and the winners are.......

Scott Schwab:
Thank you to everyone that joined this challenge. Even those that are doing the challenge secretly, it is a great thing. Congratulations to all contestants. This challenge we had more participants and success than in past challenges. We hope to role this momentum into the next challenge.
Speaking of momentum, I feel that I learned some great things about the subject and wanted to pass them on. Last Friday I sat terrified as my Boise State Broncos had a game with all of the elements of a great game, accept we came out on the losing end. However, the process offers some great teaching elements. We can look at the game and think, "oh if that call wouldn't have been called or if that person wouldn't have done that", we would have won.
Not so fast, the game of football and truly anything is a game of momentum. It is a force as real as you or me. However, if we live in the maybes, what ifs, buts, and casting blame, we will not progress. Progression comes from accountability and accepting the good, the bad, and the ugly. Life is very similar! There are things that we cannot control. We will lose, I assure you, but how do we respond?
That is yet to be seen from my little team of the blue "smurf" turf. I am sure that all of us as sports fans have seen and experienced these things before and the good news is that life goes on. Unless we step up and move forward we will live our lives through the foggy glasses of what if? Despite the bad calls, penalties, fumbles that life will surely give to us, we must move forward. No one else can pull us along. We need to push forward with resolve and hope for a better day.
Momentum has as much to do with personal effort as it does with hope. If we can hope for the best and then go and work for it, we will eventually get exactly what we worked for. That may seem like a bold statement, but I will tell you that people generally get what they work for. That doesn't mean that they always get what they deserve, because people usually will experience things that are not fair, or that are hard, or down right wrong.
If we want to grow, we will not ask why, we will ask why not. We will look life in the face and challenge ourselves for more. At times we will be all but spent, and that is when we dig deep and define ourselves by our personal depth and resolve. All of us have greatness within. Find it today and everyday after that. Let the momentum of today push you into tomorrow and the next day, and the next. Never, give up! It is always harder to start the ball rolling, then just to keep it going.
Make it happen today, do something you think you cannot. Start a great habit, a goal, an achievement. Life is too short to wonder and think about doing things. Do them! This Friday we start a new challenge. The goal is to do your best and improve from the past challenge. We do not set specifics, because you will succeed more when you do them yourself and implement the changes that you need. You do not need to be perfect, just be accountable. Diets do not work, lifestyle changes do. Determine what you will do to improve and then let us help you and you help us. Together we will achieve more and accomplish whatever we desire!

Gotta Start Somewhere

Chandi Schwab

I was a pretty active girl growing up because I was involved in different activities. I didn't have to worry about what I ate because it all pretty much evened out. Our metabolisms work so much better when we are young right?

It wasn't until I got pregnant with with my first child that it all changed.Life was busy as newly weds, I was in cosmetology school, and worked most nights at a call center. Scott was really busy too, and we didn't spend much time preparing meals. I was usually eating on the run and grabbing whatever I could find. Women at school told me that they had gained quite a bit of weight with their pregnancies so when the scale went up I just figured it was normal.

Quote of the day

Scott Schwab:
Momentum is one of the most essential points in any activity. We see it all the time in sports, but how does that apply to life and more importantly exercise? It is much easier to keep a routine going, rather than starting fresh. Don't get caught unprepared for the holidays. This is we pack it on. All this week send us your acceptance for the next 8 week challenge that will take us through the hard times of Holiday eating. Be prepared to finish if you start! It doesn't matter how you think you did, because finishing is more important then starting. The next 8 week challenge starts on Friday December 3rd.



“The most important thing you can do to achieve your goals is to make sure that as soon as you set them, you immediately begin to create momentum. The most important rules that I ever adopted to help me in achieving my goals were those I learned from a very successful man who taught me to first write down the goal, and then to never leave the site of setting a goal without first taking some form of positive action toward its attainment.”

-Anthony Robbins-

It's all about your Lifestyle

Chandi Schwab

According to a study by Michigan State University, a healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria:

1)Not smoking
2)Holding weight down
3)Eating right
4)Exercising

Of the 153,000 respondents, only 3% participated in all four of what are termed healthy lifestyle characteristics.

There are millions of adults leading unhealthy lifestyles; resulting in children falling under the same category. What can be done to help people change? Everyone talks about achieving it, but most people have plenty of excuses as to why they can’t, won’t, or don’t want to change their current status. The most common excuse people make for not trying to have a healthy lifestyle is “a lack of time.” Have you ever said to yourself, “Oh, I’m tired, I don’t have time to exercise?” or “I don’t feel like cooking dinner tonight; let’s just get some fast food.”

Yes, excuses are real and they are contagious.

