You better get ready, 2018! This is the year [1] you're going to eat healthier [2], crush some goals, and be the fittest you've ever been in your entire life! Make it happen one month at a time with these fitness challenges [3]. Some are short and simple, and some require more time and effort, but all are designed to get you stronger physically and mentally [4]. Let's do this!
January Challenge: Try 4 New Workouts
Skip the same old and bring new fire to your fitness world by giving new workouts a try. This month, try one new workout a week. Maybe it's a partner strength-training class in your gym, Zumba, Soulcycle, adult ballet [6], road biking outside, Ashtanga yoga, or Barry's Bootcamp [7]. Even trying a new instructor counts!
February Challenge: Get Outside
Your goal this month is to take your workouts outside. At least twice a week, commit to getting some fresh air [8] and sunshine out in Mother Nature — even if it's cold outside! Walk, hike, ski, snowshoe, bike, run [9], or swim (if it's warm enough!).
March Challenge: Do 10-Minute Workout Videos 3 Times a Week
This fitness challenge only takes 30 minutes per week — that's just 10 minutes for three days! Three times a week, challenge yourself to do one 10-minute workout video [10]. It can be HIIT cardio [11] in the morning, strength training [12] at noon, or yoga [13] after dinner.
April Challenge: Join a Fitness Community
Whether it's in the flesh or online, become part of a fitness community this month. It could be as small as getting a few of your friends together for regularly weekly workouts, joining a new CrossFit box [14] (they're known for their supportive community), or joining an online fitness group [15] like one you find through Instagram. You can share workouts, photos, and the accountability will keep you motivated.
May Challenge: Start a Fitness Challenge
This is the month to commit to a fitness challenge. Choose one of the challenges below, depending on your goals:
- 21-Day Arm Challenge [16]
- 30-Day 6-Pack Challenge [17]
- 2 Weeks to 50 Burpees [18]
- 21-Day Butt Challenge [19]
- 4-Week Beginner Bodyweight Challenge [20]
- 30-Day Squat Challenge [21]
- 4-Week Push-Up Plan [22]
- 2-Week Total-Body Challenge [23]
June Challenge: Start a Home Gym
This month, your goal is to gather some fitness equipment to create your own home gym. Start with a pair of dumbbells and a yoga mat so you can do some strength training or stretching at home [24]. Even five minutes a day will make a difference. Add in other types of equipment like a jump rope, a kettlebell [25], a heavier set of dumbbells, a pull-up bar that fits in a door frame, or a TRX [26]. If you want to go bigger, get something like the Flywheel at-home bike and workout system called Fly Anywhere [27]. If your home gym is set up, you're more likely to squeeze in a little extra fitness when you can.
July Challenge: Do 1 Workout That Scares or Challenges You
This month, your goal is do a workout you've always wanted to but have been too scared to try. Something that maybe pushes you out of your comfort zone [28], uses equipment that scares you, or is harder than you're used to. Just once! Remember this quote: "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."
August Challenge: Sign Up For a Race (or Make a Similar Goal)
This month, get inspired by creating a goal that you can work toward. Sign up for a 5K [29] or 10K race [30], commit to building up to 100 burpees [31] or squats, or challenge yourself to do a handstand. Print out a plan [32] or write one down so at the end of the month, you can give yourself a high-five for your accomplishment.
September Challenge: Increase the Number of Workouts You Do This Month
Whether you do zero workouts or three a week, let's kick it up a notch and do a few extra workouts this month. Challenge yourself and commit to four to five workouts a week [33]. You can do it!
October Challenge: Work With a Trainer
Your goal this month? Set up a session with a personal trainer. Bring questions like "Which exercises work your butt the most?" or a goal in mind such as "I want to build up to 10 push-ups [34]." They can help make it happen. Everyone can benefit from the expertise from a professional who specializes in fitness.
November Challenge: Commit to Recovery and Prevention
The workouts are just part of the equation when it comes to being fit. You also need spend time being proactive with recovery and injury prevention. Commit to foam rolling [35], stretching or doing yoga regularly, and getting massages this month.
December Challenge: Push Yourself!
This month, it's time to bring it! Focus on pushing yourself hard, whether it's to run a litter faster, do a longer workout [36], lift heavier, do more reps, or get more intense [37]! Get that heart pumping, those muscles burning, and that body sweating! Commit to pushing yourself hard during two workouts a week. What an awesome way to end the year!