2006 Spring Shape-Up Contest!

[Holle]

I am in!!!

[buzz]

I might actually do this too. I am taking up a secret jogging regime in the next week or so Will get photos over soon. Hopefully can decrease body fat a bit, but still lift heavy so keep the muscle mass.

[jonathan]

I might actually do this too. I am taking up a secret jogging regime in the next week or so Will get photos over soon. Hopefully can decrease body fat a bit, but still lift heavy so keep the muscle mass.

 

Disgusting! You cardio, cutting, disco loving, bodybuilding monkey!!!

[Richard]

That means a bikini shot doesn't it!!!! Its finally cooled down here enough to start jogging, and give me some motivation to drop some bodyfat...Mind you half the people on here don't look like they have a shred of badyfat to lose anyway!

 

The people who are already pumped up to their optimum probably won't enter, or are less likely to win anyway. I gots the fat going on that still needs to be shredded! You're not alone

 

http://www.godfist.com/fat_fact2.jpg

[Crash]

That means a bikini shot doesn't it!!!! Its finally cooled down here enough to start jogging, and give me some motivation to drop some bodyfat...Mind you half the people on here don't look like they have a shred of badyfat to lose anyway!

 

The people who are already pumped up to their optimum probably won't enter, or are less likely to win anyway. I gots the fat going on that still needs to be shredded! You're not alone.

Richard is right -- you're not alone savebabe.... Besides no one in the world has the perfect body, so if wanted, there's always room for improvement and we can help support each other to go in the direction each wants.

 

Good luck with the jogging, I'm sticking with the bike (stationary ) and moderate weight lifting , but am also going to try to incorporate a jump rope session and/or another workout session - calisthenic type exercises, during the weekend. (We'll see as I am notoriously lazy on weekends. )

[robert]

That means a bikini shot doesn't it!!!! Its finally cooled down here enough to start jogging, and give me some motivation to drop some bodyfat...Mind you half the people on here don't look like they have a shred of badyfat to lose anyway!

 

The people who are already pumped up to their optimum probably won't enter, or are less likely to win anyway. I gots the fat going on that still needs to be shredded! You're not alone

 

http://www.godfist.com/fat_fact2.jpg

 

Sounds like the perfect contest for you then Richard.....assuming you want to get rid of the fat? You may not want to. We all have different goals and we'll state that in our short bio to be judged on so viewers will know what our focus was. It is not all about getting lean, it is basically a 12-week program to help keep people on track and reward them for their efforts and hard work toward their own personal goal.

 

It is meant to be fun and bring even more awareness to the Vegan Fitness Lifestyle, as I'm sure many of us will talk about it to our non-vegan friends.

 

Anyway, have fun and get others involved. We have quite a few non-forum members entering too. I'm in touch with them via myspace and other forums/sites.

 

All the best!

 

-Robert

[Richard]

I'm all over it, I am going to get the before shots to you in the near future. Fat from my guts is one of my main goals.

 

Yeah, people do have different goals, but someone who at this point in time has already reached their goal, whatever that might be, they won't change as much in the next few weeks, as someone who hasn't reached their goal yet. I think most people haven't reached their goals, and I think there's also a fair number of people who don't have goals, they'd continue to lift heavier weights regardless of anything just to keep pushing. The point is that savebabe shouldn't worry, people will generally have somewhere to go in their individual direction of what they want to achieve

[neil]

very cool.

 

i'll have to think about this one. i would like to tone up/gain definition, but i don't have a desire to build much muscle mass.

 

my problem is that i have carpal tunnel syndrome (makes it hard to lift weights) and a foot injury (can't run). i'm working on both of those, but i don't know when they'll be alleviated.

 

but yeah, it would be nice to add to my crunches and push-ups routine.

[savebabe]

"All of us whether we are warriors, have a cubic centimetre of chance that pops out in front of our eyes from time to time. The difference between an average man (women) and a warrior is that the warrior is aware of this, and one of his tasks is to be alert, deliberately waiting, so that when his cubic centimetre pops out he has the necessary speed, the prowness, to pick it up."

 

- Carlos Castaneda

[Bigbwii]

[robert]

I don't mean to get off topic, but this is related to the fitness contest and I wanted to share it. This is a list of my own personal quotes I wrote 6 years ago after completing the Body-for-LIFE challenge.

 

I was inspired to no end, and perhaps some people will get to experience that feeling from this contest. It is a long list, but please read some of it.