Time and health always seem to be at odds with each other. We have time to work, time to commute, time for our business associates, but very little time to spend on ourselves, people we love, or even random people who deserve our attention.

What's Your Lifestyle Like?

The reason lifestyle is so important is because how you live determines your choices and these choices decide how healthy you are and whether you're on the road to achieving good health. Where do you fall on the healthy lifestyle continuum? First, figure out how much time you spend doing the following:

•Sitting at a desk
•Sitting in a car
•Sitting in front of a TV
•Sitting in front of a computer
•Eating out at restaurants
•Drinking alcohol
•Eating fast food or junk foods
•Staying up late/not getting enough sleep


Now, how much time do you spend:

•Being active in general (taking the stairs, walking instead of driving, gardening, cleaning, etc.)
•Doing cardio exercise
•Strength training for all muscle groups with challenging weights
•Preparing your own meals and snacks and eating fruits, veggies and whole grains
•Reading food labels
•Tracking your calories
•Sleeping
•Dealing with stress in a healthy way

If you spend more time doing the things in the first list than the second, it's time to reevaluate your priorities and decide what you really want for yourself. Living healthy means spending time and energy on your body--moving it around and paying attention to what you put into it. Staying in an unhealthy lifestyle means you can avoid expending energy, time and effort...but at what cost?

Choosing Health

As humans, we like habits and routines, so much that we often keep doing the same things even when we know they aren't good for us. Changing bad habits takes time and effort and, for a healthy lifestyle, you may be changing a variety of things like:

•What time you get up each morning
•What time you go to bed each night
•How you spend your free time
•How you spend your money
•How you shop, cook and eat
•How much TV you watch
•What you do with your family and friends

What better time to start than now? Evaluate where you are at,and set realistic goals in small amounts so they are attainable. As you accomplish the goals you have set you will be pleased with yourself and be an all in all happier person:)Good luck!

Attitude of Gratitude

Scott Schwab:
I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has come to this blog, passed it on to others, and helped us become better. We are well over 15,000 views now and the number continues to grow. We originally thought it would be a fun project and something that people might find useful. Our goals are to keep delivering pertinent material and helping others reach their goals. Life is too short not to enjoy it. We believe having a balanced and healthy life is the only way to go.
Take the time today and share your thanks with others. Besides being a good thing to do, it will make you feel better and actually release endorphins. Stamp out old grudges or disagreements. This is not a time for hate or malice. This is a time to reach out to those who need you, who need me, and who need someone. There is enough tragedy and inequalities to last forever. You be the one person who others know that you care and that you will go out of your way to help others. If we stop believing in and helping others, the world crumbles.
Live each day as it was your last. Be grateful for whatever you have, even if it is less then last year, or simply having your basic needs met. Times like these require us to pull together and push life forward. Dig in and get deep into the service and support of others. You will then find, that your life is full and the feeling of balance will give you a more complete YOU! Happy Thanksgiving

Do what you always do?

Scott Schwab:
Have you ever heard the quote that if you do what you have always done you will always get the same results. Furthermore, if we do the same things in the same way, we will miss possible points for improvement, appreciation for the process, and advancements for growth and opportunity.
We see this in the business world all to often. "If it isn't broke then you shouldn't fix it". We have all heard this, but have also seen that businesses that are resistant to change, eventually start seeing the affects of lack of improvement, advancement, and opportunity. Think of this from the eyes of an individual. Relate this to you in your life.
Comfort is great and there is satisfaction with familiarity. However, growth usually comes through exertion, challenge, and thinking out of the box. Whether the box is your mind or a situation, the challenges we face in our lives, will most likely require us to get creative. Creativity will foster growth, opportunity, appreciation, and most apparently advancement.
I use the example of a person that brushes their teeth with the same hand everyday. Yes it is comfortable, but after awhile you don't even think, you just do. Though there are advantages to muscle memory, doing the same thing day in and day out can prevent the growth and opportunity.
Try for a couple days to eat with your opposite hand, fold clothes a different way, hang clothes opposite to what you do. As you do this you will start noticing things that you didn't before. Change your pattern of thinking and the patterns will change you. Look for different ways to do things. You may be doing things most effectively, but doing things in different ways will help you grow and learn new things about yourself. Plus this is a good remedy to help you see if you are anal retentive or O.C.D.(obsessive compulsive disorder), about certain things.
For me all my clothes have to hang the same way in my closet. Furthermore they have to be color-coordinated and hanging so as I push them to the right(my prominent hand), I see the front of the shirt. I found that as I tried some new things, that it really got me stressed. I finally had to think, "really rain man", you need to relax. Though I have not converted completely to a different way of doing, I have seen more effective ways to do things and improve my development of self. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

