going to do elliptical for 20 min, and then do free weights. Having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and a reasonable dinner.Will spend the rest of the day doing honey-dos. You know there are a lot of them this time of year. Tonight, we will go dancing.

That's my day.
Written @ 06:52 am. Time on my computer was wrong.

Becca - Glad you saw the invite and that you're joining us! Woohoo! 10 lbs. by NYE?!?! Go girl!! Libby and I are also doing a 12 week exercise challenge (I think baxtman is joining us too) where we'll be doing some form of exercise daily. Since you're already doing a 24 day ab challenge, you should join in. What's a few extra weeks right? :p There's so many different challenges you can find online that after you're done the ab challenge, you can try a different one.

baxtman - You work at a hospital right...you weren't there as a patient? 14 hours with just two protein shakes and then a decent dinner? Make sure you eat enough so you don't end up too hungry. Can you add in some healthy snacks like fruits and veggies in addition to your protein shakes and then have your regular dinner? Having said that, if you've done this before and it works for you, then do what you must. I just think I would be starving...that's all ;)

Libby - Hi there :D

I'll check back in later with my workout for the day. Have a great day all! :)

I just have to be sure I don't wait too long and get too hungry before I get something. Usually I can tell myself I know I have had enough to eat to fuel my body and then set a certain time when I will eat. I have to plan what I am going to have ahead of time though because if I don't, the results can be...disappointing.
I like the EAS Lean 15 mixed with some ice and a cup of skim milk. I will do a double serving of protein. It makes it nice and creamy and very filling and only totals 283 calories, with 30g of protein. I just finished my walk. I'm having a shake now before I get on the elliptical, and doing weights.
I'm getting off to a slow start this am. Trying to help my wife with Christmas lights. But, it's time to get my work-out done and out of the way.

I just have to be sure I don't wait too long and get too hungry before I get something. Usually I can tell myself I know I have had enough to eat to fuel my body and then set a certain time when I will eat. I have to plan what I am going to have ahead of time though because if I don't, the results can be...disappointing.
I like the EAS Lean 15 mixed with some ice and a cup of skim milk. I will do a double serving of protein. It makes it nice and creamy and very filling and only totals 283 calories, with 30g of protein. I just finished my walk. I'm having a shake now before I get on the elliptical, and doing weights.
I'm getting off to a slow start this am. Trying to help my wife with Christmas lights. But, it's time to get my work-out done and out of the way.

Stuck in rut?
 

Stuck at a setpoint? I'm in the middle of my work-out right now, but watch out for my next post, and I will tell you how to shatter that setpoint!

Hi all :) Checking back in with my workout for the day....a 40 HIIT workout on the elliptical. Awesome workout!

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes
Week 1, Day 3 - yes
Week 1, Day 4 - yes

baxtman - you've peaked my curiosity about breaking a set point. Do tell!

Break that setpoint!
 

Okay! Here is a secret for breaking your setpoint. I will tell you that it is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely hard work, but it only takes 20 min a day. You can do it on the elliptical, a bike, a treadmill, or the road. Personally, I like the elliptical or a stationary bike the best, because it is the easiest to control.
I learned this from Bill Phillips, so you might recognize the method. I don't want to take credit for something somebody else created. I think he calls it intensity intervals. What you do is start at a moderate intensity, (50% of what you can do) and stay there for one minute. Then adjust the intensity up one level. Continue to do this until you are at 90% of your ability. You can do it, it's only one minute. Then go back to 50% and start over. Repeat this 4 times. On the last round, add one minute of 100% intensity. Give it all you've got. Then go back to 50% and cool off.
My elliptical is easily adapted to this, because it has 10 levels... So this is a minute by minute replay of my workout:

Level 5,6,7,8,9,6,7,8,9,6,7,8,9,6,7,8,9,10,6,6

You may not be able to start out on this high of a level, but remember that it is based on your level of fitness and ability. So if you begin on level 1 or 2, that is alright. You will adjust the level as your fitness level increases. I won't lie to you, when you finish your 20 minutes, you will know you have had a work-out. It is hard. But! This is the only way I know to burn 500+ calories in 20 minutes, and it actually burns much more than that because it kicks up your metabolism the rest of the day.
The most beneficial way to do it is first thing in the morning, and wait 30 min to an hour after you finish before you eat anything. That way, your body uses up its glycogen stores and is forced to use bodyfat for fuel. You want to stay away from simple carbs and make sure you are getting ample protein so your body doesn't break down muscle tissue. You can do this everyday. However, I would recommend maybe 3 times a week. If you work like you are supposed to, you will be too sore to do that intensity everyday.
Hope this helps someone.

