9 Fun and Challenging Fitness Challenges to Try This Year

Fitness challenges are a great way to kickstart your health journey, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out which one is worth committing to. 

You know, there are a lot out there, but how do you know which ones will really push you? 

Which ones will make you feel like you’re actually progressing instead of just going through the motions?

I mean, let’s be honest—there’s always that one fitness challenge everyone talks about, and it sounds awesome. 

But then, you dive in and feel like you’re just spinning your wheels. 

 

9 Fun and Challenging Fitness Challenges to Try This Year

Here are 9 fun and challenging fitness challenges that’ll make this year one for the books. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these will test your limits in the best possible way.

 

1. The 30-Day Plank Challenge

Let’s kick things off with a classic. You’ve probably heard of the 30-day plank challenge, and you’ve probably rolled your eyes thinking, “Isn’t planking just holding still?” 

But here’s the thing—planks are deceptively tough! You’d be surprised at how challenging holding a simple position can be, especially when you’re doing it for longer periods each day.

How it works:

  • You start with holding a plank for 20 seconds on day one.
  • Each day, you increase your plank time by 5 seconds.

By the end of the 30 days, you’ll be holding a plank for 5 minutes or more. Talk about core strength, right?

Why it’s worth it:

Planks work multiple muscle groups. Your core gets stronger, but your arms, shoulders, and glutes are also engaged. 

Plus, it’s a low-impact challenge that doesn’t require equipment, so it’s perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like going to the gym.

Pro tip: Many people get discouraged because planks feel impossible at first. Start slow and listen to your body. 

If you need to drop to your knees for a modified plank, do it! The goal is to build up endurance gradually, not burn out in the first few days.

 

2. The 10,000 Steps a Day Challenge

This one sounds pretty simple, right? But you’d be surprised by how hard it is to hit 10,000 steps a day if you’re not already in the habit of walking. 

Many people, even those who work out regularly, struggle to reach this daily goal without making it a focus.

How it works:

  • Aim for 10,000 steps every single day for a month.
  • Use a fitness tracker or phone app to keep track.

Why it’s worth it:

10,000 steps a day may seem like a lot, but walking is one of the best forms of low-impact exercise. Not only does it improve cardiovascular health, but it also keeps your joints in check and supports weight management. 

Plus, it forces you to be more active throughout the day, which is great if you tend to sit at a desk for hours.

Pro tip: If you’re struggling to hit 10,000 steps, break it up into smaller chunks. Take a walk on your lunch break, park farther from the store, or walk while watching TV.

 

3. The “No Sugar” Challenge

Let’s be real—cutting out sugar is tough, especially since it’s so easy to mindlessly grab that sweet snack. But what if you took on a challenge where you cut out sugar for 30 days?

How it works:

  • No added sugars for 30 days. That means no cookies, no cakes, no sugary drinks, no candy.

Why it’s worth it:

Cutting sugar out for 30 days can have massive benefits for your health, including weight loss, clearer skin, and better energy levels. 

Many people experience clearer thinking and feel less sluggish once they eliminate sugar, especially if they tend to rely on it for energy.

Pro tip: You don’t have to go cold turkey on sugar. Start by gradually cutting down, and don’t forget to check labels! Sugar is hidden in a lot of processed foods.

 

4. The “Two-Minute Burpee” Challenge

If you’re really looking for a tough challenge, this one’s for you. Burpees are the ultimate full-body workout, but doing them for time is a whole new ball game. 

If you’re someone who struggles with endurance or feels like their cardio could use a boost, this challenge is going to push you hard.

How it works:

  • Set a timer for 2 minutes.
  • Do as many burpees as you can within that 2-minute time frame.

Why it’s worth it:

Burpees work multiple muscle groups, improve cardiovascular health, and boost endurance. Plus, they don’t require any equipment, so you can do them anywhere. 

Many people discover a hidden strength they didn’t know they had when they start pushing themselves on this one.

Pro tip: Form matters. Don’t rush through them just to get numbers. Focus on quality to avoid injury. If you’re just starting out, do modified burpees until your form improves.