water matrix

Scott Schwab:
Just a little food for thought as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday. As our bodies are made up of approximately 65% water, it is essential that we replenish and replace the water in our body. It is good for many things, but use this example the next time you are looking to avoid the good stuff.
Think of a pond that is sitting in the back of a property. During the dry summer months this pond slowly evaporates and gets more dirty as the days pass. This pond needs some way of rejuvenation either through ground water, rain, or possibly run off from a near by mountain. Now, this water cannot use any other form to fill the pond such as milk, soda, or even beer.
The truth is, the longer this pond sits, the more it becomes less useful. The water is not as clean. Silt and moss build up around the edge of the pond. Oh and remember that the pond will start to smell as that same pond sits day after day. The cleansing affect for the pond, is actually the process of replenishment.
Remember this example with your own body. You may be drinking other forms of liquid, but this does not flush or replenish the essential water for your bodies function. We are living organisms and as such we must have water. If we do not drink the necessary amounts of water, we will start noticing changes. Slow at first, but increasingly problematic as time goes. If you think of any function within the body, you can bet that water is involved.
So tip back and have another cold one, water that is, and remember to have the goal to replenish your water each week. This is done by drinking the recommended 8 glasses per day. We recommend taking your current weight and dividing it by two and that is the ounces that you should drink per day. Example: I weigh 190/2 95oz per day. In this way I speed up the process and replenish, revitalize, and rejuvenate every half week.
Test it for yourself. Don't take my word, but I will promise you these results:
+Thought clarity
+Less soreness
+Better vision
+Ease of breathing
+Weight loss
+Toxin flush
+More energy
+Reduced headaches
+Reduced cold/flu, sickness

This also assumes that you will give up some of the other liquids and drink the daily recommended or the Mixers recommended.

Voting Time!

Alright!!This is where we really want everyone involved. We had some great competition going this time and we are excited to see what the results are. Remember... voting isn't just based on appearance because many of our contestants focused more on all aspects of there life. So be sure to read their paragraphs and see how much they have grown and the encouragement it has given them for the future to continue on in building a healthy and happy lifestyle. This doesn't mean short change the contestants with visible results because they obviously worked hard to get there. Base it on there whole story...Please take the time to read up on them and vote...It will help motivate you to join next time:)

8 week Challenge Results

1)Sam







Sam Woods

Goals:

-190 lbs (204 lbs starting weight)
-50% reduction in refined sugars
-4 weekly workouts



*I did not challenge myself. No after picture this time because there haven't been any changes, I'm sorry to report. I got caught up in meetings and minutia and didn't take care of myself. I look forward to redeeming myself in the next 8 week challenge.



2)Megan









Megan Porter

1- Work out 5 days a week for at least 3 days of cardio and 2 days of weight training
2- Get up early on Saturdays (This is hard for me :-)
3- Clean out the apartment with all unneeded junk
4- Run a 5k under 25 minutes
5- Drink only 1 diet coke a day and at least 8 bottles of water


*It's crazy how fast 8 weeks comes and goes. It's funny how when I want to work out or set a fitness goal I think in my mind that 8 weeks is definitely doable, I mean it's 8 WEEKS! But then life gets in the way. I would get home and think how tired I was and the last thing I wanted to do was workout. Plus there seemed to always be church responsibilities, book clubs, dinners and everything else during the week. But with this 8 week challenge it was so great being able to see so many other people reaching for their own goals and getting their updates from the blog. The thing I liked most about the 8 week challenge was that it wasn't just about fitness, it was framed to be about happiness and not only being physically healthy but mentally as well. I reached almost all of my goals. I timed my first 5k since starting the challenge and ran it in 24 minutes!! I just signed up for New York half marathon in March which will be my 4th half marathon. With my new start of no soda and a great running pattern I'm hoping to beat my all time record. After 6 weeks I'm still not drinking Diet Coke and I feel fantastic! I'm hoping with the next challenge I will have less work travel and more time to focus on bigger goals now that my first 8 week challenge has proven to be successful.







3)Steve























Steve Randall

*Goals: my goal this 8 week challenge is purely cardiovascular, I grew up with very bad asthma so I always avoided cardio based activities. It is time to stop with the excuses and get some cardio so I can actually train Jiu Jitsu and Run without being gassed out within 10 minutes! right now It takes me about 23 minutes to run 2 miles on a treadmill (pathetic, I know) my goal in this 8 weeks is to be able to run 2 miles in 17 minutes.



