There’s nothing quite like that feeling that comes with completing a health challenge…until you realise that you no longer have that routine to keep you on track. The biggest mistake or challenge that people face after finishing a challenge is they’re really excited, they do a challenge, they’re inspired, they made these healthy changes, and as soon it’s over, there can be a loss of momentum. As soon as it’s over, you lose this accountability. But that doesn’t mean all of the hard work you’ve put in has to go to waste. I think it’s important to realise that, within your own self, you have the capacity to keep that momentum going.

Putting a lot of the same factors that kept you so motivated during the challenge to work in your everyday life. Here’s how:

Schedule your workouts ahead of time

When you’re doing a health challenge, you know you’re going to have to incorporate specific strength or cardio sessions into your routine so you end up planning out exactly when you’ll do them. But you don’t need to be involved in a challenge to use this tactic. You can apply that skill to your life so it’s not just for a challenge.

Don’t fall into the all or nothing mentality

If for some reason you miss a workout or exercise during a challenge, or stick to your pre-planned routine but feel kind of blah about your performance on a particular day, you don’t just abandon the program altogether. You get back on track the next day. Similarly, while it’s great to make a game plan for yourself, you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you don’t follow it to a tee. Everyone struggles with being able to make time for all of the things life throws at you, just because you don’t take four classes doesn’t mean that the two you take can’t be really important or you can’t find other ways in your lifestyle to be active. Remember, It’s about long-term consistency, not perfection.

Create a fit community for yourself  

One of the most amazing things about fitness challenges is that you have other people doing them with you, so you get to be part of a sweat-loving group. Finding a way to keep up that sense of companionship after you crush your challenge will help you keep your head in the fitness game.

Bottom line? Maintaining your results after a fitness challenge is all about being in the right mindset. A fitness challenge may be for two weeks or two months, but leading a fit and healthy lifestyle is forever. A challenge gives you that starting point. It gives you accountability and specific targets, but it’s important not to just look at those changes as temporary. Give yourself permission to make it a part of your life.

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