4 Reasons Why a Group Challenge is Right for You!

At this point in our lives, we all know the basic benefits of establishing a healthy fitness and nutrition routine. Just to keep it fresh in your mind, some benefits include:

• increased energy
• better sleep
• less injury/illness
• better concentration
• improved mood
• overall feeling of well-being

And many more! So why, then, is it so hard to establish a routine and what can you do to help get started with one? I'm so glad you asked!

There are a number of reasons why it's hard to establish a wellness routine but one that I find to be especially true is SUPPORT! We humans like to be supported in the tasks that we do, especially when it comes to health. Could you imagine running a 5k or a marathon with no spectators cheering you on and nobody at the finish line putting a medal around your neck? It would be so boring and you likely would rethink your next race. Having the support of a group of people or even just one person can exponentially increase your success in achieving your wellness goals. 

Nothing is more supportive then going through a group challenge with, well, a group. One HUGE benefit of a group challenge is that healthy actions of others rub off on us! This is actually supported by research in that if someone is working hard (or we perceive they are working hard) we will increase our own efforts. Think about it. If you go out to eat with friends and they all order side salads with their meal, you are more likely to order one too.  If everyone orders fries, you are more likely to order fries. This doesn't hold true every time, but on average, who we surround ourselves with impacts our health, either positively or negatively. Here are some additional benefits of doing a group challenge:

1. Support- ok we kind of already mentioned this but having the support of people going through the same thing you are offers value in the form of not feeling alone or that you are doing something wrong. These other people are there to answer questions and ensure you are doing what you need to do to achieve your goals.
2. Accountability- this is something we all need, especially when you are trying to establish a new habit. If you think nobody is paying attention, are you more likely to blow off a workout or have that 5th cup of coffee? Probably. It's not just you, it's a human quality we all have. Most of us tend to do the "right thing" if we know we have to report back to someone. Who wants to tell a group of people that they failed?
3. Motivation- having an entire group of people cheering you on, even for the little wins, keeps you wanting to push forward even more! Not only that, but you as a group member cheering and motivating others makes you even more motivated to keep it up yourself!
4. Camaraderie- even if you don't know the other group members in the beginning, you all are going through the same thing, which bonds you and invites the atmosphere of "you win, we all win".  For those who are extroverts, this is a much needed part of the group dynamic. For those who are introverts this may be scary, but I promise you will feel the love from the other group members and this will push you to stay focused. 

Of course I wouldn't bring all of these benefits up and then leave you hanging. We have a group program starting on July 6th called the Cinch Wellness Challenge! This 30 day challenge includes: 

• 1-2 things each day to support healthy habits.
• fitness and nutrition related tasks to keep you focused
• weekly tasks to help you establish and build lasting healthy habits.
• A group to hold you accountable!
• A chat option to encourage and support each other.
• Accountability! We will be able to see if you've completed the task for the day or not.

Some days will be a breeze, others will take more intention. All will help you build healthy habits into your routine. Sign up ASAP so you don't miss out! Starts JULY 6th!!! See you there!

SIGN UP HERE!