I started having knee pain at the beginning of the 8 week challenge as i was running, so i changed up my method of improving my cardio and that was by simply attending jiu jitsu classes a few times per week (which are extremely cardio intense!) I went from really struggling with my breathing halfway through rounds to being able to complete rounds which was a huge improvement for me. I injured my Trapezius at the gym and right after i recovered from that i got sick so i missed a few weeks of gym time (and for anyone that knows me, thats not easy for me to do, grr) Luckily i did not lose any strength and have actually made some big improvements in my back. I went from being able to do maybe 3 good pullups to doing about 8, I use to not be able to do any! This 8 week challenge was overall a success, its a shame i will not be able to participate in any more challenges but its for a good reason, on December 15 I will be entering the MTC and will be preparing to serve in the Marshall Islands Majuro Mission. I will still exercise out there, but i will have to get super creative because I wont have access to a gym or weights! Big thanks to Scott and Chandi for their support and for this site! Keep up the good work everyone

8 Week Challenge Results

4)Mark

















Mark Pittard

Goals for this eight week challenge
1. Loose 7 pounds and turn it into muscle
2. Do 300 crunches everyday besides Sunday
3. Run three times a week
4. Weights three times a week
5. No eating after 8
6. Limit sweets to once a week




*During my eight weeks, I struggled to keep on a steady pace. Some weeks were better than others. the thing is, you just have to take at least thirty minutes of your day and just work out. you feel a lot better about yourself. I concentrated this six weeks on cardio, and higher reps in weight training. I am motivated to do even better these next eight weeks.




5)Zach





















Zach Taylor(entered by wife)

1. Work on enlarging pecs for wife to sleep on at night.
2. Gain "good" weight to look dang good for wife.
3. Chiseling those abs that he used to wash his clothes on.
4. Cut back on the pop...that'll be rough (he didn't know about that one) (:



*The 8 week challenge has been success. I am currently in a weight training class that is great and I know that I am getting the lifting that I wanted. I have learned some great Ab workouts that are great for slimming down. I have been consistent which was important. I would like to improve on eliminating soda, but have reduced my original intake.


6)Daric









Daric Hartle

I am currently at 212 lbs and would like to be down to about 195 idealy however, for this challenge I think it is realistic to try and get to 205. I am going to accomplish this by using a diet that is supposed to jive with my blood type. In other words, I should not eat certain foods due to my blood type. I will try this method while also cutting back on my bread and sugars consumption. I will once again be starting my running and keeping track of it using Nike Plus on my IPod. Also, I am going to swim at least 3 times a week.



*So the 8 week challenge was, well a challenge. In the midst of starting a new business I put a lot of things to the side and one of those things was exercising regularly. However, I did manage to run a few times as well as swim. I did start to coach my son's soccer team and I would run any chance that I got with the kids to get a little exercise out of it. I am sad to say that as far as the scale goes...it was equal to where I started. The challenge was not lost though because it did bring to light the need to make room for something as I go forward. As things begin to fall into place with the new business, I am going to MAKE time for my health. I am ready for the next challenge, whenever that is.







7)Deena






















Deena Taylor

1. Get rid of the little midget that is wrapped around my waist..and no that is not my 4 month old.
2. Avoid my urge to eat everything every time I'm done nursing. I want to eat little snacks but not a whole bag of Fritos. You know?
3. Get out of the house and run at least twice a week. It sounds simple but I haven't quite perfected leaving the house with 2 kids yet.
4. Smaller meals!! I have gotten a little carried a way with my proportions ever since I got pregnant.



*Alright, I gotta say this fabulous 8 week challenge went better than I expected. It went super fast and the results came out better than expected as well. I wasn't able to get out to run as much as I wanted to but I have been able to play basketball quite often this last month. ...Which is awesome for me since I have a hard time going running without something else to do but just run. :) In the end, I shedded some flabby pounds, fit into a smaller outfit, and ate with more control. I still find my weaknesses at family and friend gatherings and am a social eater to the bone but I am happy with my results. One thing I found helpful when I was finding myself craving something to eat was to drink a glass of water first. Not too exciting and not as fulfilling but it really helped me to either not eat at all or eat something more healthy.






8)Mikey






















Mike Belnap

-40 lbs less through working out and eating less
-NO POP!!


*Over the 8 weeks I have switched to diet dew instead of regular! I have ate more proteins and less sugar! I have started reffing and getting some regular exercise which helps!!!! I have lost about 4 inches off my waist and 30lbs! Its a great start, however the journey has just begun!!! :-)




9)Arianne




















Arianne Pfleger

1. One free day a week to eat as I like-Saturday. That means no treats except Sat. I eat way too much sugar, I feel like I need to start drastic.
2. Finish reading Spirited Child.
3. End the 8 week challenge at 145. I want a smaller waistline because I've been told belly fat is the most dangerous kind.
4. Monday-Zumba or a run, Tuesday-Run in the AM, Weds-Yoga or Zumba Fri-Run and lift in the AM Sat-Long Run. 5 miles or more.
Thanks!


