Results from our last Challenge

Personal Results

Right around the holidays, I weighed in just over 200 pounds, and now I am down to 190.9 and the body fat went from 22.7 down to 20.9%. I ended up building out the challenge from six weeks to 50 days. I’ve noticed a major change in alertness, sleep quality, and an overall fitness levels. The key, like you mentioned, is simply checking the boxes, and I’ve managed to check every box, which meant giving up processed foods, gluten and sugar, and all drinks (including alcohol) other than water and black coffee.

Overall Feedback

Accountability drove the results.

Here are three things that I thought were helpful and try to incorporate within the challenge:

First, the week before the challenge began, I did a bit of an “on-ramp” both in terms of food and exercise. I think it made the transition a bit easier and more sustainable in the long run. Perhaps we could do that for a future challenge and also show people the various exercises/movements and have a list of the equipment that we would be using throughout it.

Second, I did a 4:3 type of structure throughout the week. Two workouts, a 30 minute run, bike, or row, and a mobility/stretching session. I really liked your kettlebell workouts, as well as the post about the ability for all of us to find 30 minutes, regardless of the day, to exercise. There were a few times we were out of town so I put together a suitcase workout, such as body weight exercises, and it may be nice to have a few lined-up for the participants to take with them.

Third, it’s been great to see the results so I also added in a few challenges throughout the actual challenge, such as a 300 Burpee workout and 5K with a 40 point weight vest. (I bought a recovery chiller, and it was helpful to take a I bought a recovery chiller, and it was helpful to take ice baths after the challenges.) Your idea of setting goals at the end is a great way to stay motivated throughout it. In this light, I’m going to re-up for Lent with another challenge and looking forward to keeping it up.

Kevin Patrick, our first virtual participant.