The Nurturing Well by: Jill Starbuck
Did you know that thousands of fitness events exist around the world each year? It doesn’t matter what type of fitness routine you prefer, some sort of special event focuses on your particular fitness preference. Whether you are into Zumba, running, biking, weight lifting, CrossFit, or obstacle courses to stay fit, there is a competition or other fun event for you. For instance, runners can choose their favorite race distance from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon to an ultramarathon. Zumbathons, cyclocross, weight lifting competitions, Tough Mudders, and so much more are available. Thousands of events are at your disposal. While it’s important to stick to a regular fitness routine, signing up for a specific event can help you look forward to something and help you remain on target with your goals.
It’s easy to become bored with routine and even find excuses to skip workouts. However, if you sign up for a competition, it gives you something to look forward to. This is why you may see runners sign up for countless races. Signing up for races keeps them accountable because they have a specific goal to work towards. It keeps them from becoming nonchalant about their exercise routine.
For the majority of fitness fanatics, competitions are not about winning. They are about getting together with people who have the same interest and making new friends. Fitness events are about enjoying your favorite activity outside a normal setting. Not only do competitions provide personal satisfaction and accountability, many of these events raise money for charity.
Here are just a few benefits fitness competitions offer:
1. Excitement: Similar to going on vacation, attending a party, or hooking up with friends, fitness competitions give people something to get excited about. The atmosphere, the people, and possibly the travel may be enough to pump up your adrenaline, not to mention the actual event.
2. Accomplishment: For many fitness events, they present a challenge. They test a person’s physical and mental capabilities. Therefore, once it is over, a huge sense of accomplishment is gained. It’s proof that you can do it, and you may even be surprised at how much you were able to accomplish.
3. Motivation: Once you sign up for a particular fitness event, chances are that you will be more serious about your fitness routine. After all, nobody wants to enter a competition to perform poorly.
4. Accountability: Just the act of signing up for a competition and paying the registration fees leaves a sense of accountability. You are likely to remain serious and consistent with your exercise routine once you sign up for a competition. You may even become more determined and more fit since you have a goal to work towards.
5. Bragging rights: For many competitions, only a small percentage of the population has ever tried them. For instance, only .5% of the population has ever run a marathon. Many competitions provide you with awards such as medals, trophies, ribbons, etc. But even if they don’t, you deserve to be proud of your accomplishment.
If you’ve always thought about trying out a fitness event or competition, sign up today! You won’t regret it. In fact, you are more likely to do it again or at least be brave enough to try other types of competitions.
Jill Starbuck has 20 years of experience as a business writer, editor, and market research analyst. She is a certified health coach through the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She is also the co-owner of a running business. She can be reached at jillstarbuck@hotmail.com.