*I got further on my book. So I learned a little bit more about my spirited little one and I will finish it soon! =) I went one whole week without sugar!! And I can honestly say, although that wasn't my goal, it was an accomplishment for me because I have never consciously accomplished that feat. Seriously. I also had my leg surgery scheduled about 5 weeks into this challenge, which I hadn't realized, so I wasn't able to work out for the last 3 weeks of it. However, I got back to the gym today and it felt so fantastic to run again. Thank heaven for modern medicine! And as for weight, let's just say I haven't gained and I WILL his that dang number! Not ideal but a few baby steps were made. ;) Thank you Schwab's!

8 Week Challenger Results

10)Mackenzie

























Mackenzie Peterson

To be a happier, more caring, patient, more positive, kinder, more spiritual, healthier, SLIMMER... mama, wife, daughter, friend and all in all person!!! I just want to be healthy and completely enjoy living life to the fullest!!

*To be honest this challenge flew by! I thought when I first started, that 8 weeks sounded like forever. I am pretty happy with my results and accomplishing my goals. I am very proud of myself for sticking with it. I tried really hard to be the happiest I could be everyday. I worked on my patience, and tried to have as much as possible when dealing with my 2 year old. I tried to see the positive things in every situation. (Which is not easy) I read the Ensigns and a book about Emma Smith to gain more knowledge and help spiritually. I really just wanted to start being a better person. I have things to work on, but I guess it will always be a work in progress. When I went to bed at night and felt discouraged I started telling myself ONE DAY AT A TIME, TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY TO START FRESH. I have really struggled loosing the weight from baby #2 (Not having a gal bladder this time around doesn't help!!) But I am excited that I lost 1 almost 2 pant sizes. I feel good and want to keep working on it. I'm so glad that I participated in this challenge and hope to stay on the right track through the holidays.



Scott































Scott Schwab

Each summer as I have gone out traveling and selling, my focus has been trying to maintain good health. I find though at the end of each summer some muffins that develop on my side and back of my core. This must stop.
1. Say no to muffins (back fat).
2. Mentally prepare myself to be a better leader
3. Begin the study and learning of a new language (Chinese)
4. Serve in the community (pay it forward)
5. Be in Triathlon shape and form (cardiovascular)
6. Eat slower and control portion sizes

*The challenge has gone well. It has been a constant battle with my inner pig, but feel that for the most part it was a success. The muffins have been reduced in size, but they are still alive and well. Preparing myself to be a leader has been debatable. I feel that I am a better person and continually seek to lead others, but whether I am effective, depends on results. I started to study Chinese and have found it to be daunting. It will take me many challenges to learn it, but I feel good going forward. Serving in the community was a lot of fun. Chandi and I went to the rescue mission and served one Saturday night, which was a great experience. I did run a sprint triathlon, but it was in the gym, so results may have varied if I was outdoors. I did post a time of 1 hour and 15 minutes which I was happy about. Finally my portion sizes have reduced, but only when I am consciously thinking about it. I do not eat slower and will need to work on that again. All in all, there was improvement, I did enjoy myself, and I feel like I can do better next time.





Chandi

17 months ago (June 2009)











After the last 8 week challenge
















Now














Chandi Schwab

1. Read at least 1 book
2. Make something crafty for our home
3. Paint Baseboards in basement
4. More spiritual balance 1/2 hr each day
5. Be able to swim a mile
6. 5K under 21 minutes
7. Run 20 miles

*I am so glad that I had a more well rounded challenge this time around. Believe it or not the last thing I accomplished on the list was the baseboards downstairs, and that probably never would have gotten done. I read 3 books; one spiritual, another about being at peace with ourselves and others, and one to help give me more advanced training for a marathon. I did make a craft for our home, I wish I did that more often. I set aside spiritual time each day which is very important to me. These were all great because they are things that I really wanted to make time for.

I don't think I made too much progress in my physical changes as far as how I look, but I made great progress with my goals. I got the mile swim out of the way in the beginning.I started swimming a few months ago and that was a big goal of mine, I really love it now and want to improve my speed. When I did my 20 mile run I wanted to get it in before it got too cold. But of course the day I planned it for it had snowed over night and all the way through my 12th mile. The run went surprisingly well except I did something to my foot and haven't been able to run much since so that has been frustrating. I was still able to time my 5k and got 20:47 so just made it by 13 seconds. If I could have done anything differently I would have trained better for the 20 miler and not have jumped right into it, because I have payed for it with my foot. So learn from my mistakes:)
It has been a great opportunity to keep these challenges going. The fact that we organize them helps me to stick to my commitment even more because I can't let you all down. I posted my first 8 week challenge before picture to show that it takes time to make changes that will last. It is all about a lifestyle change and continually setting goals and getting back on track. So Thank you! And keep up the great work!






