THE SIX-WEEK CHALLENGE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
I must admit I'm a little concerned with this challenge, for those who do not understand the details of weight loss. It took me only 20 mins to lose all trust in Soul Studio when asked to come in and learn more about this challenge. This challenge requires a predetermined number of pounds to lose. I was eyed up and down when asked if I had that amount to lose (as if I do). I was not sold when then told, "we are here to inspire people to be their best versions of themselves and offer the full package of support through nutrition and fitness". Let me tell you something, 100% of people will not be their best selves losing this much weight within six weeks. This is not where I want to build my trust and fitness community in.
First, this challenge requires a security deposit ($$$), and is only given back AFTER you lose TWENTY POUNDS within SIX WEEKS. (great incentive to lose the weight and get your shit together *thumbs up*), however:
Secondly, you need to know if you do NOT have 20 pounds to lose or if this is too much weight loss within a six-week duration (THIS IS A TON OF WEIGHT PEOPLE, IN A VERY LITTLE TIME!!!). You're setting yourself up for failure. Soul Studio is not going to let you know if this is too much weight, but will gladly take your money. There were ZERO measurements taken upon meeting with them to learn more about this challenge and if right for me. If they have no basis to create a plan, then there is no validity in what they're trying to sell. A normal starting point would be to figure out your body fat percentage by a body scan or caliper (takes less than 2 mins), you can then have a more accurate idea of where to set your goals. Without this, they're trapping you in to paying a security deposit, knowing it is an unrealistic ask to meet. Remember, this is *free*, so they do not need to recommend what's a healthy weight loss or even possible, BE EDUCATED! I personally would not put trust in someone creating this kind of scam and advocating unhealthy weight loss (EATING DISORDERS in my opinion). Let me tell you why:
Some people do not have this much to lose, or don't know that within this duration it is probably unhealthy ('unhealthy' meaning damaging to your metabolism and mentality). You can start to really f*ck up your metabolism when losing more than 1% of your body weight per week. The recommendation is 0.4 -0.8% per week with a 1% maximum of your total body weight. *** Notice how this is a percentage and not a predetermined number? That's because weight loss needs to be customized and is different for every person. *** The more drastic your weight loss, the better your body learns how to be efficient (slower metabolism) in starvation mode. We adapt. It's amazing what our bodies can do for us if we were actually starving and trying to survive out in the wild. If we've lost weight and then regained (yo-yo dieting) our body gets better and better each time in starvation mode, and (assuming weight loss/gain was greater than 1% per week) our metabolism gets more and more efficient/slower each time. So, doing it right the first time is SO IMPORTANT. Slow and steady wins the race, and usually means more sustainable results to uphold after a "challenge". Because remember, once you've hit your goal weight, your goal should also be to maintain it.
I'm 163lbs, 5' 7" and 21.7% BF. Losing half the weight of this challenge, would take me 10 weeks to do in a healthy way. That's .6% (between .4-.8%) weight loss of my total weight, which equals about 1 pound a week, therefore 10 weeks total (factoring in activity levels). Within this percentage, this also helps your body maintain lean body weight (muscle). TEN WEEKS, 1/2 THE WEIGHT. Of course, this is different if others have more BF to lose, but my point is to learn what's healthy before signing up for a challenge thats probs not right for you. This is a huge lifestyle change that you're making and need to take slowly and seriously if you're going to sustain after you hit your goal weight.
I recommend to those out there really wanting to lose weight (in a healthy way) and keep if off to read Fat Loss Forever By: Peter Baker and Layne Norton. Layne Norton has a PHD in this stuff and knows what's up. It provides literally all the tools needed to customize your own weight loss plan. Formulations that help target body fat (preserving optimal lean body mass) at your current weight and activity level with a given duration of deprivation. Yes, there are many variables, but you will have a weight lose plan in mind after reading his book. Once you have a plan, THEN go find a gym/challenge and build network/community that can help hold you accountable...
.....See photo for rest of my lengthy review that didn't fit. read more