 

5. The 30-Day Yoga Challenge

Yoga is a great way to build flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. But let’s face it—most people avoid it, thinking it’s all about being super zen. 

If you’ve never tried yoga or you’ve been inconsistent with it, a 30-day yoga challenge could be the perfect thing to get you hooked.

How it works:

  • Commit to doing yoga for 20–30 minutes every day for 30 days.

Why it’s worth it:

Yoga can transform your flexibility and mental clarity. It’s also a great counterbalance to intense workouts. Plus, there are endless types of yoga, so you can mix it up based on your goals—whether you want to increase strength, focus on deep stretches, or simply relax.

Pro tip: Don’t worry if you’re not flexible at first. Many people feel frustrated in the beginning, but over time, flexibility improves. 

Also, there are tons of free videos and apps that can guide you through different levels.

 

6. The “Squat Every Day” Challenge

You’ve probably heard that squats are one of the best exercises for building lower body strength. 

But how about doing squats every single day for a month? You’ll be amazed at the results, especially when you push your limits.

How it works:

  • Start with 30 squats on day one.
  • Increase the number of squats each day, aiming to hit 100 or more by the end of the challenge.

Why it’s worth it:

Squats are one of the best exercises for toning the legs and glutes. If you’re someone who wants to build strength in your lower body, this challenge will make a noticeable difference in just 30 days. 

Plus, it gets you in the habit of exercising every day.

Pro tip: If 100 squats seems like too much, break it into sets throughout the day. Do 3 sets of 30 squats, and you’ll reach your goal without burning out.

7. The “Cold Shower” Challenge

This one is a bit offbeat, but hear me out. Taking a cold shower is something many people avoid like the plague. 

But cold exposure has benefits for your immune system, metabolism, and mood. Plus, it’s just a hardcore challenge that’ll make you feel like a superhero after.

How it works:

  • Start with cold showers for 30 seconds and work your way up to 5 minutes over 30 days.

Why it’s worth it:

Cold showers can increase circulation, boost mood, and improve skin. It’s also an incredible mental challenge that forces you to push through discomfort. Plus, it’s a great way to jumpstart your day!

Pro tip: If you can’t handle the cold immediately, try alternating between hot and cold water to ease into it.

 

8. The “Push-Up a Day” Challenge

You may think push-ups are old school, but they’re one of the best ways to build upper body strength. 

The great part is that you can do them anywhere, and they work your chest, arms, shoulders, and core all at once.

How it works:

  • Start with 10 push-ups on day one, and increase by 1 or 2 each day.

Why it’s worth it:

Push-ups are one of the simplest yet most effective exercises you can do. By committing to doing push-ups every day, you’ll not only see physical improvements but also develop mental toughness as you keep pushing through.

Pro tip: If regular push-ups are too hard at first, do knee push-ups or incline push-ups. Build up strength, and you’ll get there!

 

9. The “Run Every Day” Challenge

This challenge isn’t just about running a marathon, though you could absolutely aim for that. It’s about committing to running every day, even if it’s just a mile.

How it works:

  • Start with running a mile every day and gradually increase your distance over the course of 30 days.

Why it’s worth it:

Running boosts cardiovascular health, improves endurance, and burns a ton of calories. Plus, it’s a perfect solo activity to help clear your mind. 

If you’re looking for a challenge that’ll really push you to your limits, this one’s worth considering.

Pro tip: If you’re new to running, start slow. Don’t aim for speed—focus on consistency. Add in rest days if needed, but try to run every day to build up that routine.

 

Conclusion

Fitness challenges are a fun way to step out of your comfort zone, but remember, the key to success is consistency. 

Whether it’s yoga, planks, squats, or something as simple as walking, pick a challenge that excites you and stick with it. 

Sure, you might have those moments when you want to quit, but pushing through those obstacles is what brings real progress.

And if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up! Just get back on track the next day. It’s all about building habits that will stick with you in the long run. 

So, which challenge are you going to take on first? Go ahead, pick one and start crushing it!

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