10 Reasons Why Online Fitness Groups will Make you Never Want to Go Back to the Gym Again!

How many times have you come across the term “challenge group” in your news feed? Online challenge groups are trending and they are taking over social media. And here’s why:
Online challenge groups are like virtual gyms. They offer a convenient way for people to work out from home, free from distractions. They are cost effective. Usually, members pay one price for the initial program or challenge pack and they get everything they need to complete an effective workout for anywhere from one week to 3 months. But most of all, challenge groups are gaining popularity because – they work. People who stay committed for the length of the challenge are almost always successful. Challenge groups run by Beachbody coaches show members or “challengers” how to gain control of their health through a complete approach to wellness. Online challenge groups take challengers through a step-by-step process of making better food choices, maintaining a consistent daily fitness routine and gaining motivation and support through the group. That is what truly sets Beachbody online challenge groups apart from the rest. It’s not a short term fad diet. It is a complete lifestyle change that people are encouraged to maintain for the rest of their life. It takes 21 days to make or break a habit. It’s tough to limit or sacrifice things that you love like soda, fast food, and sugar. So if people can stay committed through those first 21 days, they can do it long term. That’s why keeping in touch with your coach and staying accountable through the group is so important. The longer people stay connected to the group the more likely they are to reach their goals.

What would you like to improve about your health?  Members are often please to find that they lose weight, can wear smaller size clothing, have more energy, sleep better, have lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, can better manage chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and fibromyalgia; and just generally feel better, stronger and younger. There are challenge groups for all interests and abilities, including focus groups for specific interests such as new and expecting moms, over 50 fitness, clean eating groups, biggest loser groups and more. There really is a group out there for everyone and anyone.

So are you thinking “What the heck is a challenge group?”

A challenge group is a group of people who are each working on improving their health and wellness. Group members follow a specific fitness and nutrition plan for a period of time (usually 3 weeks or longer) and check into a private online group periodically to receive fitness and nutrition advice and coaching, and to gain accountability and support from their peers. If that sounds complicated, let me tell you, it is not! Challenge groups are convenient, effective and fun!

Who should join a challenge group?

• People who don’t have time to workout
• People who are new to fitness
• People who need to modify their diet to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol and inflammation
• People who hate to go to the gym
• People who don’t want to spend money on a personal trainer
• People who need to lose a lot of weight and don’t know where to start
• People who are on the go and need a flexible workout schedule
• People who are already in shape but want to take their fitness to a whole new level

Does that sound like you?

Here are ten reasons why you will benefit from joining an online challenge group and never want to go back to a gym again.

1. Online challenge groups don’t require a lot of time. Depending on the fitness program that you select, daily workouts on average last only 30-40 minutes. Think about it, that’s just 2% of you day. If you’ve got time for Facebook, you’ve got time to workout.
2. Online challenge groups are structured. Are you a fitness rookie? No problem, each fitness program is laid out in a step-by-step schedule that is easy to follow. All programs offer ways to modify the exercises so you can start simple and work your way up to more challenging moves when you are ready.
3. The groups promote complete wellness, not just fitness. Each group is based on a 3 part system: Fitness + Nutrition + Support. That means you’ll have a specific workout calendar to follow in addition to meal planning, healthy recipes and nutritional support. And most importantly, you are not alone. You will have support from your own personal coach, Beachbody instructors and your peers. That support system is the key to your success. You’ll have all you questions answered and you’ll receive motivation and advice from people just like you and me who have already gone through the process.
4. You’ll have your own personal fitness coach – for FREE! You coach is there to motivate and inspire you, every day. Not just by the hour. Most coaches are not certified in anything, but they have all walked in your shoes before. Coaches are former challenge group members who have already gone through their own transformation. They are there to lead the group, answer questions, offer advice and make sure you DO NOT FAIL!
5. Challenge groups are affordable. No need to hire a trainer or pay for a gym membership. Most groups require that you purchase a “challenge pack.” A challenge pack is a kit that includes your fitness program DVDs, nutrition guide, workout calendar, a one month supply of Shakeology (a nutrient dense, superfoods meal replacement – not a protein shake) and sometimes additional accessories that you need to complete the program. Once you purchase the challenge pack, you will not be required to purchase anything else. So you have access to a personal coach, indefinitely, and can join more as many challenge groups as you need to reach you goal with no additional fees. 
6. Challenge groups are convenient. Workout at your own pace and in the privacy of your own home. No crowded gyms, no leaving your house in the bitter cold to go workout, and there’s no commute interrupting your day.
7. Challenge groups work! Studies show that people who engage in group fitness program, such as challenge groups, lose more weight and are more successful at keeping it off than people who workout alone. It all comes down to accountability. No one want to let their team mates down, nor do they want to let themselves down. 
8. You can still participate even if you are away from home. Challenge groups take place in a private Facebook group that you can access anytime, anywhere with the use of a laptop, tablet or mobile device. You don’t even need to take the fitness DVDs with you. If you are a Beachbody club member, you can stream your videos directly to your device. 
9. Challenge groups are a great way to meet people. Anyone living in the US and Canada can participate in an online challenge group. So it’s a great way to connect with people who have similar interests. 
10. Challenge groups are fun! Hey, remember, it’s fitness so you’re going to sweat your butt off! But we sure have a lot of fun doing it. We exchange recipes, tell stories, have some laughs and even have some fun contests and games to keep everyone engaged. Who says fitness can’t be fun?!

So what do you need to get started?

That’s all folks! It’s simple. Joining a challenge group can change your life, maybe even save your life! It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start. Anyone can do this, even if you have physical limitations. Make your health a priority. After all, you’re too important not to.
Ready to join us? My name is Brenda Ajay and I am a fitness & nutrition coach with Beachbody. I have gone through the process myself, I participated in many challenge groups and I believe in Beachbody programs. The process works and I am very passionate about helping others reach their goals like I have. Are you ready to give it a try? Fill out the application below and I’ll be in touch soon!