September Challenge

The really great thing about having a workout partner - - well, there are actually lots of really great things about it. But the one we’re thinking about today is that a good workout partner constantly throws new challenges at you and helps find ways to make working out fun.


Becky challenged Nancy to a contest back in July, which helped get us back on track during a time when we were both feeling unmotivated. Here’s how you play.

First, find a workout partner. If you do not already have a workout partner, find a friend or family member you trust, because this contest is played using the Honor System. If you don’t choose someone honorable, you’re going to lose.

Second, decide on what the prize is going to be. Maybe the loser buys the winner lunch. Maybe the loser cleans the winner’s house. Maybe the loser has to tell everyone you know what a loser he or she is and how great you are. Whatever seems fair to you and your partner.

Then follow the simple point system below. Track your points on a daily basis. Play the game for the entire month of September. Or if your attention span isn’t that long, play it for a week. Or if your attention span is really, really short, like Becky’s and Nancy’s, just play it for Labor Day Weekend.

Give yourself one point per day for each of the following:

One mile of cardio
One hour of working out
100 crunches
25 push-ups
One serving of fruit
One serving of vegetables
One 8-oz glass of water
Not eating any sweets all day
Abstaining from alcohol all day
Taking a multivitamin
One minute of jump rope
No t.v. all day

Whoever has the most points at the end, obviously, is the winner. And not only does the winner get the prize you agreed on prior to beginning the contest, but you both get the results of the healthier choices made during the contest. Let us know how you do!

Who won the July contest between Becky and Nancy? We’re not really sure. Our attention spans are so short that we can’t remember how many points either one of