11)Brittney













Brittney Schwab

1. Start my day with a protein shake and vitamins

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables

3. Do the master cleanse

4. Do 1 workout class and 4 workouts per week

5. Spend 1 day per week doing no homework. Relaxation with the family

*I was a slacker at first, then I got sick, then I got my act together. I ate more vegetables, took my vitamins, drank my protein shake, made time for "ONLY" my family 3-4 days a week. I learned how to balance and manage my study time and my family a lot better. As for the working out. I was not the best. The last few weeks of the challenge I decided that I needed more then just a workout class so I went a little more extreme. I started P90X. I am a week into it and loving it. I have lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks because I have been tougher on my workouts, eating right and limiting my sugar and treat intake. During this challenge I have learn a lot more about myself. I am grateful for doing it and look forward to the next challenge. Thanks Scott and Chandi for doing this for us.

8 Week Challenge Results

Dyan and Trent























12)Dyan Vallace

1. Avoid Gluten, Dairy, and Eggs (due to food allergies)

2. Exercise at least 3 times a week (hopefully more)

3. Eat more protein and Fiber (shake a day)



13)Trent Vallace

1. Support my wife and have the same goals

2. Avoid Gluten, Dairy, and Eggs

3. Exercise at least 3 times a week

4. Eat more protein and Fiber (Shake a day)

5. Stretch more and have better flexibility

*Dyan
I was able to lose a little weight (5 pounds) that showed mostly
through the face. I Did alot better the second half of the challenge
with working out. It is so much easier when both of us got up early
and went. I also did alot better eating and drinking more protein. I
did lots of intervals thanks to the blog message and I even got to try
something new, I tried and loved zumba! Next challenge I want to do
swimming. The on goal that I still want to keep and improve on next
time is the consistency and balance of eating throughout the whole
week and weekend. My problem is I go all week eating no gluten, milk,
or eggs and then the weekend there is a get together or a gathering of
some type and I splurge and get sick. I just want to work on being
more consistent in my eating habits. Overall it was a good challenge
and I met some of my goals now I just want to do it from start to
finish rather than really well at the first and last part of the
challenge.

*Trent
I did well with the majority of my goals. I really tried to support my
wife and go workout at 6am, on the days that I slept in I tried to do
swimming, yoga or elyptical.We also did well with our eating during
the week but on the weekend we need to workon not eating out as our
date night! I think overall this challenge went well I didnt lose any
weight but I can tell my body is gaining muscle and better sculpted.
It went well and now I know where I can imporove for next time!





14)Rod





Rod Adams

1. Eliminate pop and energy drinks
2. Eat a clean diet of 45% carbs, 35% protein, 20% fat
3. Maintain a workout schedule consisting of 4 days per week weights
and 2 days per week interval training
4. Stretch
5. Spiritual growth
6. Continue to develop business concept
7. Daily reflection on goals

*The eight week challenge was not what I had anticipated it being. I
went into it with a strong mind and I ended up getting catheter
ablation performed on my heart. Although visibly it appears that I
have digressed, internally I am doing much better. The Dr. is
uncertain if my heart condition was created through genetics, a viral
infection, or the abundance of artificial sweetners and caffiene I
have lived on for the past 23 years. Anyways...I'm not able to work out
yet and have had a lot of idle time to think. I have followed what I
have believed to be a good diet for quite a few years; less soda
and energy drinks. I still think the ratios of protein/carbs/fat,
calorie intake etc... have been good overall. However, I picked up
my protein powder and read the ingredients. Wow...a lot them.
Complete with artificial sweetners. Then I started thinking about the
3/4 lbs. of meat that I eat on a near daily basis. Where does this
meat come from? The eggs, the produce and on and on. From now on I
will be giving thought to the source of the food I am consuming!


15)James






James Hansen

1.My goal is to lose like 15 to get to 165
2. I want to finish my novel in the next four weeks. I have 30,000 words and so it's gonna take another 25k.This will be rad. :)
3. Get my body fat percentage to 12.
4. Finish my book on html and get a book on dreamweaver and flash.

* I was able to get a good amount of my novel written. I did pretty well with my goals. Overall I think it was a pretty good success.



