If you’d like to get fit, or take your exercise regime to the next level, you may not even need to leave your house.
In recent years, there has been an explosion of online training programmes, which give you access to some of the best the fitness world has to offer, sometimes in the comfort of your own home. Here are seven fitness challenges worth exploring for the next step in your fitness journey.
Couch to 5k
The Couch to 5k running programme is designed to get non-runners into the habit. It was developed by a runner who wanted to help his mother start running, too. It involves three runs a week and a schedule the builds up your fitness and stamina over the weeks. And you can download the app to your mobile to get coaching on the go.
Yoga with Adriene
Yoga With Adriene is a YouTube channel that has got lots of people moving, especially during lockdowns – and at the start of each year, she offers a new 30-day challenge that remains available to start at any time. Workouts vary in focus but after the 30 days, many participants report feeling stronger and more flexible, and it often is the start of a fitness habit that carries on.
Burpee bonanza
A popular challenge that circulates social media every so often is the 100-burpees-a-day month. In this challenge, participants pledge to complete 100 of the exercises (squat-plank-squat-stand, with an optional jump) every day for the full month. This should help to build your cardio fitness and stamina.
Plank progress
Holding a plank is great for your abdominal strength, but most people can’t stay in position for very long without losing form. In this challenge, participants try to add a few seconds to their plank time each day, and build up the length of their planks over a month or two. In theory, there’s no limit to how long you could continue to extend your planks – the world record is more than nine hours.
Counting kilometres
Sometimes, people use this sort of challenge to raise money for a charity, but it can be done without the fundraising aspect, too. At the start of a week, month or even year, you set yourself a goal for the number of kilometres you want to walk or run in that time. You might aim for 10km in a week, or stretch to 100km in a month – maybe you decide to pool your efforts with friends to hit a goal together.
10,000 steps
It’s common to aim to complete 10,000 steps a day as a way to ensure you’re not leading too sedentary a lifestyle. Being deliberate about it and ticking it off every day can help you stay on track. You can add to your steps tally by popping to the letterbox, walking the dog, or running errands nearby.
A timed run
How fast can you run a kilometre? Many people focus on distance rather than speed when they are walking or running for fitness. Turning that on its head and trying to improve your speed over a short distance can be a way to keep things interesting. There are a range of apps that allow you to tackle challenges and compare your pace with others.
Like to talk?
If your fitness goals have got you thinking about the rest of your wellbeing, it might be time for a check-up. We can help you work out whether you’re getting the most out of insurances and help you determine whether you’re on track for your financial goals.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
