Day 1 | Adventurous Spirit

Let’s Get Going

“I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step!” 1 Corinthians 9:26

The Challenge is more than a self-help program.  This is a Challenge to recalibrate your life to the original intent of why God made you. To calibrate means to measure according to the standard of excellence.

With that in mind, how is your health?  Are you physically fit?  Do you have a regular exercise routine?  What one thing could you do today to better your health?

Let’s get moving.  Let’s recondition ourselves as if we are in training because we are.  We’re training to live the rest of our lives with purpose and on purpose, not wasting a single step.

PURPOSEFUL STEPS:

  • Get a physical.
  • Define a healthy weight and body fat index.
  • Join a gym.
  • Hire a trainer.
  • Start P90X.
  • Set a challenge goal.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Set an appointment to get a physical, visit a gym, or order P90X.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

  • Do you have any health or weight goals you wish to achieve?
  • What has been successful for you?
  • What hasn’t worked for you? Why?
  • Your voice counts. Please take a moment to LEAVE A REPLY below and share your stories and insight.

84 Comments

  1. Johnny on January 13, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    Another great online resource is http://www.hundredpushups.com.

  2. Neil Kennedy on January 18, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Guys, I started P90X today – tough! I didn’t want to do it – my body wanted to skip it – but now that I am finished I am so glad I did it – I am motivated!

    • Corey Ginn on March 4, 2018 at 9:39 am

      I have just finished watching the day one video. It just so happens that I just recently got a physical. So I’m off to a great start. I need the Lord to help me fit in an exercise program because my work schedule is so hectic. But I’m motivated.

    • Frank Bradley on August 13, 2018 at 6:53 am

      Thank you for being at Griffin First. Your teaching has really motivated me to change my way of thinking. I am starting the Daniel diet. Vegetables and wate. I starting a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Thanks

  3. Ricky Herrera on January 19, 2011 at 3:09 am

    Day One I committed to running 3 miles this week and each week thereafter and working out with weights a minimum 2 days per week!!

  4. Scott on January 25, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    commited myself to the gym, lifted weights yesterday. A bit sore but, am going today to run. feels good to get the body moving more.
    Thanks

  5. Darren Chappuies on February 14, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Today is the day. I have prayed to the Lord to guide me through the challenge. I am going to Knuckleup Fitness today and look into a training program.

    • Luiz Fernando Varela on May 18, 2020 at 6:00 am

      Hi, I have a physical evaluation coming up this Saturday. New job derail from my health routine a need to create a health path. Goal to lose some fat and improve my physical condition.

  6. Frank on February 27, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Going to start with the hundredpushups link. Thanks Johnny! I am 52, bad back and very out of shape. This is going to be a step in the right direction for me.

  7. Dave Smith on March 21, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    Got a membership at the local “Y”, not expensive at all and has everything you need). Set up an appointment with a trainer there to get focus on how to reach the goals I’ve set. Here we GO!!

  8. richard on March 22, 2011 at 3:39 am

    estoy en sobre peso pero me propuse bajar de peso y empesar a hacer ejercicios comensar una nueva forma de vivir.

  9. Neil Kennedy on March 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Great to hear what you guys are doing!

  10. Mike Z on April 12, 2011 at 11:11 am

    this is a great idea i cannot wait to see what else you got for us to better our manhood I am a member of my local rec center and i will now go every Monday thanks Neil

  11. Antoine McCoy on April 12, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Getting started on the 45 day challenge. I decided to do the 100 push up challenge. Thanks Johnny for the online resource. I think small and consistent progress will get a better result for me in this area. Let’s get it started!

    • Mike Z on April 26, 2011 at 11:19 am

      way to go Antoine this is awesome

  12. Mike Z on April 26, 2011 at 11:22 am

    I started over as of Monday April 25 so here i go again my friend couldn’t start till then so i went with him to start over we will go five days a week and miss weekends so this will take nine weeks I hope that is ok with you Neil and thanks again for this Manhood challenge

  13. David Elliott on August 29, 2011 at 7:02 am

    Action is when your desire to act over comes your comfort zone.

