Final Results!

Congratulations on making it through this very challenging challenge!

As stated in the rules the following people will earn part of the pot of money:
1. The person with the biggest weight loss percentage
2. The Person with the most points
3. Each member of the team with the highest number of points

So here we go:
Biggest weight loss percentage
Tiffany Hamilton - 9.9% from Team Cheetah! (She's going to be getting a nice refund! - 100% points, Winning team and Biggest weight loss percentage!)

Congratulations Tiffany!!

12 way tie for Person with the most points:
Ginger Brea - Team Cheetah
Tiffany Hamilton - Team Cheetah
Melanie Johnson - Team Gazelle
Lisa Bartholomew - Team Tiger
Ann Dubois - Team Hedgehog
Jennifer Stephens - Team Hedgehog
Ami Bartholomew - Team Hyena
Elizabeth Putnam - Team Lion
Ryan Putnam - Team Lion
Mary Ann Hawes - Team Rhino
Rose Mitchell - Team Rhino
Tami Perez - Team Rhino


Congratulations!!

And the teams: (remember the point totals are an average of all team member's points throughout the 8 week challenge)

1st Place: Cheetahs - 1730.63
2nd Place: Hedgehogs - 1655.77
3rd Place: Rhinos - 1608.08
4th Place: Tigers - 1607.50
5th Place: Gazelles - 1505.74
6th Place: Zebras - 1494.38
7th Place: Lions - 1485.43
8th Place: Giraffes - 1292.92
9th Place: Gorillas - 1247.50
10th Place: Hyenas - 1244.25

Congratulations!!


If you find any errors on this post please notify me as soon as possible. Once I have written out the checks, I will not make any changes. Each of you should be receiving an email within the next week notifying you of your refund and/or winning total. Please remember to cash your checks as soon as possible. After a couple of weeks the checks are no good and your winnings will be donated to the challenge bank account. I will not issue additional checks.
Once again congratulations on making yourself a priority in your life and building good habits. I hope that you have enjoyed your experience and I hope to see you in future challenges!

Week 8 Results

Hey! What a great challenge. I know this isn't really what you want to see, so I'll make it quick and get on with the final results. Here are the results from week 8.

2+ club - Ginger Brea, Nora Kelly, Jen Bair, Michelle Cannon, Melinda Urbanawiz, Ryan Putnam, Andy Bartholomew, Heidi McDermott, Yvonne Tracy

Congratulations!!

Team results

1st Place: Cheetahs
2nd Place: Hedgehogs
3rd Place: Rhinos
4th Place: Tigers
5th Place: Lions
6th Place: Zebras
7th Place: Gazelles
8th Place: Hyenas
9th Place: Gorillas
10th Place: Giraffes

Yeah Cheetahs!!

Week 7 Results!

Well Well Well, by the time you read this there will only be a few days left of this challenge, and we've made it!

Here are this weeks results

2 + Club - Ada Johnson, Andy Bartholomew, Natalie Lemmon, Rose Mitchell, Diana Putnam, Jessica Dubois, Larae Flamm

Team standings:

1st Place: Tigers
2nd Place: Cheetahs
3rd Place: Rhinos
4th Place: Hedgehogs
5th Place: Gazelles
6th Place: Lions
7th Place: Giraffes
8th Place: Zebras
9th Place: Hyenas
10th Place: Gorillas



Now the news you've all been waiting for:

I have been running these challenges for over a year now and I have seen so many people do great things for their overall wellness. It makes it so worth all the work of putting these challenges together when I see all your hard work and how its paying off for you. Unfortunately, I have a lot going on in my personal life and my professional life right now and I will not be able to run another challenge for a while. If any of you are crazy enough to want to run your own challenge you are more than welcome to use the spreadsheets I have sent out and feel free to email me with any questions. I'll be happy to help you get started. I will do another one.....but I have to wait for my life to settle down a bit before I can dedicate time to running this challenge again. In the meantime if you would like to join another challenge, you can go to THIS WEBSITE and sign up for her challenge. Hurry fast though, registration ends this Friday, March 9th.


Thank you all so much for all of your support and your kinds words throughout these challenges. I really appreciate it.

