Confession Time!
I am lazy and lack discipline. Yet, have high expectations from myself.
Conflict.
Luckily, I’ve found a way around - gamifying my health using challenges.
I love challenges. They are a great way to develop habits that enrich our lives.
Most of us fall short of achieving our goals because we don’t have clearly defined structure.
We need to be in top shape before putting a foot on the mountain. Both mentally and physically.
These three challenges will build you into a beast.
Subscribe to Trek Library and get premium content, free.
This is not a fitness but a mental challenge. Exactly what you need to defeat your mind and reach the summit. Have you noticed how your mind gives up WAY faster than your body does?
The founder of the challenge calls it “Ironman for your brain” and I fully concur.
Benefits
Mental Toughness, Discipline
How It Works
For 75 days, you follow 6 rules. If you screw up, start from Day 1.
> (02) 45 minute workouts, 01 of them has to be outdoors
> Follow a healthy diet
> No alcohol or cheat meals
> 1 galon (3.5 litres) of water
> 10 pages of reading (no audio books)
> Click a progress photo
I did this challenge last year to prepare fo Kang Yatse II and it provided the structured consistency I was missing in my earlier training. Although the above challenge is free I purchased the app to add another layer of accountability and jot down my notes.
Subscribe to Trek Library and get premium content, free.
30 DAYS PLANK CHALLENGE BY SHAPE
Planks is the best exercise to develop a strong core.
Even if you are not planning to go on a trek anytime soon, this will help you stand upright and prevent back pain.
Benefits
Strong, stable core
How It Works
Each day, you'll do 3 sets of a plank exercise for the suggested reps or time. End of each week, you'll put those moves together for a plank challenge flow that works your strength and endurance.
30 DAYS INTERMITTENT FASTING CHALLENGE
Remember summit nights?
12, 14 and at times 18 hours going without water and food!
This challenge is to prepare you for that night.
The fat loss is a BONUS.
Benefits
Burn fat, mental toughness
How It Works
> Fast 16 consecutive hours
> Workout 3-5 times a week
> Drink 8 glasses of water each day
> Eat healthy meals in the other 8 hours
> Share your journey
Accountability
Unless you make yourself accountable you will not finish any challenge.
How do you bake accountability in?
1. Ask a family member / close friend to be your accountability partner. Or,
2. Announce on social media. Or,
3. Give a friend 5000/- only to be returned if you complete the challenge.
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is
This is my plan in preparation of Island Peak, Nepal in September.
75 HARD May 8 - Jul 21 (yes, today!)
30 DAYS PLANK May 22 - Jun 20
30 DAYS INTERMITTENT FASTING - Jun 22- Jul 21
See what I just did? I made myself accountable to you.
I can’t break your trust. I have no choice but complete the challenge.
Subscribe to Trek Library and get premium content, free.
