The best fitness challenges to commit to

By Lucy Brooks on 28/4/2020

Lockdown means we can all work out when we want and on a whim, breaking up video meetings with a quick Pilates session or nipping out for a pre-lunch run. But just because we can doesn't mean we always do. If your motivation is melting away, bring back some structure and quantifiable goals to your fitness regime with an online fitness challenge. Commit to it and schedule in sessions to maximise success and self-satisfaction. There are challenges to suit all levels and types of fitness, from gentle stretching to intense cardio.

F45 45-Day Challenge

F45 fitness studios have a cult following around the world, with lean converts preaching about the effectiveness of the HIIT workouts. The gym's signature 45-day challenge is notorious for delivering a full-on transformation, through workouts and meal plans. It can be fully adapted for lockdown, with workouts online, a bank of recipes and nutritionally balanced meals delivered to your door. You can also 'level up' home workouts with the brand's equipment packs. As a paying member you are part of a community, which provides support and motivation to power through the programme to the end.

Click here for more information on the F45 Challenge

30-Day Yoga Challenge With Adriene

If you think of free yoga tutorials on YouTube, chances are you're thinking of Yoga with Adriene. But these classes are ubiquitous for good reason: they are easy to follow and not too irritating. Instead of finding classes as and when, take on one of Adriene's trademark Yoga Challenges. There are six different 30-day challenges to chose from (Home, Dedicate, True, Revolution, Yoga Camp or 30 Days of Yoga). You can stream them all for free on YouTube or 'pay what you feel' on Adriene's website to download the series so you can use them on the go without internet connection.

Click here for more information

Couch to 5k

Running is one of the few forms of exercise unhampered by lockdown. But it can be intimidating for novices. Developed for total beginners, this gentle but effective plan is guaranteed to make a runner out of any couch potato. It starts with walking, gradually introducing short bursts of running to build stamina, fitness and, believe it or not, enthusiasm. Just download the app and enjoy motivation from Jo Wiley, Sarah Millican and Sanjeev Kohli.

Click here for more information on Couch to 5k

Blogilates 28-Day Summer Sculpt

Peppy Pilates instructor Cassey Ho is queen of challenges and different calendars to bring structure to YouTube workouts. She's compiled all kinds of programmes, from a beginners' intro to training to have you doing the splits. We like the 28-Day Summer Sculpt for a full body burn. It involves one video per day, and each video is around 40 minutes long with a complete workout plus warm up and cool down. The four-week agenda is broken down into different muscle groups on different days, so achy thighs can rest while you focus on abs or arms. The aesthetic is very pink and the vibe is very cheerleader, but it's worth it for free workouts that give results.

Click here for Blogilates challenges

The Plank Challenge

Even the busiest schedule can accommodate some core-strengthening in the form of the plank challenge. Starting with just 10 seconds, and adding 10 more seconds every day, you will eventually be able to hold a five-minute plank by day 30. The trick to this one is to build it into your routine and do it at the same time every day (before brushing teeth, while waiting for kettle to boil, before your shower…) so you don't forget.

Click here to read more about the plank challenge

Nike Run Club

The Nike running app monitors your jogging via GPS, allowing you to keep track of speed, pace, distance and incline statistics. But the most motivating feature is the ability to set goals. If you create a personal goal (be it a marathon or a 10k), the app comes up with a structured training plan, mixing stamina and sprint runs to help you improve. You can also push yourself by joining the monthly challenges, pledging to run a set amount during a set period of time.

Click here to download Nike Run Club