Bangin & Swangin (Body and Hair) Challenge!!!

April 4, 2012 by · 30 Comments

YASSSSSS!!!!  I’m starting up another challenge and as you see, its called the Bangin’ & Swangin’ Challenge…its all about getting a banging body and swanging hair!!!  I realize with the rollersetting challenge that I am super committed when hosting a challenge and have seen that many of us have similar goals of either losing weight and/or toning up.  I realize that I need an extra kick in the pants because right now I am up and down on this weight loss thing and it has quickly moved from being about vanity to being about my health.  I NEED to lose weight.  I believe in being proactive and although my most recent physical didn’t turn up any issues (thank you Jesus!) I’m not trying to wait until that happens before taking action.  I think I’m a pretty good challenge host (excuse my horn tooting!) and I know me – when I am responsible for something I always follow through.  There have been weeks that I didn’t feel like rollersetting my hair but because of my commitment to the challenge, I felt obligated to – in a good way.  So, to help us ALL move closer towards our goals…let’s get all up and thru this challenge!!!

Rules:
  • The challenge will be begin on May 1 and run until August 31.
  • To compete for the challenge grand prize you must post (or submit by email) a picture of both your starting and ending weight with a date stamp.  If you do not want your weight posted, that is a-okay by me!  I just need to have something to prove your progress.
  • You do not have to compete for the grand prize, you can join the challenge and participate in the monthly challenges *yes there will be monthly challenges again! yay!* and just be here for motivation and inspiration.
  • Check in monthly on my official check-in posts.
  • Sign up by leaving a comment below and include some of your goals: hair and body!
  • Protective style your hair at LEAST 50% of the time.  This can be done any way you choose: 2 weeks out of the month, 3-4 days per week, every other day or a true hideaway style like wigs or braids…its all up to you!  You don’t have to submit a starting length photo but they are always great for personal progress! (see definition at bottom of the post if necessary)
  • Exercise at LEAST 3 times per week.
  • This challenge is not only for those who wish to lose weight, its for anyone who wants to get fit and tone up as well.  So take your starting measurements, a starting photo something that helps you track your body transfromation!
Monthly Challenges & Prizes:
  • May:  Most interesting exercise.  Many people get bored with exercise share your most creative and fun way to burn some calories.  It can be a program you use (ie Jillian Micheals’ Body Revolution), a fun activity (i.e. white water rafting or hiking), or something really fun like double dutch, just to give you a few ideas.  Winner will receive a fancy jump rope (weighted or electronic).
  • June:  Best Low-Calorie Meal.  Submit pics and the recipe of your tastiest dish for a chance to win a fabulous cookbook!
  • July:   Best protective style.  Winner will receive a few cute headbands and hair accessories.
  • August:  Best non-scale victory.  Able to rock a bikini with confidence?  Fit into your high school (or in my case college jeans)? Participate in a marathon?  Whatever your non-scale victories are, let us know!!!  Winner will receive a set of resistance bands.
  • GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be the one with the highest percentage of weight lost!  Not lbs but body percentage.  The winner will receive a Nordic Track Mini-Stepper (or equivalent brand)!  Now you can burn calories whenever you feel like it with a pretty fancy piece of equipment that takes up very little storage space!  WHOO HOOOOOOOOO!
My Personal Goals:
  • Complete the Supreme 90 Day exercise program in its entirety.  No slacking, skipping or falling off the wagon!
  • Lose at least 10% of my body fat.
  • Feel comfortable in a bathing suit by the end of summer.
  • Retain thick, healthy ends (hair).  Isn’t this always a goal of mine?
  • No direct heat use at all (hair).
  • Try two new foods per month.
  • Limit eating out to special occasions only (birthdays, company in town, etc).  This is a budget and health thing! lol.
You have a month to think about whether you want to join or not but trust me…I need all the support I can possibly get so hopefully there will be a good group of us!