  14. Ross on October 3, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    Thank you… I think this is what I needed!

  15. Robert on October 11, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    I Love the 45 day Challenge. I picked my walking pace up.
    I now walk at least 30 minutes, sometimes more, 5 to 6 days a week.

  16. Donny on December 11, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    OK, I’ve had the physical, everything is OK except my blood pressure, so I’m on medication. I am starting my exercise program to become physically fit, so I am ready for the adventure. This means that I will need to lose =>25 pounds.
    Let’s roll!

    • Anetor on March 25, 2020 at 10:33 am

      Came across this interesting 45 day challenge. Am hoping to be a changed man at the end of it. Started day 1 with healthy eating practice and online exercise. I pray that God should help me to finish this challenge because I almost always get fed up after starting an endeavour. Thanks

  17. John "Cliff" Yager, Jr. on December 15, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Good stuff! I took on a personal challenge @the beginning of this year. Joined Gold’s Gym, lost 24 lbs. won 12 week
    challenge in my age group. It MAKES a difference to get into a routine of choice that will benefit your body. Feels great to be in shape, prepares us for the work ahead.

  18. Bryan Drake on December 20, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    I’m ready for the challenge! A challenge it’ll be, I work a lot of hours and i’m always busy, but I will stick to the plan!

  19. Larry on December 21, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    I’ve had P90X for over a year, gathering dust on the shelf. I’m going to dust it off and get started today.

  20. BuggsDaniel on January 12, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    great motivation for men. I love this is Gospel!!! keep up the great work for the kingdom of God.

  21. Andre on February 1, 2012 at 8:35 am

    I have been able to lose weight with the use of an elliptical that I have at home, the challenge is staying committed to it.

  22. Brian Ridgeway on February 21, 2012 at 6:32 am

    Have an elliptical and exercise videos to get in shape just never committed fully to staying with it. Today is the day that changes. Day 1 here I come. Praise the Lord!

  23. Eric on April 5, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    Ok…I’m starting the 100 pushups. About 10-15 lbs over-weight, sit too much, need to drop some pounds and get back to my “fighting trim” so to speak.

  24. Ed Stir on April 15, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Thanks for the encouragement! I cant afford the gym but there is plenty I can do here to get into my “fighting weight”. I plan to prepare for the AFPT, and increase my pushups and sit up/crunches, and walking more depending on my little truck to get me to places, and parking further away from the front door of the store and walking the further distance,

  25. Ed Stier on April 16, 2012 at 10:55 am

    OK….so only 8 pushups, APFT requires 30. But still higher than the 5 for level one…yea!

  26. leroy williams on June 6, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    I am 57 year old and iwork out to time a week i am at my weight i am 5-6 and am 155 to 162

  27. Chris Ellis on June 17, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Today is Father’s Day and I stummbled across this website, an answer to prayer. I am in my 30’s and a father of 2. Reading through the replies, I know this is the kind of challenge I NEED to be apart of, even recruited some friends. Praying for perseverance and consistency to learn what God has intended for me. Thank you for this opportunity!

  28. Farley P on June 26, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Started my 45 day challange. Already loved going to gym, but now I have put specific goals to achieve in my diet and work out programs.

  29. Sanford Ashley on June 27, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Hi Men! Finally received the book and 45 day gift as a birthday gift from my wife. I wanted to know if the 45 day challenge is done as you are reading the book,or do you read the book first and then do the challenge.I did peek at the 45 day challenge and used 1 tip that worked for me today!Neil Kennedy…you are the man.

  30. Rudy LOPEZ on July 28, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    I just went running for about 2 miles it was hard but my goal was to not stop and I didnt. I will run every day.

  31. Jason Torres on October 1, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I started my first work out in what seems like ages. It wasn’t so bad. It was 30 minutes of cardio. At first I did not want to do it but I actually enjoyed the results and energy I got from it. Today I put all my excuses aside and will commit to at least 30 minutes of work out every day. Thanks Neil!

