It's time to Spring Into Shape

Sign up here in the comments with your facebook name and I will invite you to our private group.

Here is all you need to get started...

Measurement Point Page
Spring Into Shape Total Point page
Make a copy in your google drive, then you can add the points directly into the sheets.

We would love to have you join us and post weekly here or on our facebook page. You must post your points weekly to be eligible for one of the three prizes.

Top overall points 

Most weight loss and inches 

Most exercise points 

"Let us encourage one another to good works!"

Looking forward to springing it with you!

Dani

Gearing up!

Literally, biking and changing gears today for my fitness journey was a nice change up to my running and gym schedule. The view of the ocean and Catalina Island was amazing as we peddled 9.5 miles along Huntington beach.  There is nothing like the fresh ocean air and exercise!

Springing In-2-Shape Challenge will be under way starting this Monday, so we all should be gearing up! Getting measuring done sometime this weekend or Monday morning, and planning your HEP (Healthy Eating Plan) and exercise. I know it can be "painful", but we all have to start somewhere.

Time to be REAL!

What does being real have to do with fitness and health?

 It has been a theme at our school, Brethren Christian High, this year. "Be real with yourself, others and God."  How can we apply this to our health? Should we? 

Hmmm... maybe we don't want to go there...

In life we are so concerned with images, but it's not the image or the outside I am referring to. It's the opening up to others about our daily struggle to be healthy and fit. (aka disciplined) It is a bear! Our whole being tells us we aren't as healthy as we should be, while there's a lie in our heads saying "Oh, its not that bad, or you'll never look like that!"

It is time for me to be real.

Christmas Crunch Challenge 7

It's that time of the year, when we all start gearing up for Christmas. If you're anything like me, it has sneaked up on you so fast. I realized that in the past I would have already been a couple weeks into our Christmas Crunch Challenge.


Yes, a fitness challenge before Christmas is just what we need. The tendency we all have during this season is to get cozy and eat carbs! Trust me, I have been falling into this too. That is why I am in desperate need of a challenge to rev me up!

I wasn't going to invite everyone to join in because of it being so last minute, but hey, I can't keep it to myself. Being in shape and feeling good about who God made us is so important. Why should we sit around listening to the lies that tell us we can´t change? All it takes is one day at a time.

My journey started over 9 years ago, and it was just a prayer. Then one day at a time, I changed my eating habits and started exercising. Often times, it was only baby steps, but once I started, I didn't want to go back to how I was before. You can check out my transformation, here.

Now, what about the Christmas Crunch Challenge?

Prizes and Points System

Hi Ladies, 

I am ready to share with you the New Year's 30 day Challenge!

 I believe that you can change in 30 days. I have done it, losing 20 inches in 30 days back when I first started. Plus, I believe, all things are possible, in God's strength.

I have a lot of motivation this year. I am turning 40! I believe we can meet our goals together. It is so important to surround yourself with encouragement and motivation. 

Now you're on board! Let's talk more motivation. 

Our point system:

Point System -  Print it out the spread sheet here

30 min. of exercise = 1 point  (max. 2 pts for 60 min.) 

2 liters/quarts of water or 1/2 your body weight in oz. = 1 point
HEP = 2 point (Healthy Eating Plan) 

Posting = 1 point ( 3 posts max. per week/min. of 1 post a week to be eligable for prizes)
1 pound lost = 1 point (.5 kilo 1 point) 

1 inch lost = 1 point (2cm = 1point)

1st prize for one overall winner in points. - Plexus product of choice! 

2nd prize for overall weight and inches lost.- $10 gift card

Learn how to measure HERE. Measurments are so necessary, because you lose inches before you lose pounds.

Exercise!!! - Yes, it very important in my opinion. We get 1 point for every 30 minutes of exercise. (5-10 minutes stretching counts as part of your 60 min. time.) You may split up your time in intervals of 10 minutes, no less. 

This includes any exercise which raises your heart rate. Intense walking and intense house cleaning are included. I recommend increments of 15 minutes with 5 minutes of stretching at the end. Remember, you may do more activity than an hour, but we only get points for the first 60 minutes of exercise. Let's make them count. 

