Challenges are probably one of the most engaging, fun and satisfying things to do while training. It gives a sense of purpose and of gains that is impressively motivating. Given this, people will usually over extend a challenge and do it repeatedly as if it were nothing more than a workout (ie: the 300 routine – what you found online is a challenge, a big one), this is a mistake.
A challenge should last between a single workout or a cycle (4-6 weeks), done to test yourself, or with a very specific goal in mind. That’s what makes it a challenge and not your regular workout. Why shouldn’t you go over in time? You’d be overtaxing yourself, compromising your gains.
Creating your own challenges
- Keep your goals in mind
- Be as specific as possible
- Make it hard
- Keep it simple!
If you’re going to blast a PR or test yourself, make it consistent with what you’ve been doing so far. For example, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to test your distance running when you haven’t walked a single block in the last year. So, set yourself for success, and challenge yourself to become better in something that means something to you.
If you need some inspiration, here are some great challenges to take on!
- Dan John’s 10000 swings challenge
- Chad Waterbury’s PLP Challenge
- Steve Maxwell’s New Year’s resolution
- The 300 (original) challenge
- There’s million more to be checked in Fitocracy
Keep yourself challenged and motivated!
Do you have any challenges you’d like to share with us?
Motus Virtute