16)Sheri




Sheri Schwab

-Practice piano daily for 15 minutes
-Walk daily to the mailboxes and around the park
-Avoid all soda pops, especially caffeine, consume minimum of 8 glasses of water daily
-Do one week of a Dr. prescribed cleanse, avoid all deserts
-Continue reading & listening to worthy books & music

*Thanks for inviting me to participate in the 8 week challenge. It strengthened me to know others were struggling and trying together to meet goals. I accomplished some things; however, those that I did not have given me my next set of expectations. I need to develop the resolve and the will to make piano practicing, and a set walking schedule, more focused priorities! I've made it a habit to get up earlier and have now advanced to a time between 6:30-7:00am I don't set alarms and I'm still trying to train my body to the 6:30 time slot! I completed the two cleanses but didn't keep off any weight but it remains important to me. I'll have to go back and look at my original submission but these listed were the ones foremost in my mind.

1st 8 week challenge results post

17)Austin

Austin Taylor

I reached my goal of gaining 10 lbs.With the help of great supplements and hard work at the gym I was able to make this happen.There is always room for improvement but I have enjoyed hitting the weights and using it as a source to release stress and be healthier.



18)Arielle





Arielle Taylor
I doubt many people want to read about my failures, so I am apologizing in advance for this post. This eight week challenge has definitely been my most difficult. I guess I am finally getting a taste of what “being busy” really means! Let’s just say that these past few months consisted of me trying my best to manage the little time I had. It has actually been kind of frustrating that I haven’t had as much time to work out as I have had in the past. Working out and making an effort to maintain healthy habits have always been a part of who I am.
But I don’t look back and think of myself as a failure. In fact I am really proud of how much I have accomplished in such little time. At the beginning of my semester in school I wrote out a list of goals for myself. It did not include any health improvement goals, but instead had things on it like decide my major, get a job, and strive to put others before myself. I could have never guessed what these last few months were to bring to me, or that I would be learning the lessons that I’ve learned, but I am different person because of it. I am a better person. Most times people experience subtle changes in their lives, not even realizing that those changes are taking place. I have been blessed to recognize leaps and bounds of personal growth. I decided a major, I have a job, and I’m keeping up in my school work, making friends, and most importantly discovering myself and setting more goals! That is key. No matter what, no one is done learning and growing. I think the most important lesson I have learned during this last eight week challenge is that I will constantly seek to improve mentally, physically, and spiritually and that I need to always set goals so I can maintain that growth. Now for my next eight week challenge I’ll just have to make the right goals for my health maintenance…


19)Adam













Adam Nitschke

Current
5’10”
189LBS
Heavy Wight Train 5 Days
Little to No Cardio
Goals
1. Lose 8-10LBS of Body Fat
2. Gain 5+LBS of Muscle
3. Get Rid of Love Handles!!!!!!!!!!
4. Hard Run 4 days Light Run 2 Days
5. Heavy Wight Train 6 Days




*After about 3 weeks in the challenge I lost my work out partner and lost focuses of my goals I’m very disappointed in myself as I am in the same place as I started the challenge. But this failure has only inspired me to move forward with my goals if I hadn’t ben a part of this challenge I may not have failed forward and just let my goals get forgotten as soon as I send this I am off to the gym. Even though I did not do well reaching my goals the end of this challenge has given me a new wind. I look forward to being in the next challenge and If I am invited being more motivated and motivating. Thank you Scott for letting me be a part of this challenge.

20)Drew

Drew Cavner

Goals Obtained:
went from 220 at 13% body fat to 205 9% body fat.
goal was to get at least 4 days in the gym at least
goal was to do cardio at least 3 hours a week
goal was to get 8 hours of sleep a night

For this 8 week challenge I took a different approach. I did a lot more reps and slightly lighter weight. I wanted to see if I could push my level of muscular endurance up a notch. For anyone looking to get in great cardiovascular shape AND build muscle I still recommend doing some heavy bag work. Although it may be foreign to you, the heavy bag can really tire you out and help build and increase stabilizers muscles, and stabilizer muscle strength. Plyometrics are great exercises that don't even necessarily need weight, just core strength and stability. Remember people, it's all about functional strengths and functional movements. If you can bench press 500 lbs and squat a 1,000, but can't move.....there is no point!

21)Amanda

Amanda Coltrin
In this 8 week challenge i didn't reach all my original goals. I would have loved to but i came across a few set backs. Not being able do a full work out for about 4 weeks was really frustrating and it kept me from reaching my physical goals. During those four weeks i reached my other goals. I Read a lot, i made it through 4 books in 4 weeks all while going to school full time and working in the evenings. I learned how to manage my time which was one of my biggest goals. I set aside specific times each day to the work out that i could and time to read. I never thought that managing my time and making time to work out and read would actually make me less stressed and all together a happier person. I worked a lot towards setting a healthy diet :) i finally have a diet down that is good for me and not too expensive or time consuming. All together i think this 8 week challenge was a success for me. I learned a lot about myself and how to make the best of what is thrown your way. I am going to continue with my 8 week challenge and extend it to the end of the year.

