Does anyone want to join me in a Get Fitter by Spring Challenge? Spring is a time for a fresh start after long winter months and wouldn't we all like to be thinner (and in cuter clothes) by the first day of the season?

The first day of Spring is about 14 weeks from mid December (as I post this challenge on Dec 10th), and 12 weeks from the end of December (Dec 26th to be exact). In 12-14 weeks we can surely focus hard and challenge ourselves to lose 1-2 lbs per week (anywhere from 14-28 lbs by March 20th right)? Let's start our "official" challenge on December 26th, 12 weeks from the 1st Day of Spring (March 20th). Until this date (Dec 26) we'll do a "Pre" Get Fit for Spring Challenge.

In the Pre-Challenge we'll do some spring cleaning long before spring - first clean out the junky food in your kitchen, get rid of snacks, sugar, starches, etc. And shop for only healthy, clean foods. Then sort through your clothes and hang up only the ones that fit now, decluttering clears our minds. Next, box up the skinny clothes that don't fit that you think you might wear again, label them high in your closet or elsewhere. Donate or give to friends the clothes you won't wear again.

Also in the Pre-Challenge we'll set our goals for the 12 weeks. What diet/program will help you lose weight? How many calories per day if you are going to count? What will be your exercise program? How many days per week will you exercise, what types of exercise (rotating cardio and weights)? Do you have the equipment at home, or will you join a gym? Now is the time to buy any weights, dvds, etc that you'll need or join a gym and carve out time for you.

In addition, since many of us are emotional eaters, let's figure out what's caused us to overeat and address some of our issues in the first place. For me it was some hard personal times in life and perhaps some depression. What can you to do for yourself to become more stable/serene? I like to use the Ultimate Workout log to track progress when losing weight and there's a section for mind/body notes. When I've been in the best shape, I've also practiced yoga, meditation, or found spiritual ways to help me handle stresses in life. So in our Pre-Challenge, figure out what "tools" you can use to take care of your emotions and spiritual side so that you are more in balance and able to lose weight.

If you want to join our challenge, first tell us a bit about yourself, your goal weight by the First Day of Spring, what your plan is and how you'll stay balanced during this period of time. We'll be checking in weekly to weigh in but post often - share with us as you progress, learn about fitness/weight loss and even vent here... it takes support to lose weight and 3fc's board is a great place to join hands as we work towards our goals.

Let's do it girls - Spring is Just Around the Corner!

My Get Fit by Spring Challenge (for those of you joining, you can follow this format to introduce yourself):

1 - About Me - I'm 41 years old now and I want to make 2010 one of the best years of my life, meeting fitness and other goals, finding balance. I recently gained a lot of weight during a tough divorce this year and am ready to reinvent myself. A challenge is just what I need to get a jump start. By the first day of Spring I want to be back to the weight that's on the high end of my healthy weight for my height again, then I'll do another challenge - the first day of spring to the first day of summer (13 weeks) to lose more and tone up for summer.
2 - Goal - to lose 2 lbs per week - start weight 197, goal weight by 1st day of Spring (March 20) 169
3- Program - will count calories (1250-1350 per day), using the Biggest Loser food pyramid
4 - Exercise - 25+ min of interval cardio 3x per week (walking dog, on bouncer, dvds, or at gym), 30-40 min weights 3x per week (basic to BFL routines), 1 day off per week (will rotate working out at home and gym)
5- In the process of decluttering kitchen/clothes/home to clear my mind - will finish much of clutter busting by Dec 26 (official 12 week challenge start date)
6 - Will work on emotional/spiritual issues during challenge - quiet times daily, devotionals, readings, prayers to Higher Power, yoga etc. Will try to be more balanced and serene, slowing down to eat right, and carving out time for exercise and balance self.
7 - I'll keep a print journal (I like the Ultimate Workout Log) tracking my exercise, diet and moods daily. I have little "I did it" stickers that I'll place daily as I meet my goals of calories and workouts. I'll rate each day - 1-5 and will set weekly goals as well. If I'm not losing as much as I wish or hit plateau's I'll re-evaluate my eating/workouts.

Hi, Horsey!

Thanks for starting this up. I really like this challenge because I think I'll be most successful in the long run if I make gradual, steady progress toward weight loss, and if I have a goal a couple months away to keep me motivated and on track.

I'll join you. I'll aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week by sticking with these plans:

• EXERCISE: At least 5 times per week, do a moderate-to-intense cardio DVD before work and strength training after work. During my 15' breaks at work, I'll take either a brisk or a slower, meditative walk, depending on my mood.
  
• NUTRITION: At least 5 days per week, enjoy 6 small, balanced meals throughout the day. Each meal consists of 1/2 cup of a healthy protein (esp. hummus, edamame, nonfat dairy, salmon, and nuts in moderation) and 1/2 cup of a good carb (esp. whole grains and fruit). Every day I'll aim for 4 servings of fruit and 4 servings of veggies. It sounds a little complicated, but preparing and packing my meals ahead of time makes it really easy to stay on plan.

More than anything else, I want my weight loss to be slow, steady and holistic. I'm not as interested in seeing rapid change as I am in gradually losing the extra weight and keeping it off for good. Instead of worrying too much about what the scale says, I'm trying to focus on staying on plan, noticing happy little changes in how I feel, and trusting that the results will come at their own pace.

I hope more people join us! Even if not, you sound like you're taking a really well-rounded approach to meeting your goals, so I think we might make excellent weight loss buddies. I generally log on here only once a week, but I'd definitely be open to checking in more frequently with you by e-mail.

Thanks again for starting this challenge, and have a great week!

This sounds great....I"m in ...
I'm 28 and aside from what I Wrote in my siggy below.. I'd like to add the cleaning out and decluttering are high on my list of priorities im sick of looking at clutter everywhere...

goal is 1-2lbs a week slow and steady wins the race right?