The Last Challenge!

2+ club: Yvonne Tracy, Andy Bartholomew, Amanda Jones, Brigitta Chaston, Tiffany Hamilton

1st Place: Cheetahs
2nd Place: Tigers
3rd Place: Hedgehogs
4th Place: Zebras
5th Place: Rhinos
6th Place: Gazelles
7th Place: Lions
8th Place: Gorillas
9th Place: Hyenas
10th Place: Giraffes


Well, we've made it! We are about to embark on the last week of our journey together....perhaps. I still haven't decide if I'm going to do another challenge after this one....I promise to decide soon.

A while back I had the opportunity to run a 5k for the first time in a long time. It was a ton of fun. For those of you who don't know me....I don't like to run, unless I'm running on the playing field. So this was a big accomplishment for me. The best part of it all was that I ran the whole thing without stopping. I was slow, but I did it. I felt AMAZING afterwards.

So I decided that for our last challenge (being inspired by The Biggest Looser TV Show) that for our final challenge we all have to run/walk a 5K at some point during this week. For some of you this isn't going to be a big deal at all because a 5K is what you do for your warm up every day. ;) If that is you, your challenge for this week is to push yourself just a couple mile past what you usually do for one of your runs. For the rest of us though..... we'll stick to the 5k.

Try and run as much as possible in this 5k challenge. If you have to stop and walk for a min. that's fine, but get back into a run as soon as you can. If the people on the Biggest Loser can run a full marathon, we can run a 5k.....right??

This is an all or nothing challenge this week. Either you run/walk 3.1 miles consecutively and earn your 35 points, or you don't.

Have a great week!!!

To Carb or not to Carb

First of all, I need to apologize. I re-posted last weeks challenge from a previous challenge without reading it through real carefully. This challenge is scheduled to go to March 9th......not end on March 2nd like last weeks challenge said with the whole 2 1/2 weeks left thing. So sorry! I'll be more careful in the future.

Next topic: I have had several of you mention how frustrated you are feeling right now, and let me tell you, I am in the same boat. For this challenge I have not been able to lose weight like I was hoping to.....and I am very frustrated. A friend of mine knows how frustrated I am so they sent me this quote.
















I thought it was very appropriate to post today after reading some of your comments on your point reports this week. I know that this is a very frustrating process, but when we keep our eyes on our goal and keep on working, that's when we will accomplish them. If we get frustrated and give up on our goals we will never make it to them. So congratulations to all of you for sticking to it and giving it your all. Here are this weeks results:


2+ Club - Lindsay Hamilton, Jessica Dubois, Lilly Robinson, Adam Putnam, Matt Cain

Team Results -
1st Place: Cheetahs
2nd Place: Tigers
3rd Place: Hyenas
4th Place: Zebras
5th Place: Hedgehogs
6th Place: Rhinos
7th Place: Gorillas
8th Place: Giraffes
9th Place: Gazelles
10th Place: Lions



Now for next weeks challenge. I have done this one before as well, and some people were scared, but it turned out to be not so bad. So here goes!!

There are so may low carb or carb free diets out there, but the truth is, carbohydrates are a very important part of our diets. There are two types of carbohydrates: Simple and Complex

According to the Wheat Foods Council:
Simple carbohydrates require little digestion and thus are a quick energy source. Fruits, fruit juices and milk contain simple sugars (carbohydrates) that provide valuable nutrients in addition to an energy boost. Candies, table sugar, alcoholic beverages and sweetened soft drinks are simple sugar sources that provide calories, but usually no nutrients.

Complex carbohydrates are found in grains, some vegetables and legumes. They are starches and require more digestion than simple carbohydrates. Rich in B-vitamins, fiber and iron, complex carbohydrates from grains are the body’s best source of energy because they are burned in a constant, time released manner. They provide sustained energy for athletic events and can help manage blood sugar irregularities. The fiber found in complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables can help lower blood cholesterol in some people when eaten as part of a low-fat diet.

If you would like to read what the USDA has to say about the benefits and nutrients found in grains (a good source of carbohydrates) click on THIS LINK.