The reason for the maximum limit is so that we are doing more intense workouts. I recomend a mixture of weight training and cardio workouts. Mike Chang´s six pack short cuts and Jillian Michael´s videos (all on You Tube) are excellent for this. You may do walking videos like those by Leslie Sansone, pilates or yoga, but they must be continual, without a lot of resting. The key is purposeful exercise to burn calories and tone our muscles. Toned muscles burn fat and increase metabolism! 

HEP - Healthy Eating Plan - if followed = 2 pt You should post what your HEP will be for accountability in your first post on our FB group or a link to your own blog.  If you keep to your HEP each day, it is 2 points! If you blow it, you just don´t count the points for the day. 

*** One Free day is allowed and counts as your HEP points and for 1 exercise point ( not water nor posts).*** 

Posts/ Participation -  This is my favorite part of the challenge. I love all the interaction and encouragement! Most importantly, we uplift one another to be the best we can be. I believe that we were made by a Creator who wants us to serve Him with all that we have. When we post inspiration and what we are learning, we are helping each other to reach our goals!

Posts and Journaling

 You may choose one of 4 ways:

1- E-mail your journal to me, danijoy2psain@gmail.com
2- post on our private FB page 
3 -blog on your own blog linking to Faith Fitness and Fun blog. (must let me know)
4- blog directly on our  Faith Fitness and Fun blog. (must be invited)

Your introduction post for the first week should include-  Info about yourself, a picture, goals, definitely your HEP, and maybe measurements if you want to share. This is totally up to you how much you feel comfortable sharing. 

 Post/ Journaling Ideas - 

-Some post their measurments as a first journal post. 

- Post about your exercise for the last couple of days.

-Post about your food choices.

You are allowed two tips a week. They may fall under diet tips, fitness tips, humor about fitness and diet, and inspirational tips. The lables are in the label section in the blog editor if you are blogging. 

**You are only allowed 3 posts a week for points but, you may post more. They just do not count for points.**

**We must CHECK IN with point totals at least once a week to qualify for the prizes, unless you have let me know ahead of time. **

I am sure there will be questsions. Please don't hesitate to ask. These challenges have helped me greatly through the years. If you stick with it and create a HEP you can live with everyday, you can truly get in shape in a month. I am at it with you! 

Don't forget to start with prayer, praying over how God would have you get control over your eating and exercising. Realize that God is our greatest strength and He wants us to be our best for His glory. 

- Dani Joy

Do you want to Sweat off some Fat?

SWEATIN OFF THE FAT 2014 fitness challenge is for you!  

Total of 5 points a day.
1pt - 30 min cardio or weight training
1pt- 30 min free low impact or high impact cardio or weight training
1pt - 1 liter water
1pt - post / journal on fb page
1pt- HEP following your healthy eating plan. No cheating. Set your plan in your first journal.
Keep track of volume and weight lost for additional prizes.

To sign up, comment here. If you want to invite other ladies please include their fb names so I can invite them. Share this with your friends. Let's keep healthy and fit for God's glory.

Point System and Rules

Let´s Get Crunching! 

Many of you you have asked again about the points. I am glad for all the ideas and comments. This will only help you all in the long run, so please do not hestitate to ask. 

3/30 Day Challenges
1st- Sept 23 - Oct. 22
2nd- Oct. 23 - Nov 21
3rd- Nov. 22 - Dec. 20

Each month the lady with the most points will receive a 10$ Gift Certificate to her favorite online store. If more ladies sign up, there will be more surprise gifts. (Sign-up on the top right side bar.) 

Point System -  Print it out the spread sheet here

20 min. consecutive high heart rate exercise = 1 point/ 3pt max.

2 liters/quarts of water or 1/2 your body weight in oz. = 1 point
HEP = 1 point (Healthy Eating Plan) -1 for any food not in your HEP

Posting = 1 point ( 4 posts max. per week)
1 pound lost = 1 points (.5 kilo 1 point)

1 inch lost = 1 points (2cm = 1point)

Learn how to measure HERE

Exercise!!! - Yes, it very important in my opinion. We get 1 point for every 20 minutes of consecutive high heart rate exercise. (Stretching must be done at the end and does not count this time.) No stopping in the middle. 

