Fitness Together April 30 for 30 Challenge

Incorporating exercise into your life can be difficult for some.  Here is a simple way to take that all important first step. 

Introducing Fitness Together North Andover's 30 for 30 Challenge.  On the first day of each month, exclusively on the North Andover Patch, we will be posting a 30 day physical challenge to all readers.  This will help you get active for the first time or if you are currently exercising, add a new dimension to your workout.  Either way, it will get you moving and burn more calories.

For the month of April: 30 SQUATS EVERY DAY FOR 30 DAYS.  That's all!  You need to find time in your day to perform 30 bodyweight squats.  Here's what you need to do.

PROPER FORM
While standing with feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and stick your butt out like you are sitting in a chair. Three cues to look for: Head Up, Butt Back, Knees Slightly Out.  If you look down at the floor and can't see your feet, you need to sit back more to engage your glutes.  Descend until your thighs are a close to parallel with the floor, then push through your heels back to a standing position. That's 1 rep.  If you're still stuck on form, look up a video on YouTube or stop by our studio to see one of our trainers.

BREAK THEM UP ANY WAY YOU WANT
Don't fret if you can't do 30 squats in a row.  Many people can't.  Maybe do 2 sets of 15, 3 sets of 10, 6 sets of 5, etc.  You can also break them up during the day; do 10 in the morning, 10 at lunch, and 10 at night.  Do some before work, do a few when on a phone call, or you could even sneak away and do a few of them in the bathroom if you need to.  As long as you get your 30 squat in by day's end; that's the goal.  By the end of the month, you WILL be able to do 30 straight. 

DO NOT DO THESE AT THE GYM
Yup, I said it.  The 30 for 30 Challenge is not meant to be done at the gym.  The point of the challenge is to prove that you don't need a gym membership or dedicate a long time to your workout.  All you need is a floor.  If you are currently working out, do NOT do these in addition to your current workout at the gym.  If you are already doing squats at the gym, these 30 still need to get done at home.  The 30 for 30 Challenge is a separate activity. 

GOAL: By the end of the month, you are able to do 30 bodyweight squats in less than 1 minute.   

You can keep track of them on your own, or leave a comment below to help inspire you and maybe inspire others! 

Fitness Together of North Andover is located at 73 Main Street. For more information, please call 978-659-0047 or visit www.fitnesstogether.com/northandover