Fitness challenges are all the rage in the fitness world today, from the explosive events that challenge your fitness abilities or the challenges designed to test your endurance. Challenges are expecting explosive growth throughout 2025 due to the virality of the competitions on social media. From the training process to the actual competition, fitness influencers share their authentic journey, inspiring other fitness lovers at all levels. 

Not only do these challenges push your fitness abilities to the next level, but they ignite an increased level of passion and enthusiasm towards exercising. By pulling out the competitive side of every fitness junkie, competitions force you to perform at your highest level and test your mental and physical strength. Often done with a partner or a team, you also can develop a sense of community and develop new friendships through the training process. 

So... are these worth the hype? What's the real benefit of training and competing?

What We REALLY Think

We sat down with our in-house fitness EXPERT, Alicia, to discuss whether the impact of fitness competitions were harmful to athletes or a positive influence on the community. Alicia has real, genuine experience in the arena, competing in multiple challenges, such as HYROX and Tough Mudder. Not only seeing how training and competition can affect a fitness enthusiast, she knows how it affects both mental and physical wellness.

"The surge of Fitness competitions across the country and globally comes as no shock to the Fitness community! These events give athletes and gym-goers alike the opportunity to set new fitness goals, challenge their training, and, in turn, become a part of a larger fitness community. The comradery created through these events and competitions is unparalleled and drives participants to push themselves further than they ever thought they could."

The verdict is clear – those who choose to participate can feel an enormous sense of accomplishment and ignite a deep-seated passion that follows them through their fitness journey. On top of the feeling of pride when they cross the finish line, a community is developed through training and competing with other enthusiasts with similar goals. This comradery enhances the overall experience and provides a supportive network through the process.

When questioned about the sustainability of this trend, Alicia responded, "With HYROX absolutely leading the charge in this arena, we expect this competitive world to continue to grow, inspiring more and more participants to join!" 

With an expected growth in 2025 and beyond, now is the time to test the waters of fitness competitions. Developing a personalized training plan is essential to your success, and knowing the details of your first or next competition will motivate you. Thankfully, Spooky Nook Fitness is growing our offerings, hosting both DEKA and Murph challenges this year. Beyond that, our trainers are willing to help you prepare for our next events.

Are you up for the challenge? Learn more about what you can look forward to ↓

Types of Competitions 

From endurance races to obstacle course-type events, challenges can be geared towards any fitness concentration. 

1. Endurance races: We are most familiar with 5ks, 10ks, half- and full-marathons, but that doesn't make them any less notable. Whether it's about crossing the finish line or beating your personal best, distance running is invigorating and challenging for every runner. 
   
   
2. HYROX: As one of the most popular fitness competitions right now, HYROX consists of eight rounds of 1km runs and 1 functional workout station. Coined the 'global fitness race for Every Body', this is the ultimate fitness challenge for all.
   
   
3. CrossFit Games: The largest participatory sporting event in the world requires participants to compete in random exercises ranging from typical fitness exercises to surprise events, like swimming or softball throwing. To be dubbed the ‘Fittest on Earth’, you must be well-versed in your training and prepare for any test. 
   
   
4. Spartan/DEKA: Best known for the Tough Mudder, Spartan is one of the most diverse fitness groups. With multiple different types of obstacle course races, Spartan, DEKA, and Tough Mudder put participants through intense exercises to test their limits.  
   
   
5. Murph: The Murph Challenge forces not just physical strength, but a mental and emotional toughness. In honor of fallen Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, participants must push through long exercises and challenges

Physical Tests

Getting ready for fitness competitions takes a mix of different training and dedication. Whether you're into distance running or strength challenges, having a personalized training plan is your key to success. As you prepare, it's important to push your limits in strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Becoming well-rounded should be a top priority while preparing for races or challenges, because you never know what obstacles will be thrown at you.

Oftentimes, competitions have a specific list of tests that must be completed. For example, HYROX and DEKA have a list of zones/exercises that participants will have to work through in order to finish. To best prepare for these challenges, you should develop a fitness plan that increases in intensity as your race day approaches. The goal is to build your endurance, while noting your strengths and weaknesses to tailor your training.

The beauty of these challenges is that you can continuously improve your overall abilities and grow after each event. Whether it's beating a personal record, aiming for a top placement or choosing a more intense/longer activity, there is always a goal to strive for in your training. Completing a challenge is a stepping stone in your fitness journey, providing an outstanding sense of accomplishment and reigniting your passions.

The Mental Challenge

Physical abilities aren't the only test in these competitions - mental toughness is essential in completing challenges to the best of your abilities. Fighting through difficult, long challenges is daunting, but mental preparedness can catapult you to the finish line. 

During a challenge, you may find yourself not competing at the pace or intensity you expected or experience some pain that is setting you back. In order to continue on and fight through disappointment and fatigue, you must be able to rely on your mental toughness. 

Mental fortitude can be developed through positive thinking, maintaining optimism, concentrating on the end goal, setting achievable objectives, and building resilience. Repeat affirmations and continually remind yourself of the reasons behind your challenge during training - this will improve your strength and reveal your best self during competitions.