 This includes any exercise which raises your heart rate. Casual walking and house cleaning are not included. Also, stop and go sports like volleyball and softball for example do not raise your heart rate for long enough periods of time. I recommend increments of 20 minutes with 5 minutes of stretching at the end. (stretching does not count in the 20 minutes) 

The reason for the maximum limit is so that we are doing more intense workouts. I recomend a mixture of weight training and cardio workouts. Mike Chang´s six pack short cuts and Jillian Michael´s videos (all on You Tube) are excellent for this. You may do walking videos and pilates or yoga, but they must be continual and without a lot of resting. The key is purposeful exercise to burn calories and tone our muscles. Toned muscles burn fat and increase metabolism! 

HEP - Healthy Eating Plan - followed = 1 pt You should post   what your HEP will be for accountability in your first post.  If you keep to your HEP each day, it is 1 point! If you blow it, you just don´t count that point for the day. ** One Free day is allowed and counts as your HEP point.

Example- 

My HEP: 
No White flour foods
No White Sugar foods 
Add in Whole Wheat foods in small proportions
No Fried foods
1 plate of fruits and veggies combined a day. 

Posts/ Participation -  This is my favorite part of the challenge. I love all the interaction and encouragement! Most importantly, we uplift one another to be the best we can be. I believe that we were made by a Creator who wants us to serve Him with all that we have. When we post inspiration and what we are learning, we are helping each other to reach our goals!

Posts and Journaling

 You may choose one of 4 ways:

1- E-mail your journal to me, 
2- post on our private FB page 
3 -blog on your own blog linking to Faith Fitness and Fun blog. (must let me know)
4- blog directly on our  Faith Fitness and Fun blog. (must be invited)

Your introduction post for the first week should include-  Info about yourself, a picture, goals, definitely your HEP, and maybe measurements if you want to share. 

 Post/ Journaling Ideas - 

-Some post their measurments as a first journal post. 

- Post about your exercise for the last couple of days.

-Post about your food choices.

You are allowed two tips a week. They may fall under diet tips, fitness tips, humor about fitness and diet, and inspirational tips. The lables are in the label section in the blog editor if you are blogging. 

**You are only allowed 4 posts a week for points but, you may post more. They just do not count for points.**

**We must post point totals at least once a week to qualify for the prizes, unless other wise explained.**

If you still have not signed up you can do so at any time. Just hop in with the points where you can or wait until the beginning of the next month. You can dontate $5 to compete for prizes ( button is on the top right) or comment below to follow along for support. 

"...She strengtheneth her arms.." Prov. 31:17

Crunching it, 

Dani Joy

Are You Ready to Make a Change?

The first 30 day challenge ENDS Wednesday, June 5, but the NEXT 30 days starts  Thursday, June 6th! 

Are you ready? Do you need a change? Do you need a boost of encouragement to keep on your fitness journey? 

We have a facebook page and a special spread sheet to track your points. Check out the Point system HERE.

It´s free, and you can also win a 10$ online gift card for highest overall points. 

We all need the encouragement to keep on our fitness journey! Come join us as we get toned, fit, and healthy!

You can sign up here in the comments or by sending me an e-mail.  

Dani Joy

Back to the Books!

Doesn´t this picture say it all? 

This is our dog, Toro and my second son Andrew. Andrew was teaching Toro in school. 

Yes, I gotta get back to the books. I gotta get back to what works for me. More exercise, less carbs! This Thursday, I got a stomach virus that derailed me a little. Doing only 20 minutes each day of fast walking, stairs, sit ups and stretching. This sounds like a good workout, but truly not enough for my body to tone and drop some extra pounds. 

Ladies, I have read this in the books, I have experimented it, I have lived it! You must burn what you consume or you don´t lose weight. You must tone muscle or your metabolism does not rise. You must cut back on excess sugars and carbohydrates or they stay on as fat! These are the facts I have learned but, have got to stick to. 

We have 6 days left in the first part of our Springing-in 2 Shape challenge. We will end on Friday the 1st of March with one winner for the first 30 days. Then those who want to continue on or any new members start right back at it on the 2nd. 

To be in the running for the first place prize, Please post a total of points, weight loss, volume loss and exercise, with a Picture,  by 12:00 am Friday night. I will post the winner Saturday the 2nd while we all keep on springing for  the second half. This post will count for your 10 point start up as well, if you will be continuing on. 