    • Neil Kennedy on November 30, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      You guys are starting the Challenge and you will be better men for it! Keep it up!

  32. Kraig Menard on October 24, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Already did HEARTWISE screening. The results…baby asprin a day, start moving and lose 20 lbs. (Already lost 5)…time to keep on keepin on!

  33. Stephen Jakubowski on December 8, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Another great idea is to join a Crossfit gym. That was a great challenge that I think all men should do in their life at least once.

  34. Bill D on December 26, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    Step one will be just to begin a walking program, working my up on distance.

  35. Brent Haeseker on January 1, 2013 at 10:03 am

    Getting ready to start my 45 day challenge now. I want to build muscle mass. Retain better cardio conditioning. Be competitive in mountain bike racing again. Complete a century ride on road bike.

  36. Blake Mcinnis on January 1, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    Started the challenge today and I ordered P90x.

  37. Ray Wilson on January 3, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    I will start my challenge today with a half hour workout reintroducing water into my diet! I feel my best when I’m working out and drinking more h20. No excuses accepted!

  38. Loranzy on January 6, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    I am military,being physical is easy,it’s a part of my every morning routine. It’s being older,that makes it challenging. I just do what I feel I can handle.That is the challenge.

  39. Ryan Nakielny on January 25, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    I’ve been hitting the gym sporadically for the past year, but just recently committed to going at least 4 times a week and starting my workout with running a mile. This first challenge fits perfectly with my commitment to stick with this recent change in my routine. Thanks!

  40. Caleb on March 22, 2013 at 9:06 am

    I’m excited to have found this website and to be able to participate in this challenge! At the beginning of this year I weighed 247 lbs. and I stand 6′ tall. WAY too heavy! So my wife and I have been working to restore our health to what it should be. To date, I have lost 22 lbs. but I still have a ways to go. And to have this resource for encouragement will be great!

  41. Carl McIlvain on April 3, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    I was directed to this website by my brother,I hope it will be the motivation i need to change the direction my life has taken. About two years ago my health took a turn for the worse, in 2011 i had two back operations along with a total knee replacement in 2008,and now have cardio myopathy. At the same time my wife developed health problems which has brought both of us to be on permanent disability.The daily struggles with motivation and to remain positive have been difficult.I think this program will give me the push to strengthen my faith and be more positive about life.I look forward to sharing the journey with others on fivestarman.

  42. James Bauers on April 5, 2013 at 6:58 am

    Shalom, I was so delighted to find this invitation for this 45 Day plan in my inbox! I’ve been trying hard to get into shape in all ways and this looks like a great resource to obtain my goals!

  43. Skeeter on April 16, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Picking my fitness back up! Working on my eating habits, too. That’s tougher than I thought but I am pushing through. Would appreciate the prayers.

  44. Jay on May 14, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    I workout on a regular but I now have a new purpose of it!

  45. John on May 21, 2013 at 11:41 am

    First day was yesterday. I got sick in the middle of my workout and just felt and heard the whisper just give up now. And that’s how I know this is something that I must do! I know that because Satan wouldn’t oppose something isn’t revolutionary. This movement is great and thank you for this challenge.

  46. Shelby on May 29, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    First day of the 45day challenge. I’m pumped up to grow in all areas of my life. Its been a month since my last workout but today its back to the grind. Im setting the goal to be up at 5:00 everyday and get a workout in.

  47. Scott B. on October 13, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    I am going to start P90X today along with some running/jogging. Totally psyched!!!

  48. Russ P on December 8, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Walked outside through 2014, till the time changed and it got cold. Joined a new Planet Fitness just down the street and started going today, walking on the treadmill. Lost 150 pounds this year so far; need to lose another 65, which is my goal I set on day 1 of the challenge. For the 45 day challenge, I intend to lose 20 at least pounds. Also challenged by God to seek more discipline in areas of finance, communication with wife, and reading the Word. Looking the 100 pushups challenge, too.

  49. Douglas S. on December 19, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I committed to 100 pushups first, next pullups, and get a physical exam for baseline is good since I only go when injured. Ready for the next 44 days! Thank you Neil and Charles. I’ll give this to others.