I am going to do a count down. Friday weigh in works for me.
Exercise:
84: Friday - Yes
83: Saturday - Yes
82: Sunday - Yes
81: Monday - Yes
We can do this.

Baxtman1- Hi, come join us each Friday for weigh-in.... post called Friday weigh-in 2013 :)
Yes, I've heard about the intervals- I try to do them as well....
I use a treadmill with power inclines up to 10....I like how you break it down with your workout.... can you give me a plan to use for a treadmill??


I'm trying to work out 6 days each week if possible.....Sunday my rest day...so I will see how this goes.:eek:

Monday- done :)

Interval intensity on treadmill
 

Becca,
On the treadmill would be very similar. Start out at a moderate intensity. It should be moderately difficult, but you can still talk and are breathing essentially normally. You can increase the intensity by either increasing the speed each minute, or by increasing the incline. When I used the treadmill, I did it by bumping up the speed, like 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 3.0, and then the last minute before cool down 6.0
As you get stronger and faster, you just bump up your start point. But you could very easily leave the machine at the same speed and increase the incline each minute. That really doesn't matter. What matters is that you're going from a moderate intensity to an intense intensity, and the last minute before cool down you give it all you have.
When I am on the most intense level, my respiratory rate is usually 60, and my heart rate is between 165-185. When you are at your 90 and 100% levels, you should not be able to say more than one word. I certainly would not suggest you try to hit my levels. I don't want to be responsible for your cardiac arrest. You have to be really in touch with how your body feels and what your capable of.
There is a standard formula for what your heart rate should be for maximum cardiac benefits. 220 - (your age)x 0.8= your target pulse. So lets say your 40yrs old. 220 - 40=180x 0.8= 144. You want to get your heart rate up high enough that it stays slightly elevated for several hours. Then you're getting a metabolic benefit on top of a cardio-aerobic benefit.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

Weigh in
 

SW 216.5 Nov 17/2013
Dec 3/2013 CW 212.5
Goal 200 by 12/25/2013

Friday weigh in sounds good to me. :)

Hi all! :)

baxtman - I love high intensity interval training (HIIT)! Bill Philips didn't invent this type of training, although I know he used it in his Body For Life program. I'm so envious that you can burn 500 calories in only 20 minutes! I suppose that's an advantage being taller than we shorties :rolleyes: Great advice on using HIIT to turn it up and bust a set point. I couldn't agree more!

Another great tool for doing HIIT (when not using cardio equipment with a timer on it), is a Gymboss interval timer. You can find them on amazon.com. With the gymboss timer, you set the time and number of intervals. For example, 30 seconds work, 10 seconds rest for 40 rounds. Press the start and it beeps, do your cardio of choice for 30 seconds, it beeps again, you rest for 10 seconds, beeps again and you get back to work. This is a handy little tool to have when you exercise outdoors away from a clock.

Another piece of equipment I can't live without is my Polar heart rate monitor. Again, you can find these on amazon.com. I takes into account your age, gender, how hard your working (heart rate) and gives you an accurate number of calories burned. For me, it's extra motivation to try to beat my personal best and allows me to accurately know how many calories I've burned.

One more thing, even if you don't own any equipment, you can still do HIIT workouts. You can find interval timers for free on the internet or free apps for your iphone (should you be fortunate enough to have one :D). The circuits you can create are endless! You just have to think about cardio moves that you like...anything that gets your hear rate up. Here's an example:

10 seconds rest, 30 seconds work for 18 rounds (12 minutes total)

1. jumping jacks (not hard enough? try star jumps)
2. high knees (not hard enough? do high knees with a jump rope)
3. burpees (not hard enough? do burpees with a push up at the bottom and a jump at the top)
4. rear lunges (not hard enough? do jump lunges)
5. squats (not hard enough? do squat jumps)
6. box step ups alternating legs (not hard enough? do box jumps)

repeat these 6 exercises 2 more times for a total of 18 rounds in 12 minutes. Don't forget to push as hard as you can during your 30 seconds work. By the time you hit the 12 minute mark you should be sweating and feel like you had a good workout, so you really have to push yourself.