For those who are unfamiliar protective styles (PS) are hair styles where your hair (ends in particular) is pulled up so that the hair is protected from your clothes, rubbing against other things (such as your couch, car’s headrest), the environment, sun, etc.  A true protective style is not just a regular updo – your ends at the least must be hidden, such as in a bun.  Some protective styles hide, or protect, all of your hair – not just your ends such as wigs, weaves, and braids.  French rolls, tucked updos and phony ponies are additional examples.  The purpose is to decrease breakage which can be caused by everyday wear and to retain moisture, which both in turn help you to retain more of your growth.  I’ve never been a hard-core protective styler which is why the challenge requires you to only do it 50% of the time.
Filed Under: Weight Loss Journey ·
Soul Seed Tees
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03849980657158171340 MizFachion

    Great idea for a challenge. I need to join in myself, especially since i’ve been at a plateau for several weeks. I did finally see the scale move today though, thank God! The hair end, i started working on, so i can continue with this challenge. Count me in! :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07188235153613700982 Tamoniva

    I’ve already started four days ago, but I’m in for sure. Should I wait until May 1 to take a start picture?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07144252419821972944 Deb

    I’ll join too, these are two things I am already working on.
    My goals are to:
    Lose 15% of my body weight;
    Get my abs back;
    Be no bigger a size 12;
    Stay consistent with my current workout schedule;
    Continue working on healthy ends;
    Decrease breakage.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18443529804500889917 Shika

    I am all up in there like swimwear!!

    I will post my starting stats closer to the start of the challenge!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03120629729708730031 Erratic Assassin

    I will join this challenge
    My goals:
    1. achieve a 6-pack/finally be completely rid of that annoying lower belly pooch
    2. maintain a weight between 135lbs & 140lbs
    3. Increase upper body strength
    4. maintain healthy ends & grow thick, healthy hair.
    My biggest challenge in this challenge would probably be the protective styling. I like wearing my hair out a lot.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14905183401522608119 Kim

    Oh, I’m definitely in! I really need some accountability with my fitness goals and this may just do the trick.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04619712403122468959 The Mrs./The Mom

    Ebbers! Another challenge?! Augh! I can’t even keep up with the rollerset challenge. But, I heart you cause I so needed this… sign me up!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09354772969877661960 Empress A

    I’m in!!! I need some motivation!!!!

  • blacey2

    Can’t wait to join the challenge! Perfect timing as well!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07616044853081447480 MrsDjRass

    I won’t officially join the challenge, but I’ll follow along like I am. You certainly are very creative:-)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05084606989043956718 New Mrs

    Yay for this challenge!
    I’m in. I’ve already started, so I’ll wait to post stats until closer to start time. Here are a few of my goals:
    My hair goals:
    1. no more than 3 direct heat uses
    2. work on healthy ends and edges

    My weight loss goals:
    1. 25 lbs (or about 2 pants sizes)
    2. get back on consistent 5-6 day workout schedule
    3. just stay focused!!

  • http://thesizzlingmommy.com/pnm-html Dr_fomsky

    Count me in. I already set some weight and hair goals for myself so this will help to keep me motivated!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02592618054090025991 Phoenix

    A challenge I’m in time for! Yippee!!
    I’m in big time.
    Weight loss goals:
    1. Exercise 3-5 times a week, essentially GO BACK TO BOOT CAMP.
    2. Eat more fruits and veggies, drink MUCH more water.
    3. Lose ten percent body fat by focusing on strength training and building lean muscle.

    Hair goals:
    1. Relax 11 May at 12 weeks post (be meticulous to prevent over processing)
    2. Use direct heat once a month MAX
    3. Keep on roller setting (it’s already time to purchase some bigger rollers! Yippee)
    4. Get phony ponies to assist with protective styling, own hair still too short too bun (NL)
    5. Retain 3-4 cm by the end of the challenge
    5. Next relaxer on 3 August at 12 weeks post.

    Will email you starting pics closer to May. This is SO cool!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13304781326389818436 Suzie Thomas

    In body constructing competitions, the contestants are evaluated in their overall appearance and general fitness. Most bodybuilders are careful about what they eat and tend to favor a diet rich in protein which is needed to abdominal exercise. Eating properly helps anyone interested in body constructing to exceed in their discipline when feeling healthy.