  50. Mike on February 18, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Doctor visit is coming up in about 3 weeks. I hate them but day one of the 45 day challenge encouraged me!

  51. Ed on October 5, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    During my lunch hour, I toured a gym and became a member. This is getting real very quickly!

  52. Derrick on November 19, 2016 at 5:00 pm

    I have committed to running 8 miles a week till Christmas and working harder on my ketosis diet.

  53. Dustin on December 14, 2016 at 10:00 am

    I’m setting a weight goal of 199 lbs. I haven’t been under 200 since I was deployed in Iraq in 2003. I really need to control my eating. I was down to 205 once since then, with lots of exercise, but I continued to eat too much. I am going to train for a marathon again but this time controlling my diet as well.

  54. Pedro Padilla on April 21, 2017 at 7:06 am

    I will be working back up to running once my doc clears me… back issues but healing. In the meantime I plan on riding a stationary bike and using the elliptical machine daily.

  55. Wayne on June 2, 2017 at 8:43 am

    Starting back at the gym today. I am going to try and lose about 35 lbs over the next 5 months.

  56. Eric Gulledge on June 4, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I have worked out regularly 18 out of the last 23 years. I was pumped to see the challenge for the first day was something I enjoy a great deal. During my 5 year layoff got seriously out of shape got up to 260lbs back to 220 and going to shoot for 205 without losing muscle mass. Gave up powerlifting and focus on cardio, body weight exercises, and lifting but only with weight I can do 10 reps. I also try doing manual labor projects anytime I can great workout. My blood pressure is back in check and honestly even though I’m 49 I have as much energy and stamina as a lot of 20 year olds. Thanks for a great idea and program.

  57. Justin on October 30, 2017 at 5:00 am

    I committed to go to the gym 3 days a week and lift weights and to walk 5k three time a week.

  58. Michael on December 13, 2017 at 9:00 am

    My biggest problem is that I work on the road. It is almost impossible to be able to hit up a gym regularly. Over the last 1 to 2 years my workout habits have almost disappeared resulting in loss of strength and weight gain. I’ve started up over the last couple weeks doing small routines in my room and some cardio at the hotel. I plan on keeping this routine up until I am able to get back to a regular gym. I’m looking forward to this challenge and what it has in store!

  59. Chris Rodgers, DC on January 6, 2018 at 7:22 am

    Downloaded Trybe on the iPhone, and will start following Competitors Training on there. Starting 2018 off right, 2018 is going to be a BIG YEAR

  60. Bruce on January 6, 2018 at 10:55 am

    This is a great place to start. I am already in a workout routine daily with weight training. I am coming off Arthroscopic Knee Surgery for my Meniscus and will start running again very soon. Until then, I am doing some light elliptical training. Goal to lose 25 lbs by April 1. I do have a goal as well to see an eye Dr. very soon as I am starting to struggle reading fine print and spreadsheets at work. I like your approach and happened to stumble across your program online. I enjoy the daily the FiveStarMan program.

  61. Coty on March 27, 2018 at 9:21 pm

    I tore my rotator cuff so exercise is difficult right now.. I’m gonna commit to taking a daily 2 mile walk, does that count?

  62. Bill Edwards on July 7, 2018 at 10:03 am

    I’m excited to get started. I’m physically disabled with partial paralysis from chest down. I can walk with a cane. I visit a doctor regularly so I know where I stand. A gym generally doesn’t work. Does anyone have a thought or two on modifying this day one approach?

    • Dov on May 19, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Wow. What an example to me. Being that paralyzed and still determined to take that challenge. I can imagine that walking on a cane is a greater workout for you than push-ups for others. I pray that you’ll get better. Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.

  63. Jaco Booysen on September 17, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    Day one here we go. I have already start training and will lose 20kg. I am from South Africa where men mist become man again. Keep up and be blessed by Jesus Christ and God our father and filled with the Spirit

  64. Heath Gammill on November 7, 2018 at 7:53 am

    I am happy to have you all and the 45 Day Challenge! Today is my first day! I am committing to get my weight down to 194lbs.

