by Ashley Yashar
New year… new me! Right? Did you know according to Forbes Health, fitness is one of the top New Years resolutions? In a poll of 1,000 partakers, it was revealed that “overall, 48% of people say improving fitness is a top priority in 2024” (Forbes, 2024). However, most people tend to fall off their goals because they simply do not know where to start. What gym to sign up for? What workouts would be impactful for my body type and strength? In this blog post, we researched the benefits of partaking in a fitness challenge, and why it’s the best way to start your year.
Participating in a fitness challenge can offer a variety of benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some potential advantages:
- New Year, New Goals: The beginning of the year is often associated with a fresh start and the opportunity to set new goals. This psychological shift can inspire individuals to commit to positive changes, including embarking on a fitness journey.
- Resolution Mindset: The tradition of New Year’s resolutions is prevalent, and many people are motivated to adopt healthier habits as part of their resolutions. Joining a fitness challenge aligns with this resolution mindset, providing a structured way to pursue health and wellness goals.
- Motivation and Goal Setting: Fitness challenges often involve setting specific goals, providing participants with clear objectives to work towards. This can enhance motivation and focus.
- Improved Physical Health: Engaging in regular physical activity through a fitness challenge can lead to improved cardiovascular health, increased strength, better flexibility, and weight management.
- Establishing Healthy Habits: Fitness challenges encourage the development of consistent exercise habits, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Over time, these habits can become ingrained.
- Community and Social Support: Many fitness challenges are conducted in group settings or online communities. This social aspect can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie, making the fitness journey more enjoyable.
- Stress Reduction: Exercise is known to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Fitness challenges offer a structured way to incorporate stress-reducing activities into daily life.
- Increased Accountability: Knowing that others are also working towards similar fitness goals can create a sense of accountability. This accountability can be internal or external, depending on the challenge structure.
- Variety in Workouts: Challenges often include diverse workout routines or activities, preventing boredom and encouraging participants to explore different forms of exercise.
- Measurable Progress: Fitness challenges typically involve tracking progress, allowing participants to see improvements over time. This tangible evidence of progress can boost confidence and motivation.
- Customization: Challenges can be tailored to individual fitness levels and goals, making them accessible to a wide range of participants.
- Fun and Enjoyment: Engaging in a fitness challenge can add an element of fun and excitement to the workout routine. This enjoyment can make exercise more sustainable in the long term.
Here at Archer Pilates, we are launching our very own 6 Week fitness challenge! It begins January 27, 2024 and ends March 9. Hop into the shop on our website, and sign up today!
**It’s important to note that the benefits may vary depending on the type of fitness challenge and individual preferences. Before starting any fitness challenge, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to ensure that the chosen activities are safe and suitable for your specific health conditions and fitness level.