I love the beginning of a new year. This time just feels like a clean slate. It's a powerful motivator for people to put some energy aside for some good changes. 

That is why so many magazines, studios and gyms come up with their own fitness challenges around this time of the year. It's the time when people are willing to change and put in the effort. 

As you might now from an earlier post, I and a martial arts instructor have embarked on our own friendly fitness challenge. 
Paleo vs. standard western diet. 

If you have decided that now is the time to become fitter and healthier let me give you a big virtual hug, you have made the first big step.

With so many challenges around which one to pick?

Here a simple 5-points-guide:

1. Duration: A challenge should at least be around a month long (or longer). Body and mind need their time to actually get their groove on. 

2. Body and mind: Speaking of, body and mind are equally involved. A good challenge is aware of that and works on a healthy mind as well as on a healthy body. 

3. Nutrition: I dare say the way to a healthy and beautiful body is 20% genes, 25% training and 55% nutrition. Tosca Reno, the nutrition writer of Oxygen magazine even goes as up as 80% of nutrition's influnence on the outlook of one's body. If the challenge only relies on a good training plan and "allows" you to eat crappy then your chances of success are as bleak as Britney Spears's acting career.

4. Guideline: A good guideline gives a challenge structure. With structure people are more likely to succeed as they can adhere to rules. It also defines metrics on how to measure progress, such as body measurements, body fat percentage and body pictures. 

5. Strategy: You will always encounter hurdles during your challenge. Be it having to watch a colleague indulge in a cheesecake (my big weakness) or just the usual slump of motivation. Challenges should also give you tools on anticipating and handling pit falls. 

A good challenge for Paleo beginners is for instance the Whole30 challenge. It helps people to get off sugars and processed foods. A friend of mine will start her Whole30 program next week. 

If you are looking for an easy accessible challenge and for community and fun, join our 90 Day Revamp challenge. It's not necessary to be Paleo (I bet your sweet a** you'd get better result with it). It's free and for everyone.