We will reset all our points to 0 on the 2nd of March. This will allow more ladies to join us if they would like. 

Please, announce it to your friends. 

Please pray for each other and keep springing. Consistency is key!

Dani Joy

FREE DAY Announcement!

Included in your HEP point is an automatic Free Day a week! 

Yes! You may have one point for your free day.

And Don´t weigh yourself the next day. Really, I took a day off every week and treated myself to a special treat. One week, I remember having half a Ben and Jerry´s pint all by myself! It was so wonderful.

Have a good day, Ladies, and remember to get as much quality exercise in as you can. Don´t forget to pray and ask God for His strength. He will bless your hard work.

Keep Springing,

Dani Joy

Let´s Begin our Fourth Christmas Crunch!!! CCCIV POINT SYSTEM

POINT SYSTEM

1 pt. - 40 minutes vigorous exercise - 10 min. increments 

1 pt - 20 minutes more exercise ( 1 hour total) 

1 pt - 2 liters of water drank in the day (includes tea - sugar free of course )

2 pt - HEP - Healthy Eating Plan - set at the beginning. Should not change. One free day allowed for point as well. 

Bonus - 

1 pt - per journal post - must include points and daily total - may include encouragement, diet and fitness                  tips,  humor. or video  ---5 total per week  

5 pt - per pound lost or half kilo

2 pt - per inch lost or 2 cm 

First thing Wednesday morning, we should weigh in, and measure. If you have questions about measuring go to the Measure Link on this blog.  

Let´s Get Crunching!! 

Glorify God in your body,

Dani 

SOFIII New Point System first 30 days

Sweatin Off the Fat  


NEW POINT SYSTEM -

1 point - 40 min. exercise - divided into minimum of 10 min. sessions. 
1 point - 1 hour exercise (total) IF you reach an hour of exercise you get this bonus. 
Must be moderate to high intensity exercise not just slow walking nor light 
exercise. 
1 point - Journal (may be done everyday. Even If you don´t journal every day your daily points still count)
1 point - Two Liters of water ( not half points)
1 point - Healthy Eating Plan -(HEP) - must get in a plate of veggies and fruit, must cut out white refined sugar and flour. This is all together in this point.
MAX 5 points a day only (except for weight and volume loss which are 5 points per pound and 5 points per inch/2cm no half points)


Changing the Point System! I don´t like it. Sorry!

HEP - Healthy Eating Plan +10 pts. If you do it all!!!
- 2 pt every serving of white flour food
- 3 pt every small portion of sugar food
- 5 no fruits and veggies. sooo you are able to get some points every day for HEalthy eating. without blowing all your points.
Let´s try this starting Saturday June 16th.

Exercise - 1 pt for the first 40 min. (maybe divided into min of 10 min sessions.)
1 pt for every 20 min. consecutive mins after that. No max! but it must be higher cardio.

Any objections?
Dani

Please let me know of any changes you think should be made. 

Please keep track of your own points but put your totals on each jounal entry. 

Thank you Ladies, Remember God is our Strength.

spreadsheet

Hi, I just made myself a spreadsheet to keep track of my points in all the different categories for this 30 day challenge. If anyone would like a copy of it to use, let me know and I can send it to you by email ...unless someone knows of a way to post it somewhere for download.

UPDATE: I posted the spreadsheet file in my dropbox and here is the link. I think you can click on the link and then save it to your own computer. Can someone try this and let me know if it works for you?

First 30 Day ENDS Next 30 days begins

I just realized that I counted the days wrong. Our 30th day is Thursday. Friday is a free day, Ladies. Measure and post your ending results, then lets get right back at it Saturday. Or don´t take a day off- stay on the wagon and keep trucking!

Points end Friday Morning at weigh-in. ok. something a little different.
 
May the best Lady win. All in fun competition and all for God´s Glory. 
 
$10 gift certificate for first place and something little for all ya´ll who finish out. ;)

Next 30 day Challenge for our Spring in-2 Shape III starts April 14th.