So if Carbohydrates are so good for you why does everyone make a big deal about it??? In my opinion it's because we eat TOO MANY of them and the WRONG KINDS. And too much of anything is never good. So this weeks challenge is going to be focused on the Grains Group (although there are other foods groups that contain carbs as well).

What kinds of foods belong in the grains group? The USDA says its "Any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grain is a grain product. Bread, pasta, oatmeal, breakfast cereals, tortillas, and grits are examples of grain products."

The amount of grains needed each day depends on your age, gender, and level of physical activity. To find out how many you need, look at THIS CHART put out by the USDA.

The most confusing part about looking at the chart is knowing how much an ounce is. "In general, 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta, or cooked cereal can be considered as 1 ounce equivalent from the Grains Group." However, they also have a more detailed list in THIS CHART .

Part one of this challenge is to eat no more than the recommended amount of foods from the grains group each day. Each day you do that you earn 3 points.

That takes care of the first half of my opinion. Remember what it is? "In my opinion it's because we eat TOO MANY of them and the WRONG KINDS" So now that we're not going to be eating too many, we want to make sure we are eating the right kinds of grains as well.

Part two of this challenge is to make at least half of all the grains you eat, whole grains. What is the definition of a whole grain? "Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples include:

• whole-wheat flour
• bulgur (cracked wheat)
• oatmeal
• whole cornmeal
• brown rice"

Visit THIS website for a list of whole grains and more information about the difference between whole grains and refined grains. (Just an FYI. On your "brown bread" if the first ingredient on the package doesn't say Whole Grain, or Whole Wheat, it is not considered a whole grain. Some bread companies are tricky and don't bleach their bread so people will buy it because they think it is healthier. Just because it says "Wheat Bread" does not mean it is a whole grain or any better for you than white bread. Remember white bread is made from wheat too. Be sure to always read your food labels.)
Each day you make at least half of your grains whole grains you earn 2 points. For a total of 5 possible points each day if you complete both parts of this challenge.

Mo' Muscle

Happy Valentine's Day!!

This week was by far the best weigh in this late in the challenge than I have ever seen in any of the challenges I have run!! Go Us!! We lost 90 pounds!! And my favorite......
236 inches!!!!!!!!

5+ Club- Adam Putnam, Lilly Robinson, Amanda Jones, Brigitta Chaston, Janice Franckum,

2+ Club- Heidi McDermott, Tiffany Hamilton, Lisa Bartholomew, Diana Putnam, Elizabeth Putnam, Rebecca Castleton, Ryan Putnam, Ann Dubois, Jennifer Stephens, Jessica Dubois, Michelle Cannon, Misty Cannon, Janna Worwood, Nora Kelly, Brandi Moore, Larae Flamm, Mary Ann Hawes

Team Results:
1st Place: Cheetahs
2nd Place: Rhinos
3rd Place: Lions
4th Place: Gazelles
5th Place: Zebras
6th Place: Tigers
7th Place: Hyenas
8th Place: Hedgehogs
9th Place: Giraffes
10th Place: Gorillas

Wow! The time has come again to put up yet another weekly challenge. I can't believe how fast this challenge has gone by. We only have two weeks left!! Remember how dedicated and determined we were in those first couple of weeks when we were fresh and excited about starting a new adventure, lets find even more dedication and determination for the last couple of weeks and end our adventure with a BANG!

For some this weeks challenge is going to be an easy one because it is already something you do. For others this will be a great addition to your workouts. This weeks challenge is to make resistance training part of your workouts for 3 of the 5 days. If you do resistance training for 3 of the 5 days you will earn your 35 bonus challenge points. It is an all or nothing challenge. You either get 35 points or 0 points. If resistance training is something you already do, I will share some links at the bottom to give you ideas for new workouts.

Medical research has shown that resistance training does many good things for your body, including the following:

• Strengthens the muscular system
• Strengthens the skeletal system
• Improves bone density (decreases the chance of osteoporosis)
• Increases metabolism (something we all want lol)
  
• Improves posture
• Limits atrophy of the muscles
• Aids in hypertension, cholesterol and body fat control
• Increases circulation
• Aids in prevention of adult-onset diabetes
• Improves mood and self-esteem
• Improves quality of life
• Aids in the prevention of heart disease and certain cancers

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that resistance training should be progressive, individualized, and provide stimulus to all the major muscle groups. (Chest, back, shoulders, arms, abdominals, and legs)

They recommend that beginners do one set of 8 - 10 exercises for the major muscle groups. Do 8 - 12 reps of each exercise. Experts say that beginners should start with a weight that can be lifted 10 - 12 times with good form. If you can't lift 10 - 12 reps with good form the weight is too heavy.

