“Day 28-DONE. Thanks for the challenge. Def[initely] stronger because 36 doesn’t feel like enough.”
This is an email I received from a HomeBodies Fitness member on Day 28 of our February 1,000 Crunch Challenge. And this is EXACTLY the point. But…let me back up and start from the beginning.
In late January, I introduced a new fitness challenge for members: The 1,000 Crunch Challenge. Every day in February, members had to complete 36 basic crunches on their own and check in with me daily. Members were excited but I did get some comments like “do I have to do them all in one sitting?” and “that seems like a lot!” I answered these concerns with optimism and encouragement. I KNEW this was not the most challenging challenge! We sometimes do more than 36 crunches in a class (a lot more!). So, I gave my pep talk and on February 1st, the challenge began.
Out of the gate, we had 100% participation. Everyone was really into it. Even the skeptics realized it “wasn’t so bad!” About 10 days in, a good 35% of participants started to forget to check in. I would send little reminder emails/texts and we were back on track. I allowed everyone 1 miss. After that, you miss, you’re out!
Here we are on Day 28 of a 28-day challenge. Out of the 52 members who started the challenge on Day 1, 49 have stayed with it throughout (with their 1 allowed miss). That is 94% retention!!! That is AMAZING! And it brings me back to the member quote at the top of this post.
Ultimately, this challenge was never about 36 crunches. Like I said, we’ve done way more than that in class. What this challenge was always about is CONSISTENCY! Consistency is the key to progress. Those 49 members were consistent with their daily crunches and…at the end…they saw real change! I received several emails and messages similar to the one quoted above. Members felt stronger. They increased the number of crunches. Most importantly, they saw what they could achieve if they just stuck with it! And that was my secret plan all along! LOL! So happy it worked.
A huge congratulations to all the participants. I am very proud of you!