Point System

1 Kilo = 10 points or 1 lb = 5 points

1 inch lost = 2 points or 1 cm = 1 point
20 min. consecutive exercise = 1 point
Journal = 1 point (4 max per week)
Tips = 1 point (2 max per week)
2 liters of water = 2 points
HEP (Healthy Eating Plan) = 1 point for plate of fruits and veggies
                                              1 Point NO white Sugar ( minimal cane sugar and honey)
                                               1 Point NO white flour (rice is ok)

Bonus = 2 points for all 3 HEP points
 
Dani Joy

HEP Point BONUS

STARTING WEEK 4 - BONUS HEP points - If you get all 3 points in one day it is a 2 point bonus- bumping HEP points up to 5pts total per day.  ( but you must get all Three HEP points - no sugar, no white flour and all fruits and veggies.)


I need a boost to really cut out all sugar and white flour. Starting today. and this point system will carry through to the next 30 days.
We are just really getting the flow. I need to advertise the next 30 days.

If you know anyone who wants to join in, now´s the time.

Let´s really encourage each other to the best for the God´s Glory.

Dani Joy

Week 3 - Point Changes - HEP

Point CHanges again. ;) WEEK 3 - HEP 3 points!!


NO Sugar = 1 pt

No White Flour at all = 1pt

Fruits and Veggies = 1pt

Let´s see if this helps us going into week three. Let´s get motivated to get all three points. You can do it!

SPRING IN-2-SHAPE III

Hi, ladies, 

It´s time to start our third anual Spring In-2- Shape Fitness Challenge!

This Challenge will have two phases each for 30 days. We will keep a running total for the first 30 days then start the points over. I want to see if the shorter challenge will keep us all motivated more. After the first 30 days, we can add more ladies, too, if more get interested.

***Many of you are returning, but for some of you, you are still wondering what this challenge is all about. I will try to explain as briefly as possible, but if you are new to blogging and our challenges please, read everything carefully. It will be worth it all.  There will be some changes from the previous challenges as well.

We use a point system. It is a fun way to stay motivated and see results. The point system contains many options.  Read them carefully as there are some new ones added.

Point System explained :

S2SIII will consist of several catagories for possible points. This levels the playing field. It allows for those who don´t have as much to lose the opportunity to stay in shape, maintain and do great; as well as motivates those who need to lose more weight.  Please, use the attatched spread sheet  SPRING IN2 SPAPE III starting March 14 to keep track of your points as well as tickers on the blog to see your progress, if you would like.  *** For those tracking on Facebook and not using tickers on the blog must include- a total of your points on each journal. ***

These are the catagories. Please feel free to choose the ones you can accomplish. If you are not able to do all of the catagories, work your way up to them. There are no half points. Just know that you are making progress and getting better each day. The more you can accomplish the more disciplined you are becoming.

• 20 minutes exercise (continuous) = 1 point Must be continuous constant heart elevating activity.

Fast walking, constant sport activity, swimming, biking, running, house cleaning maybe included if it is constant large areas of mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. (please don´t count standing time unless you are stretching.) Stretching may only be 5 min. out of the 20 min.

***For health reasons you may write me and let me know your condition and your activity level.***

• 1 pound lost (1/2 kilo) =  5  points

• 1/2 inch lost (1 cm) = 1 point

• 2 liters of water drank daily =  max. 2 points

• 1 Journal post = 1 point (max 4 per week) New option - May be on the blog or on Facebook. If you have not been invited to our private FB page or to the blog please let me know.

• 1 tip = 1 Point (max 2 per week) topics include : exercise ideas, diet tips and recipes, inspirational, humor, and videos (health and fitness related) Must be on blog but, you may let us know on FB too.

• Healthy Eating PLAN (HEP) = 1 point new option - This includes following a healthy eating plan. If you have set one already for yourself, and you follow it you get this point. Please post your plan. - If you don´t have a plan... OUR plan is - NO white, processed sugar foods, NO white flour processed foods,  No fried foods, ADD one plate of fruits and Veggies.

***One "OOOPS day" is allowed and you may still count this point*** "ooops day" includes a day you accidentally put something in your mouth you shouldn´t have or didn´t intend to. This is not a free day! -

*** FREE DAYS do not count for your HEP point***

Yes, I highly recommend measuring. It is an incredible way to track your progress. Often, when you start a fitness program, discouragement sets in because the scales are not moving. Well, when you take measurements, you can track your loss in volume more accurately, and this is normally the first place we notice loss. Attatched is a "how to measure" guide.