If you have a gym membership, most gyms have machines and a variety of free weights to help you out with this. However, you do not have to have a gym membership to do resistance training. You can use your own body weight or even cans of soup right in your own home. When I lived in Spain going to a gym was not an option so I used a 1 liter water bottle and just adjusted the amount of water in it to adjust the weight. It worked like a charm.
Below are some examples of exercises you can do either at the gym or at home.

Chest with weights (or cans of soup)

Dumbell Flyes

Dumbell PressChest with body weight:

Push-ups
Shoulders with weights:

Side Lateral Raise

Front Raise

Upright Row

Shoulders with body weight:

Pike Push-ups

and for those who are feeling super adventurous.... hand stand pushups
Back with weights:
Bent over rowBack with body weight:

Bird Dog

Upside down sit-up

Arms with weights:

Bicep curls

Triceps Kickbacks

Arms with body weights:
Chair dips

Abs:
Crunches
Reverse Crunches
Bicycle Crunches
Plank

Side plankLegs:

Squats (with or without weights)

Lunges (with or without weights)

Calf Raises


Leg lifts
These are just a few examples that everyone can do in their own homes. There are tons of websites out there that show different resistance exercises. I have listed a few that you might enjoy looking at below.

http://www.criticalbench.com/exercises/exercises.htm - click on the body part you want to work and they show you lists of exercises for that body part and videos of the exercises

http://www.bodyrock.tv/ - this is a link for someone who REALLY wants a tough workout. The lady does all of her workouts in a tiny apartment without equipment.

Look up "Arnel Ricafranca" workouts on Youtube.

*** I am considering running another challenge after this one. If you would be interested in joining another will you please send me an email or leave a comment here to let me know. It doesn't mean you are committed to doing it, I just want to make sure there is enough interest before I go to all the work to start another. I have LOVED doing this challenge. I wouldn't start the next one right away. I would probably give you a couple weeks break before starting again. Let me know!! Thanks.

Reporting Points for Week 4

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING
YOUR POINTS THIS WEEK!

Congratulations! You have made it half way through this challenge. In addition to your normal point reports, this week you will also be reporting your inches lost. I have had several people who have had trouble with reporting their weight points so I am going to re-post the instructions for calculating weight points and inches points. (I promise if you'll just use the excel sheet I sent out you don't have to even think. Just fill in the yellow boxes, and the worksheet does all the math for you. All you have to do is report the numbers shaded in blue.)

Calculating Weight Points
Weight loss Plan:
Each week when you weigh yourself if you weigh less than your previous lowest weight weight you get 5 maintenance points plus, for each pound you lose you earn 10 points (2lbs = 20 points). For each tenth of a pound you earn 1 point (.4 lbs = 4 points). (If you lost one pound, you would get 5 points for maintaining plus 10 points for that pound, so you would report 15 points. If you lost 2.1 pounds, you get 21 points plus 5 maintenance points, so you would report 26 weight points.)

If you gained weight, you will report 0 points every week until you drop below your lowest previous weight.

If you maintained your previous lowest weight, you report 5 points.

Weight maintenance: At the beginning of the challenge you decided on what weight you wanted to maintain. For each week that you are at or below that weight, you get 15 points. If you go over that weight, you get 0.

Pregnancy Plan: If you are pregnant, please don't worry about the scale, but you must get at least 121 weekly points (90%) to get your 15 weight points per week.

Calculating Inches Points
At the start of the competition and again at the end of week 4 and week 8, you will measure your right bicep, chest, waist, hips and right thigh. For each 1/2 inch you have lost at weeks 4 and 8, you will get 5 points. It is important when you are measuring that you measure in the same spot. To help give you a visual of where to measure I have attached this photo.