The Summer Shred Starting Point — Why I Decided to Do This
When I first received the email and text invitation to join the Alpha Health 6th Annual Summer Shred Challenge, my reaction was simple:
I ignored it.
It sounded like something designed for younger men chasing six-pack abs—not someone like me, who has zero interest in being “shredded.” I’m not trying to become a bodybuilder. I just want to stay strong, capable, and healthy for the years ahead.
But then my health coach, Faith, sent me a message:
“Hey, can I sign you and Lanny up for the Shred Challenge? It’s free—I think you’ll enjoy it.”
I said yes without hesitation.
If I’m being honest, I thought I was doing her a favor—helping her fill spots in the program. I also figured Lanny would enjoy it since he’s always been consistent with weight training. My role, as I saw it at the time, was simple:
Show up. Be supportive. Ride along.
Then things escalated.
I received instructions to download an app. Inside were educational videos, a structured program, and details about a personalized fitness and nutrition plan. There will be weekly check-ins. Progress tracking. Accountability.
That’s when the thought hit me:
What exactly did I just sign up for?
The first step is a full body scan using an InBody machine—measuring BMI and a range of other body composition metrics. That scan, scheduled for tomorrow, becomes the official starting point.
From there… it’s 10 weeks of something.
Right now, I don’t fully understand the program. I don’t know what the “game” is, and I’m not entirely sure why I’m playing.
But I do know this:
I’m curious.
And that’s enough to begin.
— Jamie Harrington
Freedom to Thrive
Curious explorer of living well in the second half of life.