Measure Wednesday morning.

S2SIII Start Up Journal Post -

Getting to know each other is always a huge bonus in doing a challenge. I would love for each of you to write a Start up Journal Post. 

10 point bonus for your first introductory post- which will automatically show up on your tickers. (place it in your post section of the spread sheet)

***Introductory post must be posted durning the first week to count for the bonus points.

Please include some information about yourself, and what some of your goals are for this 10 week challenge. Your HEP and your exercise choices.

1. You may wish to include a recent photo, so you can see before and after differences.
2. If you have been on other of our challenges you may wish to tell us about your fitness journey. We would be so encouraged by that.
3. For blog posts Please label all your posts. Labels are found at the bottom of your post editor on the blog.  Under "show all labels"- Place your name, and S2SIII(if it is a journal post) and the appropriate tip option, diet tip, fitness tip, humor, inspirational or video.

This first start up journal post should be labeled as follows: your name, S2SIII, and testimonies.  (again these are found under the show all labels at the bottom of the post editor)

Your start up journal may be done on Facebook if you choose.

We will be allowed a maximum of 4 journal posts a week and 2 tips a week. The tips may be about diet, fitness, fitness and diet humor, inspirational(verses), and/or a video of you working out. This is not mandatory, but you can get a maximum of 6 points a week for your posts. (ie. participation)

I will send out another e mail regarding tickers (point trackers)

Ok, if you have made it this far, you are ready to get SPRINGING IN - 2 - SHAPE!!!

Please, don´t get bogged down with the blog. If you have questions, don´t hesitate to write me or chat with me. danijoy2spain@gmail.com , msn chat- dani2spain@hotmail.com, or on the fitness blog itself http://www.faithfitnessandfun.blogspot.com/ also below this e- mail is how to get set up on the blog.

With all that said, If you think that the blogging will be too much, I have come up with another way. You may e mail your journals to me. I will copy and paste them into the blog. You may keep track of your points on paper and tell me the points weekly, as well. This is only for those who can not figure out the blog.

Also, you may just audit the whole point system and writing posts to just do your own thing, being encouraged by reading others journals on the blog. ( not elidgible for prizes)

Let´s make Ephesians 6:10 our theme verse.

"My bretheren, (or sisters) BE STRONG in the LORD and in the power of His might."

  

SPRINGING IN -2- SHAPE  for God´s Glory,

 Dani Joy

QUICK NOTE

Ladies, Just a quick reminder: 

In order to count it for exercise, your heart rate must elevate. Fast walking, non- stop sport, or if there are longer pauses in your exercise routine ( heavy chores, cleaning ect), please subract this time. 

I personally try to have my heart rate up over 100bpm to count it as exercise. If you don´t have a heart monitor, you should feel your heart and your breathing excelerate inorder to count it as exercise. 

Thank you, 
Dani Joy

STarting WEEK 3 tomorrow

Tomorrow we are starting Week 3 - Half way mark! I will add ONE BONUS point. For those who get all 5 points in a day, ADD ONE BONUS point. Work it, Ladies!

Day 14 Jan 17 Tues. 
1 pt - water 
1 pt - fruits and veggies 
1 pt - exercise- 40 min Ripped in 30 - 20 min Walk
1 pt - ONE more POUND (Three total so far) 
1 pt - NO Sugar ADDED 
1 pt - post

Day Total - 6 pts
Over all total - 65 pts

RULES to CHANGE

Ladies it´s was a tie on the voting! wow! Ok well...

Tomorrow - STARTING WEEK 2 Day 8 - Changes will be made. Please read all.

1. NO Sugar added means - NO SWEETS NO deserts for 1 point

2. 1pt for every post and only 1 post per day for points. YOu may post as much as you would like though. ;) 

3. On that post you may back post only 1 days points. So you may post everyother day if that works for you. ( a bit of a compromise on both sides) Please just keep track of your own points and put your totals on each post. I allowed a few grace days already so if you had a missed day please go ahead and add those points on to tomorrow´s post. 

All other points stay the same. Good competition is fun and keeps many motivated. Please have fun and keep on. It is all about healthy habits and encouraging each other. 

Thanks for all your imput. Love it! Love you, Ladies!

Dani Joy