Blogger Challenge Week 12: Celebration

WOOOO HOOOO!!!  Week 12!!!  You have made it!!!

It is an amazing thing to get to the end of a such a challenging program and know that you have given it your all.  Let’s be honest, everyone has down times, but there are also all of those triumphs you have had along the way.  The fact that you have made it to the end, is such a huge feat in itself and you should be so proud and recognise all of your hard work!!

My final question to you this week is how will you be celebrating your final week?  What will you be doing to reward yourself? (You might like to refer back to the Week 3 post on rewards). Tell me about what you have done, add pictures if you can!

This is the final post in the blogger challenge, I would like to thank you all for participating and I hope that you have all had as much fun responding to these questions as I have in putting it all together.  I hope that you have achieved all that you have wanted to achieve through the 12WBT program! Thanks once again, it's been a blast!! 

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog).This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 9th May 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 11: Reflection

Only one and a half weeks to go!!!  Can you believe it?!

In week 1, I asked you to answer some introductory questions about yourself and why you had decided to do the 12WBT.  I think it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how you have done and how you feel about everything now that we are at the tail end of the program.

1. How are you feeling about the 12WBT program now that you have almost completed it?

2. Looking back on what you wrote in week 1, did you achieve all that you were hoping to?

3. Did you find that blogging was beneficial to your 12WBT journey? Will you continue to blog once this round is over?

4. Did your exercise go according to plan or  did you have to change it around compared with what you wrote in Week 1?

5. How did your greatest strength help you this round? Was it as you thought it would?

6. Did the fears that you outlined in Week 1 come to pass? How/how not?

7. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from this program?

8. In question 9 of the Week 1 challenge question, you wrote about your downfall.  How did you go with this challenge over the last 11 weeks?

9. What is your biggest achievement since the start of the program?  What are you the most proud of?

10. Will you be coming back for another round of the 12WBT?

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog).This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 2nd May 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 10: Benefits

Now that we are nearing the end of Round 1 of the 12WBT, you will have noticed a few changes in yourself, in how you look, how you act and your fitness levels.  By now you will have seen many benefits from doing the program.  Some of you will have reached a lot of your goals, others may have felt as though they haven’t done as well as they had hoped.  Either way, you will have noticed many benefits and had a few breakthroughs along the way.  The important thing to remember, is that you are still here, and you are still trying.

What are the benefits you have noticed in the way you look?

What are the benefits you have noticed in your mindset? What breakthroughs have you had along the way?

What are the benefits you have noticed in your fitness levels?

And finally, what benefits have you noticed in your health? (You may want to look back at Week 5’s post on Health)

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 25th April 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 9: Support

Support is a fundamental part of any life changing event – including weight loss.  As you know by now, weight loss is a mind, body and soul journey, there are so many ways that you need support.

Unfortunately, some people can struggle as their partners/work colleagues/friends may not be supportive, or may sabotage your efforts – you have probably seen quite a few of these kinds of posts on the forums.

In saying this, having that support doesn’t make or break your weight loss success.  It’s true, it can be harder with saboteurs around.  What I really want to get out of this week’s question is acknowledging those that have supported you and most of all how have you supported yourself?

1. What would you tell yourself at the start of the program in support of yourself?

2. What would you tell those around you that may not have been that supportive?

3. Who would you like to thank for being there for you and helping you on your 12WBT journey so far?

I would like to take this opportunity to say a thank you to you all for doing this Blogger Challenge, by having people complete this challenge, I have received support from you all by knowing that you all are visiting and reading my blog – it keeps me accountable.  I would also like to think that you have all been supporting each other when you read the other bloggers posts and commenting on them.  We really are one big family. 

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 18th April 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 8: Learning

We never stop learning, it is a constant factor of life.  In the 12WBT, we have such a big learning curve, and most of it is early on.  Sometimes we don’t fully realise what we have accomplished until we stop and take a look back.

1. What has been your biggest learning curve of the program?

2. Have you had to learn something new over the last 8 weeks? ie cooking? Have you learned a new sport?

3. Are you planning on learning a new skill in the future? eg taking up a new sport, learning a new technique, etc

Learning always makes me feel so alive, especially when I ‘master’ a new skill.  Take control of your life and live it!

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 11th April 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 7: Motivation

Generally around this time, people tend to lose some enthusiasm... It's just one of those strange things that seems to occur at the same time each round.

So, how about a little pep-me-up?

This week I want you to paint me a picture - Why did you join the 12WBT?  What has been your biggest achievement to date? What have you struggled with? How can you overcome these issues?

Have a look at the questions you answered at Week 1, these might help you to answer this post.

By looking back at why you joined, writing about your successes, your struggles, you may find that by getting it all out there, you can put it behind you, and move forward.


If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 4th April 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 6: Adjustments

You are now halfway through the program! Wow!! Hasn’t it gone quickly??

As it is now the halfway mark, you may or may not have come to realise how far you have come since Week 1, or even since pre-season.  In the last 6 weeks you have had your ups and downs when it comes to food, exercise and your mindset.  These struggles are what have shaped your journey thus far and how you have responded to them will have shaped how your last 6 weeks have been.  Mind, body and soul, this has been your journey.