  65. D Benjamin on February 20, 2019 at 2:40 am

    Going to lose 10 kilos in the next 45 days. Walk 4 km every day. Cut sugar and biscuits. Cut extra gravy during dinner.

  66. Theodore Andrew Reed on February 27, 2019 at 8:44 am

    I have been rather slack with my commitment to health as of late today I will return to a healthy approach to life. Gym 3 times a week and eating plan. I am around 245 and have a goal of 220.

  67. Robert Freeze on May 19, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    Hello my name is Robert Freeze and I just joined the 45 day challenge so excited.

  68. Robert on August 28, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    For Day 1 I am committing to waking up at 5am so I can get a workout in and then start my morning routine with the wife and kids! I have all the items at home, so there is no excuse! Step one always seems to be the hardest.

  69. Robert Stocking on December 25, 2019 at 10:50 am

    Needed to run across this my life filled with wrong decisions making the same mistakes I don’t want to live life loosing everything I just lost it all again not to long ago woman of my dreams job everything I owned because I wasn’t living right an it caused me great pain with marks on my heart that will never go away but today I choose to change an give it all to God so time to get physical an fit this is all for the better man I know I can be

  70. Joseph E Williams on May 14, 2020 at 10:05 am

    I am excited to start my 45 day challenge today. I appreciate what Neil Kennedy said ” The STEPS of a good man are ordered by the Lord not our leaps” Ive known for a while I need to get the weight off , because there is so much God wants to do through my life that is being hindered by my weight. So today since I am too overweight to do p90x and would be a leap for me I am committing to a first step in walking a 20 minutes a day to work my way toward p90x. As long as I am taking steps not leaps God will bless those steps. Here we go!!

  71. Kevin Arnold on May 18, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Good Day Warriors! As a long time P90X fan and Soulcon/Gibboim member I’m very excited about this new, fresh look into becoming Spiritually, Mentally and Physically fit Warrior for God! Thank you for this and I’m honored to lock shields with you Men!

  72. Dov on May 19, 2020 at 2:23 am

    Hi Guys. I received the Fivestar Man for some time now here in Germany and I admit to read it until now unly once in a while. It needed a strong crisis im my life to get me ready to change. I hope and pray to our good father that this will last and not stop soon. I tried to do it for decades the lone ranger way but I realized that I need your support. I expected something “superspiritual” for the start. Thank you for grounding me to the basics. My challenge is to gain some weight through muscles. Food hardly helps me to gain wheight only exercise helps me. No jealousy please it is propably as hard as to loose weight for most of you guys. I am type I diabetic and also need to balance my metabolism through exercise. Be blessed and please pray for my crisis.

  73. Brandon on October 21, 2020 at 7:11 am

    Starting 10/21 – physical scheduled / workout plan established.

  74. Jesse Warner on July 1, 2021 at 8:41 pm

    Currently I am about 25-30 lbs over weight. I have some kettlebells and TRX suspension trainer in my garage gym. I plan to use the Fitify apps for HITT training at least 3 days per week https://fitifyapps.com/ I also plan to ride my mountain bike at least 2x per week. My struggle will be my diet. Looking into the Mediterranean diet for the anti inflammatory benefits. I’ve also added the math protocol daily initially to prevent COVID-19 now to fight illness and inflammation. Melatoni,n vitamin c in asorbic acid form, zinc, quercetin, fish oil for the Omega 3, and vitamin d. I also plan to cut my sugar intake. Thank you Neil for putting this together. There is a strong need for authentic manhood in the world today. We need to get our fight back in Jesus name amen!

  75. Drew Epperson on October 13, 2021 at 8:00 am

    I’m still pretty active and in decent shape, so my goal is kick the cigarette before bed habit I have.

  76. Jonathan on April 20, 2024 at 5:56 am

    I have joined the YMCA and my goal is to continue to lose weight as I am down 34 pounds and my goal is to lose 10 more pounds within a month

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