Fitness challenges are a fun way to add physical activity into your daily life. The idea is that by completing one or more challenges you’ll experience an increased level of energy and overall fitness. This is also a great way to break through any sluggish or stagnant habits you may have.
Some fitness challenges are designed to improve your overall health while others are more specific to a particular goal. Regardless of the type, the benefits include increased energy levels, improved sleep, and a boosted mood. While these challenges can be enjoyable, some are not for the faint of heart.
One challenge that’s been around for ages is walking. Walking is a dependable form of exercise that boosts your metabolism, improves lung function, and provides many other positive health benefits. It’s a simple task to do for a few minutes a day, so there’s no excuse not to get started.
In fact, studies have shown that a small change in routine can yield large gains in total movement. For example, walking can boost your productivity at work and provide a natural pick me up.
A more complicated challenge can incorporate both cardio and strength building exercises. An example is the HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout. These types of exercises are highly effective at burning calories, and may even outperform traditional cardio for fat loss. However, it’s important to make sure that your HIIT plan is appropriate for you.
Another challenge consists of a series of tests. While they aren’t necessarily a complete slam dunk, they are a fun way to check your own physical fitness levels and see if you’re ready to embark on a new regimen. Using a fitness test can reveal many important details about your current state of health, including whether or not you’re at risk for heart disease, diabetes, or any other chronic health condition. You can also compare the results of your test with those of your friends or colleagues.
The same study showed that it took between 18 and 254 days for new habits to stick. Although there is some controversy, it’s not hard to believe that the most successful new behaviors can take a significant amount of time to develop. Luckily, most fitness challenges are built to last. If you don’t have time for a complete overhaul of your diet and exercise schedule, a fitness challenge can be the best solution for you.
The most important part of any challenge is being accountable. There are several options available, including in-studio classes, online challenges, and a variety of short-term packages. Online challenges are easy to join and low-cost to participate in. They are also a perfect way to try a new activity without the hassle of buying equipment or taking up a spot in a class.
Depending on your motivation, you can choose a challenge that suits your personality and goals. From there, the only thing left to do is to get moving!
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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