Can you tell fitness is my passion? :p

I'll check back in later with my workout of the day.

Hi all :) Checking back in with my workout for the day....a 45 HIIT workout on the elliptical. Another awesome workout!

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes
Week 1, Day 3 - yes
Week 1, Day 4 - yes
Week 1, Day 5 - yes

Good morning :) Checking in with my daily workout. This one was crazy! An intense 1 our and 15 minute interval workout...mixing up body weight exercises and jump rope! Killer!

12 Weeks, 84 days...84 workouts
Week 1, Day 1 - yes
Week 1, Day 2 - yes
Week 1, Day 3 - yes
Week 1, Day 4 - yes
Week 1, Day 5 - yes
Week 1, Day 6 - yes

Have a great day everyone :D

update
 

Hey guys,
Thank you for being out there. I have been stuck at the same weight for four days, and if it wasn't for you I would probably slip. There is a lot more to it than just losing weight, but I am really ready for the scale to move. I noticed that my percent of bodyfat measurement is dropping. I have been so good. Just doing about 12-1600 cal a day.
SW 217.5
CW 212.5
GW 200 by 12/25
We will see. I want to stay the course no matter what. I really want to hit this mark. Words of encouragement are welcome.

I am doing well but the scale isn't moving. :(
Exercise:
84: Friday - Yes
83: Saturday - Yes
82: Sunday - Yes
81: Monday - Yes
80: Tuesday - Yes
79: Wednesday - Yes
We can do this.

Great idea!
 

I was thinking the same thing- I get so mad in the gym on Jan 1st when there are people coming out of the woodwork. I don't want to be the cliché January dieter. I am going to try to lose 2 pounds by new years.

Currently 160
Height 5'6

Goal 158

Then I do 2 pounds in Jan...and so on...

baxtman and libby- We got this! We're in this together! I know how frustrating it is to be putting in the work and not seeing it show up on the scale. We all have that happen to us...repeatedly...honestly! ;) Just know that if you stay the course, the scale will eventually catch up! If you give up now, you'll not accomplish anything and eventually you'll be back here to start all over again. Don't give up! We can do this together!

Remember, the number we are all personally aiming for on NYE is just a number! If we don't set goals, then we have nothing to work towards. IF we don't hit that goal, it doesn't mean we've failed...it simply means it will take a little longer to hit that goal. I'm saying this as much to all of you as I am to myself. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to shed the pounds only to give up. It feels worse to give up than it does to keep pushing past plateaus. You know it and I know it :rolleyes:

Welcome to our little challenge Asparagus! Glad to have another on board with us!

It is now December and as I look back on the year I see what I have accomplished. I am 27 pounds lighter and am wearing clothes that haven't fit me in years. My blood pressure, blood sugar and colestrol have all improved.
I have changed the way I eat. I cook for three men and I was eating the way that they do. I had to cut back on the portion sizes and cut out some foods altogether. I had to get more active and now I enjoy exercising. Even though I have a long way to go to get to my goal weight I didn't give up. I probably won't get to my goal in 2014 or 2015 but I will get there as long as I work at it.
Never give up.

I think I did the same over the years Libby...eat as much as my husband that is. At our short stature, that's not a good combination! :o

Congratulations on all you have successfully accomplished this year! That is inspirational! I've only been at this for 3 months...just now in my fourth month. To make changes and keep at it for a year is admirable to say the least. Kuddos! ;)

HI everybody!

Baxtman thanks for breakdown.... I will def try it on the treadmill
Libby awesome job girly..that's really good!
Debbie- good info as well you typed up
Asparagus- join us on the Friday weigh-in Thread as well...would love
to see you there too...2lbs is very attainable by Jan :)

Tues - done
WEd- I'm about too :D

Yea we all fall short...but the thing is , if you slip 1 day or 1 week...you just
cant give up!! just jump back on the bandwagon :p
Set yourself a mini goal and strive to reach it...YES WE CAN