ARE CHALLENGES WORTH IT?
I’m Jade, PT and instructor at 1Rebel Dubai, I want to talk about something that can supercharge your fitness journey… Challenges. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just starting out, embracing fitness challenges can be a game-changer. I want to share some of the challenges that I have done so far in 2024 and why they are so important.
I found that I was stuck in a bit of a rut in my fitness journey with no real motivation or goals in sight, everything was just a bit BLUHH. I needed some change and there’s no better time than the 1st of January right? A good friend of mine mentioned a challenge called ‘The 75HARD’ I had never heard of it. It’s on the extreme end of fitness challenges that consisted of 75 days of the following principles:
- Drinking 4 litres of water a day
- 2 workouts a day (1 being outdoors)
- Reading 10 pages of a self-help book a day
- Committing to a diet of your choice
- 0 alcohol
This challenge is exceptionally hard, and not something I’d advise anyone beginning a fitness journey to take on. However, this challenge not only kickstarted me into the new year but has totally changed me as a person. I was a person that very easily would break promises to myself however big or small and before you know it you have created a habit. On this challenge you have no choice you have to do the challenge every day for 75 days. By day 30 is when it really started to become challenging, but I found I was the happiest I’ve felt, my training had never looked better and really started to see the benefits and results of the challenge. It was never about aesthetics, but it taught me the most valuable lesson of all. To keep the promises, you say you are going to do. Life looks a lot different for me now, I prioritise my health and wellness and I’m achieving more this year than ever before. Once I finished the 75HARD I proved to myself I was capable of hard things, and it was amazing feeling. Will definitely be doing this again next year.
Challenges force you to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s running your first 5K, mastering a new yoga pose, or completing a month-long workout streak, these goals push you to discover what you’re truly capable of. The sense of accomplishment and confidence you gain spills over into other areas of your life, too.
There are some major benefits to setting yourself Challenges.
1) Mental Resilience
Overcoming a fitness challenge is as much a mental feat as it is a physical one. Every time you push through a tough workout or resist the urge to skip a session, you’re building mental toughness. This resilience translates to other aspects of your life, making you better equipped to handle stress and adversity.
2) Building Healthy Habits
Challenges are excellent for establishing and reinforcing healthy habits. The repetitive nature of daily or weekly goals helps ingrain these behaviours into your routine. By the end of the challenge, activities like regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest become second nature.
3) Community and Support
One of the best parts of fitness challenges is the sense of community. Whether you’re participating with friends, family, or strangers from around the world, you’re never alone. The camaraderie, encouragement, and friendly competition can make the journey enjoyable and fulfilling. You’ll make new friends and find a support system that extends beyond the challenge itself.
Here are some tips for you for when you tackle your next challenge.
1) Set Realistic Goals
Choose a challenge that’s attainable but still pushes your limits. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout.
2) Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or use an app to track your workouts, diet, and how you’re feeling. This will help you stay on course and make adjustments as needed.
3) Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait until the end to celebrate. Acknowledge and reward yourself for the small victories along the way. Completed your first week? Treat yourself to something nice.
4) Stay Positive
Challenges can be tough, and setbacks are part of the process. Keep a positive mindset, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.
Here are a few challenges you could look into and take part in depending on your own goals and fitness level:
- Couch to 5k
- Step challenge, setting yourself an attainable daily goal to hit
- Stair challenge, promising yourself to always take the stairs instead of a lift or escalator (or walking up the escalator instead of standing)
- 30 day yoga challenge
- Sign up to a 10k, half marathon or marathon
- Sign up to a group fitness event with friends like Hyrox or Turf Games
- 75 Soft (a slightly more paired back version to the 75 Hard)
In conclusion, fitness challenges are more than just a way to get in shape—they’re a pathway to personal growth, mental toughness, and a healthier lifestyle. So, what are you waiting for? Find a challenge that excites you and jump in. My last challenge was taking part in my first ever Hyrox which I can’t believe I made first place and an invitation to the world championships in Nice. Keep pushing your limits, you are so capable if you just put your mind to it. The thing you are thinking about ... DO IT.
Jade