Why do I do fitness challenges?

This month I've got a group of friends join me for a 31-day total body fitness challenge. This is not my first fitness challenge and will definitely not be the last one. But why? What really makes me commit to it?

There are different theories around doing the same thing for 7, 14 or 21 days to build a habit or doing the same exercise every day for a number of days to strengthen a muscle. I don't know if there is one scientifically correct answer to how long it takes to get better at something. But I do believe that doing the same exercise over and over again with increased number of repetitions makes you stronger over time.

What is a fitness challenge

Fitness challenge is a short set of exercises performed with increased number of repetitions over a defined number of days / weeks. These challenges normally start with a 1-2 minute workout a day and, depending on the number of repetitions, increase to 10-15 minutes a day. They can target a specific body part, such as squat or abs challenges, or can include a total body combinations of workouts. A challenge normally has a predefined schedule with a specific set of exercises and repetitions for every day.

What do I like about fitness challenges

1. Targeted effect. A fitness challenge is a very targeted way to strengthen a specific set of muscles. If you do the same short set of exercises with increased repetitions every day within a month, you are guaranteed to increase your strength and endurance.
2. Minimal time commitment. The challenge only takes a few minutes a day. It can easily be done right after you roll out of bed, even in your PJs. And you still get the results!
3. Motivational tool. Once you make yourself do those pushups or crunches for a few minutes, you already get into a workout mood and are more likely to squeeze a few extra exercises or even do a full workout. Even with a well established workout routine, I still find it very motivational.
4. A group spirit. You can invite any number of friends or colleagues to join you in a challenge by creating a group chat or a social group. Then you report on your daily progress to a group, which creates accountability and motivates others in the group.
5. A tool to keep you active every day. Even on the days when you are not planning any other workout, those few minutes of the challenge are guaranteed to make you feel better by doing something good for your body.
6. Quick toning tool. I found fitness challenges to be a great tool when you need to get toned before that upcoming vacation or an event. I myself have done abs or core challenges before vacations and I was definitely feeling better and more confident by the end of the challenge.
7. Wide variety of challenges available. The is a great variety of different fitness challenges available online. You can pick pretty much any challenge you want, from very targeted oblique or cuffs challenges to the full body ones. They have it all planned for you for every day, with pictures or videos of each exercise  and a defined number of daily repetitions.

Ready to try a fitness challenge now?

If you haven't tried a fitness challenge yet, I highly recommend it. To begin with, pick the one that is pretty quick or that targets the area you would like to tone or strengthen the most. If you really stick to it, you will be surprised with what you can do by the end of the challenge! Good luck and enjoy yourself! And I will keep you posted on the next challenges I do.