 

Keep in mind, I wrote it over a half-decade ago:

 

--

 

In the March 2000 issue of Muscle Media Magazine, Bill Phillips had a story titled As I see it. He sat down in his house, and for five hours he thought of ideas that would be motivating for readers of his magazine. He wrote them down and had 84 of them listed in his magazine. I read that story over and over and I decided to come up with 82 of my own quotes, visions, and things to consider when climbing the ladder of success. It took me quite a while to complete my list of quotes and I hope that you find them inspiring and motivating, as I found Bill Phillips’ list to be. *I initially had 84 but removed two of them for personal reasons*

 

Please take the time to allow me to now share with you my views, visions, and the truths I have learned over the course of my 20 years, As I see it…

 

1. As I see it… When you have a childhood dream that still burns and tugs at your heart when you’re an adult, you owe it to yourself to pursue and achieve this dream.

 

2. As I see it… You really can give a 110% effort towards something that you are truly passionate about.

 

3. As I see it… Don’t just reach for the stars. Grab a hold of one, grasp it tightly, and pull it into your heart and soul.

 

4. As I see it… We are all capable of living each day with a fiery passion and sense of purpose that radiates in our smile and voice.

 

5. As I see it… They may never say it, but your parents really are proud of you when you follow your heart and chase your dreams.

 

6. As I see it… If you want it to be, your heart can be your biggest and most powerful muscle in your body.

 

7. As I see it… We were all born to “be somebody,” look deep inside your heart to find out who and what you are supposed to be.

 

8. As I see it… Some of us are fortunate enough to have known what we wanted to be since the day we were born.

 

9. As I see it… I challenge myself everyday to be the most positive and enthusiastic person I know.

 

10. As I see it… Dare to be different. Successful people always stand out.

 

11. As I see it… My brother is my best friend and nothing is stronger than family.

 

12. As I see it… We all need to have heroes, people to admire and look up to. To find a hero, first look to your parents or older brother or sister. Then look to the people who share the same morals and values that you have, and have accomplished the goals that you strive to achieve.

 

13. As I see it… Don’t be intimidated by people who try to belittle your ambitions. Most of the time they are just jealous of your success or determination to reach the highest peaks of the mountains, and reign over them.

 

14. As I see it… When backed up against a wall, dig deep, demand excellence, stand tall, and be strong.

 

15. As I see it… Look in the mirror and stare at your eyes and say, “I can and will be successful.”

 

16. As I see it… Search for inspiring quotes and put them on the walls of your bedroom. Read them before you go to bed and the first thing when you wake up in the morning.

 

17. As I see it… The ability to make and keep promises is the key aspect to trust in a relationship.

 

18. As I see it… Most people are afraid to follow their dreams. The thought of failure is too much for them to handle so they never even try to achieve them.

 

19. As I see it… Do nice things for people who may be less fortunate than you.

 

20. As I see it… There is no “I” in “Team,” but there is an “E” for “Everyone.” A team achieves more when everyone contributes.

 

21. As I see it… When I accomplish a challenging goal it is one of the most powerful and wonderful feelings in the world.

 

22. As I see it… Before starting a fitness program or diet, know why you’re doing it. Have specific goals with deadlines and visualize the end result each night before going to bed.

 

23. As I see it… Despite what we may think, we are all talented in our own unique way.

 

24. As I see it… The people who wake up and jump out of bed with energy and enthusiasm are the people who will be smiling all day, go out of their way to help you, and call you by name.

 

25. As I see it… Your friends may influence your decisions even more than your parents will.

 

26. As I see it… A vegan diet is one of the best things you can do for your health and the well being of our planet.

 

27. As I see it… Go out of your way to make an outstanding first impression.

 

28. As I see it… If in a tense or nervous situation, take a moment to center and ground yourself and make a thoughtful decision. Remember that nothing is as important as it first seems.

 

29. As I see it… Nobody knows you better than you do.

 

30. As I see it… The people who put limits on your abilities, goals, or dreams, may not be the people you want to associate yourself with.

 

31. As I see it… It is worth it to give up all that you now are to be all that you could become.

 

32. As I see it… When I workout early in the morning, the rest of the day feels so much better.

 

33. As I see it… After a grueling leg workout nothing feels better than a slow, deep massage on your quads.

 

34. As I see it… At least once a month, do something for someone who will never know who did them the friendly favor.

 

35. As I see it… Be someone’s best friend and be there when he or she needs you.

 

36. As I see it… We all have 1,440 minutes each day to accomplish everything on our schedule. We are accountable for prioritizing the decisions we make with our time.

 

37. As I see it… Make it a goal to be somebody’s hero.

 

38. As I see it… I’d rather have a picture-perfect body than a million dollars in my pocket.

 

39. As I see it… Your health and well being should be your number one priority, nothing else is more important.

 

40. As I see it… When lifting weights, nothing feels better than achieving a high point on the bench press with no help from your spotter.

 

41. As I see it… When going for a run, I pick fresh air, openness, and scenery of the outdoors over a treadmill every time.

 

42. As I see it… When someone compliments me on my physique, positive attitude, or enthusiasm, I walk on air the rest of the day.

