How to Find the Best Fitness Challenge for You
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified running coach
If you want to get fit, a fitness challenge is a great way to stay motivated and find workouts. Fitness challenges offer a fun and supportive way to find workouts, have accountability, and meet other people with similar fitness goals. These tips and resources will help you find the best workout challenge for you so you can step up your fitness journey.
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What Is a Fitness Challenge?
A fitness challenge is a workout schedule that is usually very streamlined with an end date and a common goal. You have probably seen many fitness challenges on social media - from 30-day abs challenges to 3-month weight loss challenges.
Most fitness challenges are one month, with some lasting longer, up to a year. The end goal and community are some of the unique features that make fitness challenges so engaging and popular. Most people have trouble sticking to a home workout program, and fitness challenges give you an extra boost of motivation and social support.
Types of Fitness Challenges
There are many different forms of fitness challenges, from specific body part challenges like arms and abs to more general ones like weight loss or beginners’ fitness. A good fitness challenge will have exercises that progressively build your strength as you focus on certain muscle groups.
Some fitness challenges are designed by trainers - (ours is) - and some are free workout routines on the internet that get shared and passed around. These may be things like a push-up challenge, which has simple workouts that are not designed by a trainer.
There are pros and cons for each type of challenge. If you want more guidance and professionally planned workouts, a paid fitness challenge is your best bet. If you already have a fitness routine and just want to become better at one skill - like push-ups - then free fitness challenges may be for you.
What to Look for in a Fitness Challenge
When you’re looking at fitness challenges, it can be overwhelming because there are so many options. Here are some features to look for that will help you decide on the best fitness challenge for you:
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
Goal. What is the goal of the fitness challenge? Is it to burn calories, to get moving, or to strengthen a certain muscle or group of muscles? Does the goal align with yours? If you need help setting your fitness goals, check out our tips for setting fitness goals.
Timeframe. How long is the challenge and can you commit to the timeframe? A 30-day challenge is a good way to test out a program. If you’re ready for lasting change, you can commit to a longer fitness challenge. Check out our free Walking Challenge for a 30-day challenge to get started on improving your fitness.
Workout Program. Does the fitness challenge have workouts designed by a certified trainer? There are many unaccredited people on the internet claiming to be experts so be sure to do your research. If you really want to improve your fitness level, it’s best to do a challenge that is designed by a certified fitness trainer. Be wary of outlandish claims of losing weight fast or seeing dramatic fitness results in a short timeframe. Any legit fitness program will not promise unrealistic results and will not rely on fad diets or unhealthy practices.
Accountability. One of the best benefits of joining fitness challenges is accountability. When you join a challenge, you usually gain access to a group of members who have similar fitness goals and can offer support and encouragement. If you are struggling with motivation, accountability is important to help keep you on track with your workouts.
Price. Does the challenge price align with your budget? Keep in mind that having a free price tag often means little to no accountability or support so although you may not spend anything, you probably won’t get as much out of the challenge either.
Which Fitness Challenges are Best for You?
Once you know your fitness goal and what to look for in a challenge, you can find the best fitness challenge for you. Whichever fitness challenge you decide to try, I wish you luck, and happy sweating to you! Let’s make this the best year yet for a fit and healthy life. 😊👊
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.
