No matter how motivated you are to work out this year, starting a fitness routine can be intimidating. While there are many virtual workout options available these days, participating in a fitness challenge can be an amazing way to jumpstart your goals and create healthy habits. Challenges can help you find community, expand your comfort zone, and help set specific, realistic goals that’ll last all year long! Here are seven fun fitness challenges that’ll be sure to spark your motivation in 2021.
- 30 Day Yoga Journey
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This free challenge was created by my all-time favorite yogi, Adriene Mischler. Her easy-to-follow yoga videos are perfect for beginners and yoga veterans alike — don’t worry, you won’t be expected to bend yourself into a pretzel or stand on your head. Instead, Adriene guides you through mindful yoga practices that encourage you to stay present and tune into your breath.
- Rumble Boxing Program
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If you’re ready for an upbeat workout challenge that’ll get your heart pumping, look no further than Rumble, a boxing-inspired group fitness experience with high-energy instructors and electrifying workouts. For their Rumble Program, take 16 virtual classes on their schedule to complete the challenge. And if you’re skeptical about throwing punches, don’t worry — this workout is accessible, non-combative, and *super* fun.
- Tone It Up Challenge
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Tone It Up is a fitness and wellness community, inspiring women to live their healthiest, happiest lives. Not to mention they make delicious post-workout protein powders (psst: the cinnamon roll flavor is a must-have). As part of their 6-week challenge, you’ll get access to virtual at-home workouts, expert Q&As, nutrition tips, accountability, and community support.
- Mindfulness Challenge
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Staying calm during the new year can feel like a challenge in itself. This year, commit to a mindful lifestyle with the free 2021 Calm Calendar. A calendar will be released each month of 2021 with daily mindfulness challenges to help you breathe deeper, sleep better, and stay inspired this year. Sometimes, fitness challenges are less about “go hard or go home” and more about deepening your awareness.
- Nike Training Club
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TBH, the Nike Training Club app has kept me sane over the past year. Their multi-week programs and challenges include workouts, nutrition tips, and wellness guidance that’ll help your new year resolution stick. Each program is led by a Nike Master Trainer (I’m a fan of Kirsty Godso!) and is designed to fit into your busy life. You can choose from many challenges within strength training, cardio, HIT, yoga, and more.
- Running Challenge
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Let’s be real, sometimes I’m 100% motivated to run and other times I’m just…not. Accountability is key, and if I have numbers to hit, I’m more likely to lace up and start moving. Run The Year 2021 is perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their fitness this year with a clear goal in mind. The challenge: run 2,021 miles in 2021! You can embark on the challenge solo (you go, girl) or divide the mileage with a team of five friends and tackle 2,021 miles together.
- Pilates Challenge
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If you love a mix of cardio, pilates, and stretching, this 21 Day Tone challenge from Blogilates may be a great option for you. The objective: stay active for 21 days straight for at least 21 minutes a day! Along with each workout, you’re also encouraged to drink 64oz of water every day and add more fruits and veggies to your diet. You’ll get a cute calendar to stay on track, plus the chance to win gear for your at-home gym.
Fitness goals sound overwhelming at first, but they don’t have to be. Whether you’re interested in high-intensity workouts, becoming more flexible, practicing mindfulness, or all of the above, there is a wellness challenge out there for you. This year, rather than focusing on what you should be doing, I challenge you to focus on what feels right for your body and start there. You’ll be on your way to healthy habits in no time and I’ll be cheering you on!