  • http://hairthereeverywhere.wordpress.com/ LaShanda

    I am in! This is my first challenge since starting my HHJ! Thanks for hosting one!

    Exercise goals:
    1) continue to work out 5 days a week (I have a gym on my office floor … makes it pretty easy
    2) incorporate pilates back into my routine
    3) start running again! :o (

    Hair goals:
    1) Continue to roller set weekly and co-wash and air dry at least once a week
    2) Retain 2 inches between now and August (how’s that for a goal … hey, I can dream!)
    3) After corrective relaxer in May, start lye relaxers every 12 – 13 weeks (my first 16 week stretch was a fail!)
    4) Keep with these protective styles (buns, ponytails, faux bobs)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08310356555379085421 LaQT/ Ty

    I am definitely in. I am currently working out 3x a week, inconsistently. My weight has juggled from 169-175 and I can’t seem to get down to 150. I really want to look the best I can in my bikini. I eat pretty healthy, but I still need to work on decreasing processed snacks.
    My exercise goals are:
    Reach 150, tone up, work on abs. I would like to complete J.M. 30 day shred.

    Hair:
    Maintain health…at this point honestly, I just want length!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05956277540601249213 GrowitGirl aka LowCarbTiki

    I’m in. I just have to figure out if I want to post progress on my hair blog or my weight loss blog. Ugh!

  • Shawnie

    I’m in!

  • http://sash-speaks.blogspot.com Sasha

    I’m in !
    Goals
    Lose 15 pounds
    Exercise 3-5 days/week
    Feel confident in bikini
    Cook new meal biweekly
    Limit eating out to 1-2x/week
    Protective style 2x/week
    Grow nape of hair (always breaking)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18159574113769536160 Tink

    I’m in too! I’m so glad you started this challenge because I was thinking recently how I wish I had some support on my weight loss journey. Thankfully, I only need to lose 25-30lbs but it sure has been a struggle! Stupid Little Debbie Fudge Rounds lol

  • Candice

    I’m in!!! :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09787288751070351540 Blutiful Blaq

    Even though I’m not trying to loose weight I would like to tone and make working out a part of my everyday routine. I’m in!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09787288751070351540 Blutiful Blaq

    My goal is to tone, flatten my stomach, and make working out second nature!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16351404032388180656 KLP

    I’m in! I want to loose 10 lbs and retain at least 3 inches of length.

  • http://linzee4.tumblr.com/ Lindsay Cooke

    I want to join! :)
    Weight loss goal:
    Complete p90x
    go to gym at least 3 times a week
    lose at least 10-15 pounds
    Start insanity or couch to 5k after p90x
    keep eating healthy!
    Hair goals:
    Relax hair on may 4th after 6 month long stretch
    If I am not at least close to MBL after I relax then I hope to reach it by my bday
    Do mostly twist outs and braid outs all summer
    Straighten only once a month or special ocassions
    try at least 3 new styles

  • http://www.diaryofmylife.com Carla

    I am in for sure! Let’s do this!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17264403724824271687 JNICOLE

    I am in also!! Great idea 2 things I need to work on the hair and weight loss.

    Hair goals:
    1.)reach BSL finally.
    2.)no direct heat (i find it hard to workout when i have straight hair)
    3.)wrap my hair every night.
    4.)deep condition weekly.

    Weightloss goals:
    1.)stay focused/motivated
    2.)lose 15-25 pounds
    3.)tone up
    4.)use weights
    5.)walk/run on treadmill 30 minutes to 1hour 5 days a week
    6.)eat more fruits and veggies
    7.)drink water,water,water.
    8.)No Soda/kool-aid/sugery drinks(cheat drink is coffee)

  • http://www.diaryofmylife.com Carla

    Are we starting today?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09099243433976886959 Vesta

    Is it too late to join this challenge? Just found your blog today, very interested.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01983957171886970478 nadiarichards126

    Is it too late to join? Just saw your video talking about this. I don’t need to win anything but I do need the support and motivation. There are power in numbers.