It’s not secret that at 28 years old I’ve finally decided to take my health a little bit more seriously. Of course the added benefit of technology has definitely helped. The Apple Watch has been a super motivator and I’ve used various apps to improve my work outs and learn what I can about fitness and getting healthy.
That’s why Nike’s Better For It Challenge is all sorts of perfect for me.
Remember I shared that Margot and Lily video a few weeks ago? Off the back of that comes #BetterforIt – a challenge Nike has set up to encourage the normal non fitness folk to get off the couch and get moving. It’s a simple idea. You download the Nike+ Running and/or Nike + Training Club Apps, follow the workouts on them and then share those workouts or runs on social media using the hashtag #BFICHALLENGE. For every three workouts and/or runs you share – you unlock rewards.
The concept is to encourage women around the world to get moving. However, the Better For It Challenge took it one step further and took the app in to the real world. Around the world, Nike is hosting Better For It training and running days. Johannesburg has had a few and I recently trotted along to join one at Zoo Lake. I’ve been to a few exercise days and they tend to be rather tame. You go through, do some silly training, take goodie bag and leave.
So I arrived at Better For It somewhat hung over and expecting a light work out. I was wrong. It was all systems go from the get go. The coaches were hard asses but inspirational at the same time. They weren’t those super skinny, super ripped girls but rather well toned and still with a bit of junk in the trunk. They have the bodies I dream about. And then they got us working, there was no time for selfies and only a few minutes for water. I was red faced and puffing within minutes. This wasn’t going to be a light stretch – this was a work out! It was incredible. I felt so motivated (and tired) when I left (sans goodie bag, this was about the work out not free stuff). It was an incredible way to spend a Saturday morning in a beautiful spot getting my active on.
I love how Nike have taken the app and made it personal by setting up these Better For It days. They’re free and all you need to do is register on Nike.com. Anyone is welcome. Will you start getting better for it?