3-2-1...fizz...Would that summarize your energy levels during your fitness sessions this week? It wouldn’t be surprising, really. We’ve all been there, done that!
It could be the sweltering heat, back-to-back deadlines, or that familiar attack of lethargy that could be stopping you from keeping that decade-old resolution of getting and staying fit! Of course, we can also blame a global pandemic for not being able to keep our date with that perfect workout regimen we drew out, a few years ago, was it? It is simply not fun or motivating enough to exercise every day - alone and unguided. Enter the fitness challenge. A fun way to ensure you keep your word to yourself and your date with the BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator.
Research from Harvard Health says that regular exercise not only reduces risk of heart disease and regulates blood pressure levels, but also builds memory and thinking as it enlarges the hippocampus area (part of the brain involved in memory and learning). It also relieves stress and anxiety.
Another study by market intelligence agency Mintel has found that 64 percent of Indians do not exercise. Lack of time and motivation are the general reasons given for this. A fitness challenge can be that boost you need to kickstart your fitness routine.
However, you may be wondering if you are qualified to take a fitness challenge. Some people worry that they may not be cut out for a full-blown fitness challenge. Find out all you wanted to know about the 16-day fitness challenge.
What do you need to join the fitness challenge?
Just a desire to get fit! However, this challenge does include some potentially strenuous physical exercises, and so, it would be best to consult with your medical provider if you have any concerns. Do ensure that you have a safe and suitable environment for your participation in this fitness challenge. There is no need for any gym certification or recommendation letters from your physical trainer. If you are able to walk, and move about, you should be able to join our fun 16-day fitness challenge!
What can the 16-day fitness challenge do for you?
1. Set realizable targets
Normally, we set very impressive fitness goals. Ones that have no base in reality! It is a result of that passing upbeat mood that ‘tricks’ us into thinking that anything is possible...goals that look less enticing once the rainbow fades! A fitness challenge can help formulate realistic, achievable goals as it helps fix a pattern that you test over a period of time - 16 days in this case.
2. Exercise every muscle
If you do not know how to ensure that every part of you is adequately exercised, the fitness challenge can help fill in the blanks. Whether you want to tone yourself, or lose weight, or stay flexible, the fitness challenge includes a workout that includes every part of you - ensuring you flex every muscle and exercise every cell!
3. Stay interested in your routine
Are you the perkiest participant on Day 1 of your fitness routine but then lose your enthusiasm and (coincidentally) fitness chart around Day 5? This fitness challenge has so many variations, fun workouts, and mini challenges every day that you will never get bored. The different exercises keep your routine fresh and interesting.
4. Avoid injury and soreness
The 16-day Fitness Challenge ensures that once you push the limits with a particular muscle group, there is adequate recovery time before you test them again. This avoids soreness and injuries giving muscles time to recuperate so you build yourself in a stable and systematic way. At the same time, you will be on track to achieving your goals of superlative fitness with that enviable shape as you still continue exercising the other muscle groups in your body.
5. Engage in group fitness sessions
One of the most enjoyable things about a fitness challenge is doing it with friends and family and testing your limits. You can compare each other’s capabilities, motivating each other, and making it a common goal. This helps you continue your fitness routine for a longer time.
6. Customize your workout
Having a coach guide you through the fitness routine gives you that added impetus and belief in your practice. It also gives you a range of workouts that suit your body and abilities. Also, knowing slight variations and tweaks in the exercise regimen can help you really customize the session for you.
7. Commit to fitness for a limited time period
Having a limited period of exercise gives you confidence and that added boost to start your fitness routine. It makes you set short- term goals that are achievable. Well begun is indeed half done. Because once you start, we assure you that the routine can be extremely addictive! You just won’t want to stop!
How to prepare for the fitness challenge
- Effortlessly follow the instructions.
- Listen to your body, the best teacher. Take breaks whenever necessary.
- Feel and move mindfully with the breath; it helps detoxify you as you workout.
- Enjoy the challenge - smile brightly as you move from one routine to the next.
- Ensure that you supplement the fitness routine with proper diet and sleep.
- After the fitness regimen, gently slip into meditation; it calms your mind and motion lightens the emotions.
What are you signing up for with our fitness challenge?
Each day of the online 16-day Fitness Challenge includes 20 minutes of physical workouts plus 20 minutes of meditation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. So, you club exercise for the body with exercise and peace for the mind and spirit.
Do 16 days sound like a lot?
When you think about 16 non-stop days of exercise, it feels like a long time. However, when you think of 40 minutes in the span of 24 hours, it doesn’t really sound like it is asking for a lot, does it? Think of it as a gift of 20 minutes each to your body and mind. And every day you complete, you are that much closer to achieving your goals. Those who start the challenge wait eagerly for the next day’s challenge. Because it is such a feel-good practice that moves you from effort to effortlessness! And, more importantly, one that contributes to good health.
Are you still worried you won’t keep the commitment to yourself?
Here are some ideas from experts that will help you stick to this challenge:
- Make it a family affair - 20 minutes of quality family time.
- Post photos of yourself in the Fitness Challenge on social media - the comments you receive will inspire you to continue.
- Congratulate yourself on every successful day of fitness - express gratitude to yourself.
- Come back to the challenge even if you have missed a day or more. The point is to not give up.
Listen to Anjana Vivek who successfully completed the 16-day Fitness Challenge:
The Fitness Challenge was an experience of - ‘Discipline brings freedom’. My takeaways from this challenge were: unique & enjoyable variations of stretches, the unwavering smile of Dinesh, & most importantly, the consistency.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan the start of a regular and enduring fitness routine with this 16-day Fitness Challenge. You can try each day of the fitness challenge independently but we would suggest that you take every step of the whole journey. So you can feel holistic wellness. Start here.
Based on the 16-day Fitness Challenge of the Art of Living
