Does the 30 Day Fitness Challenge Really Work?
The 30-day fitness challenge has been around since the dawn of the internet age, but there is still no consensus as to whether it is an effective training tool. This is due to the range of different workout plans under the 30-day challenge umbrella that spans individual exercises for specific muscle groups (such as Plank His exercises). (opens in new tab)) for a total body workout where you switch gears every day.
I spoke with a professional kinesiologist about this trend. can Achieving general fitness improvements during this period may not yield dramatic visual results. The physical improvements you see will depend on your body chemistry, your baseline fitness regimen, and of course the exercise itself.
If you want to change your fitness level sustainably, you need to exercise regularly. Hit the gym more often, or work up a sweat at home on your best stationary bike. (opens in new tab) But if you’re about to start the 30-day challenge, here’s what you can expect:
short-term benefits
We have good news: You may see improvements in your overall fitness after participating in the 30-day challenge.
Dr. Marcus Lawrence, CSCS and Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation at Southern Utah University, told Live Science: It takes several weeks for an individual to see any changes. ”
Marcus Lawrence is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation at Southern Utah University. He holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Monterey Bay, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, a doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and postdoctoral research at Colorado State University and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
This means a 30-day fitness challenge can kick-start some of your health-related goals right away. But Lawrence also warns that the timeframes for achieving different fitness goals can vary. Hard work may be required. Factors such as the type of exercise you are doing and the frequency and intensity of your exercise can also affect the timeframe to achieve results.
That said, exercise can have an immediate effect on your body and mind after just one workout. “After a single session of exercise, there are immediate effects in the human body, including improved cognition, reduced risk of anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure after exercise, and aided sleep. It’s not limited,” says Lawrence.
Remember that noticeable physical changes are almost always the result of long-term, sustainable exercise routines. 2015 study by Social Psychological and Personality Science (opens in new tab) It shows that BMI needs to change by about 2.93 for weight loss to be noticeable to others, especially for the face.
long term benefits
The big question, and perhaps most importantly, is whether such fitness challenges can have a positive and lasting impact on overall health. Short-term challenges lead to long-term change. Is it possible?
Despite persistent rumors that it takes 21 days to form a habit, a 2009 study found that European Journal of Social Psychology (opens in new tab) It turns out that it actually takes 18 to 254 days to form a new habit. So while 30 days may be enough for some people, it may not be enough for everyone.
Lawrence supports this. I hope that once individuals get over the initial hump that held them back, they will be able to sustain that change in the long run. Ultimate goals should be long-term, not short-term, but these fitness challenges definitely provide a starting point for someone to make long-term changes for their health. can.
Even if you manage to complete the 30-day challenge without skipping a single day, there may be other environmental factors that make it difficult to stick to your new routine.
Lawrence said: activities can be performed. Also, everyone is unique, regardless of genetics or environment, and not all programs will work for everyone.
“Also, people have different starting levels of fitness, levels of acceptable intensity, have different anatomy and previous injuries, and need individualized planning. You shouldn’t follow our fitness program and expect to get the same results as everyone else.”
Ready to try our 30-day fitness challenge?
If one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to fitness, does that mean all these 30 days of challenges will wash away? In short, it’s better than nothing, and adding something to your existing fitness routine might surprise you with effective results, but worst of all, it’s harmless.
“Meeting aerobic and resistance exercise recommendations, along with proper nutrition, no matter what you do, including fitness challenges, can help prevent chronic disease,” says Lawrence.
The 30-day fitness challenge isn’t something that will blow you away overnight. But like any fitness regimen, approaching your training with a healthy mindset gives you the opportunity to incorporate new movements into your routine and work towards achieving your personal fitness goals.
This article is not intended to provide medical advice and readers should consult a doctor or health care professional before adopting any diet or exercise regimen.