1. What adjustments have you had to make to your exercise regime over the last 6 weeks? ie Have you upped your training? (Added more weights or can run faster/harder, etc)  Or have you gone up to a new fitness level in the 12WBT?

2. What have you changed in regards to your food intake? ie Do you follow Mish’s plan to the letter? Have you had to alter it due to dietary/family needs? 

3. What is the difference in your mindset?  ie Are you more confident? Are you happier within yourself? Do you still struggle to get out that door for your workout?

 It is important to realise how far you have come, all of the little adjustments along the way, and all of a sudden, you are doing something vastly different to when you started.

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 28th March 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 5: Health

A lot of people looking to lose weight, initially consider their appearance first and foremost.  One thing that generally comes once some weight has been lost and fitness has been built up, is the affect it has had on their weight.

Other people need to lose weight for their health, and the appearance aspect is secondary.  There are fears from health conditions which can include the possibility of death.

And yet again, others are already considered healthy but want to continue on their journey of having a healthy life.

It doesnt matter which category you fit into, each of you will have your own idea of what being healthy means to you.  Is it, being able to run? Lowering your blood pressure? Being able to run after your kids? Is it eating healthy?  Is it feeling energetic?  These are only some of the ideas.

So, what does being healthy mean to YOU?  What is it that has made you start this journey into being a healthier you?

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 21st March 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 3: Rewards

You have made it to Week 3!!  Congratulations!  Are you starting to get the hang of the program now?

This I wanted to touch on rewarding yourself for your efforts during the program.  I find that I (and many others) get bogged down in focussing too much on what hasn't gone right and getting upset that they are 'failing'.

One of the key things to remember is that each time you try you are taking one big step forward, afterall, where would you be if you actually stopped?? Nowhere, right?

You can have small wins and bigger accomplishments, these are personal to you, your lifestyle and your mindset - everyone will be different, although you might find some interesting ideas that resonate with you on your fellow 12WBTer blogs.

Rewards don't have to have a monetary value.  Is there something you have always wanted to do? Something that you seem to put off for a later date? The thing to remember, is not to use food as a reward - this is how you got into trouble in the first place (well, in most cases anyway lol  - I am one of them!!).

Some ideas (both with and without a cost and for big and/or small achievements) are:

• Take a bath - candles and bubble bath galore
• Get a pedicure/manicure - give one to yourself, or pay to get one done
• Get a massage
• Buy a new book
• Go for a bushwalk - check out our national parks
• Go and see a movie (just bring your own healthy snacks)
• Catch up with friends you haven't seen for a while - in person or over the phone
• Climb the harbour bridge (or another national monument haha!) - some 12WBTer's did this before the 12WBT finale/workout
• Go for a swim
• Buy some new shoes

These are only some ideas - find some that work for you.


So, my question to you is: How will you acknowledge and reward yourself during Round 1, 2012 of the 12WBT? What are the small wins?  What are your big accomplishments? How will you achieve these and how will you reward your efforts? (food doesn't count!)

I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!  Happy blogging!

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 7th March 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 2: Positivity

Usually when you make big lifestyle changes, the focus can be more on what you are giving up... This can make you feel like you are missing out and make you resent the choice you have made.

Something positive can always be found in a situation. The majority of participants are overweight, and have been so for years. Some may have been bullied, others are ashamed and it can be a struggle to look on the bright side. By starting out small and flipping a negative to a positive, you can turn those negative feelings into feelings of self worth and be happy with who you are. It might not seem possible now, but believe me - it works!!

So this weeks challenge is to look at what are you actually TAKING up? What are you giving yourself? Are you learning something new? Taking up a new sport? Giving yourself a social life?

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 29th February 2012.

Blogger Challenge Week 1: Introduction

Here we go!!  It's week 1 of Round 1 of the 2012 12 Week Body Transformation - By now you have completed all of your pre season tasks (If you haven't, do them!!  Really dig deep and be honest - it helps!!) and you are already a few days into the program.

It's all excitement at the moment.  You are changing your life!  You are working hard to make a happier, healthier version of yourself.  Everyone has come to the program for different reasons.  Yes, there are similarities, but everyone has a different background story - here is your chance to introduce yourselves and get the ball rolling.

If you are a little confused about what to do, please read through the blogger challenge instructions (opens in a new window).

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.  What makes you, you?
2. Why did you decide to do the 12WBT?
3. What are you hoping to achieve through the program?
4. Why have you decided to blog about the 12WBT? What will be the main focus (eg, food, exercise, a bit of everything?)
5. How will you be exercising this round? Gym, home, outdoors or a mixture?
6. What is your greatest strength that will help you?
7. What are you afraid of?
8. What are you looking forward to the most over the next 12 weeks?
9. What is your downfall? Food? Exercise? How will you overcome this?
10. If you had to pick one word to motivate you over the next 12 weeks, what would you choose?

Happy answering!!

To link your answer to this blog post, just click the add your blog button below. From here you paste the link for your actual post (not your blog). This weeks Blogger Challenge will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 22nd February 2012.