Cafe Grace

Scott Schwab:
I have been made aware of a non-profit organization that I wanted to pass on to readers. It is a great organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate. They are currently collecting everything that they can for the purpose of giving a family and additional individuals a Christmas season that they will never forget. They are also working to serve on Thanksgiving to families who would not have much if there wasn't organizations of people who care.
There are benefits to health when we give and when we serve others. Here is a short list of three:
The feeling of satisfaction that comes from giving back
The feeling of helping others who are less fortunate
Being involved in causes that make a difference

Giving Back
Giving back is a great way to forget about ourselves and worry about others. We become less worried about our own problems when we jump in to help others that are in need more then ourselves. It helps us to have appreciation for our lives and it can help us be more thankful for the things that we have. In the end the things that are most valuable are those things that you take with you; experiences and family.
Helping Others
Helping others builds a sense of need. When we can meet the needs of others, it gives us a sense that we are needed. This goes beyond just a simple feeling. It is actually a subconscious fulfillment that our minds and bodies need. Helping others is what keeps the world moving forward. Never forget those who cannot help themselves. You and I may be the only ones that can, and will help them.
Being involved
Being involved or engaged is one step further then just helping. Helping is great, but denotes more of the mentality of an event. Being involved is taking on the full-time responsibility as a personal mission. It is to look at the different ways to serve and making it happen often. Being involved will bring purpose and satisfaction that will change your outlook and improve your health.
There are so many great organizations that give hope, and provide the essentials for others. During this season where we have so much, turn your attention outwards and look to others who specifically need you! Try it this season and remember how you feel. Remember that if you have a computer, you are more fortunate the millions of others. Look for the small opportunities that have great results. Pay It Forward!

Here is the link:
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-pay-it-forward-this-holiday-season-1288546122.html

The week of the challengers

Scott Schwab:
Alright the challenge ends tomorrow. Make it a day to remember. See if for one day, you can be perfect, with your goals. Manage your intake and prevent the poor habits from forming by surrounding yourself with successful thoughts, feelings, and actions. Thoughts leads to feelings, feelings lead to actions, and actions become your habits. Your habits become your lifestyle and will either imprison you or liberate you.
We will begin posting pictures on Tuesday. Once we have all the pictures posted we will start the voting. One female and one male will win their choice of a supplement and we are getting t-shirts made for this challenges winner and past winners as well. You will have a break for a couple of weeks and then we will start a challenge the Monday after Thanksgiving. The idea will be to help through the statistically highest time for weight gain.
Think of it as your New Years resolution to take all the hype away from when everyone else is doing it. You will have more success if you are already doing something and can just improve your resolve for exactly what you are wanting to accomplish.

"Show me what you got"

Scott Schwab
Have you ever wondered about the saying, "you look good you play good"? The saying goes on that when you look good you play good, when you play you win! In reference to a fitness regiment, does the gear that you wear really make a difference in how you perform?

Having the right gear is essential. The right gear does not necessarily mean the name brand products. Shoes are made in different styles and fashions, and some fit better than others. The goal is to find a shoe that not only looks good, but feels good so you can have the right results. It is a fact though that people connect with their gear. A hunter will tell you that the right bow is the key to a bow hunt. A fisherman will tell you that the right fly influences how the fish respond. Why would this be any different with your workout gear?

I submit to you that it is no different. Not only does the comfort and the feel play a big difference into your workout. The way you think the gear looks to yourselves and others can also have a difference. I know that you have bought new shoes and found that it made you actually run faster, jump higher, and even look better. Right? Though that may not actually be the case, confidence and knowing that you are proud of what you are wearing effects confidence and confidence effect performance. It is a fact that we have a connection with the things that we wear, because subconsciously it represents us. We connect with our clothing because individually it helps make us who we are. It influences everything from the music we listen to, to the friends that we hang out with.

Looking into the psychology of how your gear looks and additionally how you look while you exercise, has a direct correlation to your performance. Think about this for a moment; how do you feel when you get a new outfit and get to wear it out. All of a sudden a person is more outgoing, more confident, and it shows. The same principle happens with shoes. A great idea for some is to start a new routine with new gear. Get you some shoes that you are comfortable in and that look great. Getting compliments is a great way to build confidence. Don't be afraid to compliment yourself as well.

Conclusion:
To summarize allow yourself to look good when you exercise. Buy the clothes and shoes specifically for the task. Remember exercise and fitness is a lifestyle. If it is a lifestyle, then having the right equipment will make things more obtainable.