How many 12 week challenges?

[karma]

Ok, I am on my 4th day of my first 12 week challenge. My question is: Is it typical that people have to do a second and third challenge to get to where they want to be? I realize that it is different for different people, but I guess what I want to know is, will I see a drastic change in the first 12 weeks if I follow the program precisely or, are all of those before and after pictures in the book from doing the BFL longer than 12 weeks??? Sorry... I know this is a confusing question...

[Chris]

Nope, not confusing
Lots of people get exactly where they want to be at the end of the challenge. But like so many things in life, there's always room for improvement. I need multiple challenges so that I stay focused. If I don't have clear goals and a challenge to keep me motivated, I lose that motivation and stop working out. The people in the book do represent what "can" happen in 12 weeks. You can get there too. Keep in mind that the people in the book won a contest (or came close) b/c they demonstrate a very drastic transformation. This isn't to say it's not possible, but don't necessarily expect to be in perfect form after only 12 weeks. And since it is body for LIFE, that's okay... it's something to keep working for.

[Chris]

Not sure if this was clear: You'll make more progress in your 12 weeks than you ever expected (in countless ways). You'll most likely want to keep doing challenges even if you win the contest.

[hockeymom]

I'm taking the "life" part literally. I will do some form of this forever. I did the program a couple of years ago with great success...then life happened and I let it get a way from me. This is a discipline I'll always have to do!

[lillyo]

Karma: I have learned in the success journal that depending on where you start, you may need more than one challenge...but what I have read is that most folks show such great improvement that they are more than happy at the end of the first one no matter what.

There is also conflicting info on what you mean "by the book." There are some instances of challengers modifying the program in the final half to be even more restrictive, for example:

* no carbs after 2 pm
* double-up workouts (one in am and one in pm)
* NO free day (food wise)
* Fat-burning supplements

So it depends on your goals and your personality...doesn't it suck to hear that? GRIN GRIN. I wouldn't succeed if I took NO free day...I know myself. But now that I know my triglyceride information, my free days for *this* challenge won't include white flour and gunk (so I can retest at the end). But that may not be your goal...