The Journey

From what I've been told, the challenge there will be getting a word in edgewise.

The Lifestyle Boot Camp Challenge

It may seem like being on a restrictive diet and exercise program is sacrificial enough, but what will keep you motivated to reach your goal in time? In a boot camp class, not doing an exercise fast enough could mean having to do it ten more times, or being screamed at and ridiculed. This kind of punishment is meant to make you put more effort in and get faster and stronger. But how do you translate the feel of boot camp into reaching your goal to lose weight? First, settle on one goal, and at least three daily goals to reach it. [Check!] Second, personalize your punishment. [Punishment? I've had enough of self flagellation, thank you.] Third, enlist a small group of friends. [I don't know about small but, Check!] Fourth, keep the punishment list on you at all times. [phffft] Lastly, set a specific and realistic date for your main goal. [I want to be healthy enough by mid-October to have a reasoned discussion with the neurologist] Now to the fun part; here’s how to run the lifestyle boot camp challenge.

Settle On One Goal

A goal weight is a typical main goal, but your goal could also be a pants size, body fat percentage, or waist-to-hip ratio. Whatever it is, write it down and keep it visible at home, work, and in your car. Just the number alone is good enough. You can make it fancy and bedazzle it, or just write it on an index card with a pen. Your three supporting goals could be a set caloric limit, physical activity for 30 minutes, and avoiding sugary drinks. Whatever you come up with is good, just keep it simple and short.

Personalize Your Punishment

When you’re looking to come up with your punishment, think of taking away something you love or having to do something you hate; anything as long as it's not related to diet and exercise. You’ll need four punishments, one for your main goal and three for missing your daily supporting goals. For example, if you miss a day at the gym, you could put yourself in timeout during your favorite TV show. Or if you hate public speaking, you could recite the Gettysburg Address impromptu to people you don’t know for going over your calorie limit. The next time you see the show, you’ll enjoy it that much more.

Enlist a Small Group of Friends

Positive, fun-loving, competitive, and supportive are attributes you are looking for to make your lifestyle boot camp a success. Everyone’s goal can be unique, but each person should have the same date to reach their main goal. The second rule is confidentiality. No one can divulge their goals or punishments to anyone outside of the circle. Last, the group must meet at least once a week to share their progress and if needed, their punishments.

Keep the Punishment List on You at All Times

In addition to your main goal always being visible, you should always have access to your punishment list. For one, looking at it may help you stave off temptation, and two, you must also be able to support members of your group if they break one of their rules. Knowing each others’ punishments will create teamwork and accountability. If you witness someone breaking their rule, you can quickly chime in and ask them to take their punishment.

Set a Specific and Realistic Date

Lifestyle change could take a lifetime, so think through your daily goals before setting a date to reach your main goal. Pull out a calculator if you must, or think about your schedule before arbitrarily coming up with a date. If your goal is a specific body fat percentage, six months to a year could be a realistic time frame depending on your starting number. Mark this date on your calendar and create a ceremony of sorts around it. Whether you meet at a restaurant or have a party at one of your homes, each group member has to commit to leaving this date open and being available to celebrate the journey of your lifestyle boot camp.
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I think it's going to be just you, me and joe. I'll open up the Chicago thread and see if we get any other takers.