 

43. As I see it… The words: never, can’t, quit, and fail, are not in my vocabulary.

 

44. As I see it… There is a Tony the Tiger inside of all of us just waiting to be unleashed.

 

45. As I see it… Most people use excuses to cover up mistakes, but it takes less time to do something right the first time.

 

46. As I see it… The people who are scared of going on a diet are the people who could benefit the most from one.

 

47. As I see it… For some people hope is all they have. Encourage them and don’t take their hope away, for they will be left with nothing.

 

48. As I see it… Be open to other people’s opinions, ideas, and try new things. One of the best ways to learn is to feed off other people’s experiences.

 

49. As I see it… Nobody had a bigger heart or passion to win than America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine “Pre.” Watch the movies Prefontaine, Without Limits, or Fire on the Track to see what I’m talking about.

 

50. As I see it… When working out, play your favorite music loudly for an extra boost of energy.

 

51. As I see it… Whether you know it or not, you are a role model for somebody. Watch what you say and know that you’re responsible for your actions.

 

52. As I see it… Sometimes small setbacks are just blessings in disguise. They enhance your determination and whole-hearted dedication to achieving your goals.

 

53. As I see it… Always work harder than other people are willing to work. Sweat more, endure more pain, and then reap the rewards of success and achievement.

 

54. As I see it… Everyday I attempt to consume 4,000 Calories and 200 grams of protein. I don’t always reach that mark but when I go to bed at night I know that I did the best I could given my schedule and the circumstances that day.

 

55. As I see it… I am a Body-for-LIFE Challenge 2000 Winner. “Winners finish and finishers win.”

 

56. As I see it… When you succeed be proud of yourself and know that not everyone gets to experience the thrill of success on a consistent basis.

 

57. As I see it… The song How do you like me now? By Toby Keith will be my personal theme song when I attend my first high school reunion.

 

58. As I see it… Don’t be afraid to show emotion. Get excited, get angry, get motivated, laugh, cry, yell, and vent. You will feel so much better after a great release.

 

59. As I see it… Take time to compliment people every day. Do it sincerely and with no desire to gain anything but a smile in return.

 

60. As I see it… When it comes down to it, it really is the little things that count most.

 

61. As I see it… Keep records of your fitness progress throughout your training. Chart all of the food you eat, the exercises you complete, and even the amount of sleep you get each night. Refer back to your records to see where things went right or went wrong.

 

62. As I see it… We need more people like Bill Phillips in the world. People who live each day with a passion to help other people. The kind of person who will motivate you beyond what you thought was possible and the kind of person who will celebrate your success with you.

 

63. As I see it… Take risks that could result in Greatness! Wayne Gretsky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”

 

64. As I see it… On your birthday thank your parents and celebrate with them. They are the reason you are here and it is their day too.

 

65. As I see it… Believe in yourself and others will believe in you.

 

66. As I see it… Remember all the people in your life who helped guide you on your road to success. Thank them sincerely and often.

 

67. As I see it… The names Lillian Smith, Eric Dazey, Jon Bullock, and Clari Higginson may mean nothing to most people but the mean the world to me. Of all my years in school, these are the teachers who challenged me to get better everyday and whole-heartedly believed in my dreams. The support they gave me was priceless and life changing.

 

68. As I see it… Dream big with no limitations.

 

69. As I see it… Be willing to give people a second chance. You’d be surprised how well people respond to another opportunity to succeed.

 

70. As I see it… Learn to see the big picture. Often times we get tunnel vision and lose sight of the big picture and what we’re really trying to accomplish.

 

71. As I see it… Pay close attention to detail in whatever it is you are doing. Be specific and expect quality from your performance.

 

72. As I see it… People tell me I’m a perfectionist. They tell me I’m too extreme and that I work too hard. I tell them, that is all I know how to do. I was taught to give my best effort in everything I do and demand perfection and raise the standard of excellence to a whole new level.

 

73. As I see it… Imagine yourself at your funeral. Ask yourself what you want your family and friends to say about you. How will you be remembered and what impact will you have had on other people’s lives? How did you make the world a better place?

 

74. As I see it… Attend your children’s athletic events. There’s nothing better than watching your child succeed while absolutely loving the opportunity to play in front of you.

 

75. As I see it… Celebrate each accomplishment on your way to reaching your goal. Each challenge conquered whether large or small is a positive step to greatness.

 

76. As I see it… Every day look in the mirror and flex your muscles. Smile and enjoy the sight of a beautiful fit body. If you don’t like what you see, find a photo of how you want your body to look and paste it to the corner of your mirror. Be willing to work hard for what you have the potential to become.

