Fitness junkies love to stick to a plan when getting in shape — and if the program has “12 Week Challenge” in front of the title, it’s a sure bet to attract a crowd.
The 12 Week Challenge has taken the health and fitness industries by storm in 2015, with celebrities such as Michelle Bridges, Kayla Itsines, Ashy Bines and Commando Steve all embracing the fad.
So, what’s so great about a 12 Week Challenge? Well, science is yet to convince any health experts on the exact benefits so we have put together some other reasons why we are all loving this fitness craze.
LIFESTYLE
These programs are very popular because they can fit into your busy lifestyle. When you make a commitment to 12 weeks of strict routine and healthy eating, it becomes less and less important to do a 3-hour monster workout.
A 12 Week Challenge often only requires 20 to 60 minutes of high-intensity training, 3 to 5 times a week. For most people, making time for less than an hour a day 3 or 4 days a week for a workout is manageable.
This means for busy working parents, for example, they can fit a workout into a lunch break or while the baby sleeps. For others, it’s about making time each night or morning.
GUIDELINES
The best part about a 12 Week Challenge is the guidelines and training programme, mapping out everything from what to eat, how to train, stretch and improve. It’s a great way for the less experienced to learn some fitness tips, while following an easy-to-understand guide.
MEASURING
Most 12 Week Challenges will get you to take notes on your progress and record them in a training diary. Most people will start to see significant improvements a quarter of the way through the program. This is a way for the trainer to continue to motivate the challenges, as well as hold them accountable for their efforts.
NEVER BORING
Most 12 Week Challenges consist of having a rotating set of workouts throughout the weeks. This creates an exciting dynamic of not knowing what is on the schedule ahead.
Each workout is tailored to a different body part; for example you may have a leg training day, while another is focused on upper body and core. This change up of routine is important for participants to stay motivated.
RESULTS
A big problem many people face when examining fitness and lifestyle options is the intimidation factor and being faced with weekly grueling routines. Some people lose their commitment early because they did not have specific goals or program to stick to. That’s why 12 Week Challenges are great because when you begin you know exactly what is ahead of you. After the program you know that you have earned a break and you can reflect on how you feel at that time.