The Psychology of the Fall Fitness Challenge

You want to get healthier. You’ve tried it before. Maybe you got three days – even three weeks – into it, but then your motivation lagged and “life got in the way.” (The irony, of course, that “life” is a whole lot better when you eat well and exercise.)

 

So how can it be different this time? FIND FRIENDS TO DO IT WITH YOU! Research shows that group fitness classes are so effective because of the social aspect of knowing people are expecting you and cheering you on.

Even if it’s not a group class at a gym, having an accountability partner (or group) is so helpful in holding you to your plans.

 

Maybe you’re intrigued by the upcoming Fitness Challenge here at Everyday Faith and Fitness. Convince a couple of your friends to do it with you. There’s nothing saying you can’t coordinate your three weekly workouts and do them together. Equipment is very minimal so that it can easily be done in a park, a school gym, or a friend’s house.

 

Plus, it’s sort of like that awkward office “Biggest Loser” contest – except without the unhealthy options of tricking the scale. You’ll have the benefits of commiserating together AND the chance to win $100. I know, it’s “only” a hundred bucks, but I’m pretty sure I could find something to spend that on!

The more people that enter, the more $100 prizes we will give away!

 

I considered just doing this program with no cost, but I hope a $10 entry fee seems reasonable. First, (have I mentioned one of my majors in college was Psychology?), human motivation is highly influenced by the spending of money.

If we feel like we have INVESTED in something, we’re much more likely to stick to it. Buying that $100 pair of running shoes always seems like a shock to the budget, but then I remember I want to get my “money’s worth” and out the door I go.

(Sidenote: Not to mention the physiological benefits of foot care and joint health when you are wearing quality, well-fitting running shoes… If you’re an “I-just-don’t-like-running” kind of person, maybe consider a trip to your local Fleet Feet or other specially running store. It seriously makes a world of difference!)

 

And secondly, it seemed disrespectful to the profession of personal trainers as a whole if I offered workout plans, nutrition ideas, and coaching all for nothing. The studying for certifications and staying on top of continuing education (in a field that changes at warp speed, nonetheless!) should be worth a little something.

 

I truly do hope this seems affordable. I just want to help as many people as I can…. and be able to reward them a little as well!

 

Coming back to psychology and positive reinforcement: a cash incentive – for being consistent, not necessarily losing the most amount of weight. Humans like rewards. You earn one entry into the drawing each week that you check in (via Facebook, email, or the blog) to confirm you’ve worked out three times that week.

Then (without being crazy-stalker-like) if you’re not interacting or checking in, I’ll be able to reach out to you and see if there’s something specific I can do to help you through. It’s just an added layer of accountability to “know you have a trainer” – just not one you meet at the gym for a workout.

 

So who’s in? Who can you contact – right now – to do this with you? Share this and tag them on Facebook. 

What have you got to lose? (I’m obligated now to make a quip about the pounds and inches, right?)

It’s an investment of $10. Weekly workouts, nutrition tips, online accountability, inspirational Scripture, plus the chance to win $100.

 

Sign up here.

 

Oh, but WAIT —

How about the chance to enter the Challenge for free? (or have your entry fee refunded).

 

SHARE. SHARE. SHARE.  One person who shares this via social media will be a random winner!

Pin it. Tweet it. Share it. Then comment below to let me know you shared. (Honesty appreciated, of course 🙂 )