 

77. As I see it… Surround yourself with positive, energetic, successful people and learn from them.

 

78. As I see it… Every year I want to experience something that makes me say, “this is the best day of my life.”

 

79. As I see it… Laugh a lot. Laughter will make even the dreariest situations a whole lot more enjoyable.

 

80. As I see it… Most of us have the tools we need, we’re just not sure how to use them.

 

81. As I see it… The most important job you will ever have is your commitment to a promise you made to someone.

 

82. As I see it… People ask me why I work so hard and why I have this compassion to reach the top and be great. I respond by telling them, “I work insanely hard because people said I couldn’t do it.” When someone tells me I can’t do something, or that I’ll never achieve my goals and visions, I am determined to prove them wrong.

 

It is my sincere desire that the words I have shared with you today have touched your heart and inspired you to be your very best.

 

For LIFE,

Robert Cheeke

A list of quotes composed at 20 years of age.

[savebabe]

"No try not! Do or do not! There is no try!" -Yoda (The Empire strikes back)

 

We can find inspiration in anything if we desire.

 

Love the post Rob-right up my alley!

[Evan]

Well, I'm down. I will enter.

[robert]

I got this link from savebabe in another thread.

 

It shows results from a 12-week Body Transformation contest. My before and after photos were very similar, except mine were adding muscle and gaining weight, most of these people dropped weight or toned up.

 

But anyway, just so you can see examples of before and after photos of real contestants.

 

http://www.sportzblitz.net/body-blitz-challenge/vote-for-the-winner-2004.php#f1

 

Why the newspapers you ask?.......just to "prove" the photos were taken by a certain date. You don't have to do that, we're not giving away a million dollars or anything.

 

But we hope that you have a great time with the contest and improve your health and fitness at the same time.

 

P.S. we just got $100 donated from VeganEssentials for prizes, and we will have a random drawing raffle as well, so in addition to getting prizes for completing the challenge, and bigger prizes for the winners, we will also have some nice prizes for raffle drawing. Just more reasons to challenge yourself for 12 weeks. we want to reward your efforts! Everyone wins!

 

Remember I don't need the photos by the 31st, but they should be taken by then. Take the photos by the 31st and get them to me anytime by April 15th. That should take some stress off since I know the entry deadline is coming up!

 

All the best!

[finbarrio]

I like how some of those men frown, slouch and stick their guts out in their 'before' photos, and then they're all posing and smiling in their 'afters'.

[robert]

Yeah, I know. It's all part of trying to display the biggest change. I did the same with my before and after photos when I first did a contest like this 6 years ago.

 

But now I try to smile in before and after photos

 

We're getting more and more people involved from other sites too, so this will be fun!

[Shelby]

Whats with posing with the newspaper?

[SeaSiren]

Whats with posing with the newspaper?

The newspaper proves the date you started. Some contest require this.

[Shelby]

u can't even see the date on the newspaper in the picture! (although, i guess the current events on the front page will date it. Now it makes sense!)

 

[robert]

Yeah, it's kind of silly, but it's one small way to prove the date. I'm just going to trust that the before photos were taken within 2 weeks before March 31st or shortly after for those who are out of the country and have contacted me requesting an extension for a few days.

 

Please get the BEFORE photos SENT to me by April 15th, that will be the cutoff. Everyone who wants to be eligible for prize winnings, random raffle drawings, and the awards everyone gets for completing the challenge, needs to meet that April 15th deadline of sending the photos too me. But please get them taken by MARCH 31st so we can all start from roughly the same time.

 

Thanks! This will rock and more prizes are coming in all the time, so the raffle itself will be sweet! So make sure you enter and make sure you FINISH!

 

All the best! -Rob

[Shelby]

Should the before and after pics be in flexed poses or just a regular stance?

[robert]

I'm leaving this totally up to each individual. The more relaxed BEFORE photos will show the most significant change in physique compared to the after photos.

 

But it is totally up to the individual.

 

I've used both, a relaxed and somewhat flexed in my BEFORE photos. Here are some examples:

 

 

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/images/transform8.jpg

 

 

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/imgs/albums/Rob-2005-Before/rob20051.jpg

[SeaSiren]

Excellent! Nice boxers

[robert]

Thanks, those are just examples of some BEFORE photos, showing to get the full body, in fitness wear...or in my case shorts or boxers

 

But anykind of fitness wear that displays the physique is fine.

 

We need photos from the front, back and side. Minimum of 3.

 

I updated the PRIZE list and I have a feeling it will more than double in size by the end fo the contest.......our theme is EVERYONE WINS!

[savebabe]

Is anyone going to be doing an on-line training journal???? I'd love to see how everyone is going, or what they are doing during the 12 weeks. Its going to be smack bang in the middle of wnter for me....no comfort foods What about listing body measurements, height, weight, bodyfat etc, and goals. What you intend to get out of the 12 weeks (apart from a chill in my tush) I'm going to do this myself, and it would be nice to see others progress as well.