70+ Fitness Contest Ideas in 2024

Read our big list of fitness contest ideas to grow your gym or fitness business. Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to promote fitness and healthy competition? Use these ideas to get started creating your fitness contest and then use the Exercise.com platform to make running your fitness contest or fitness challenge easy!

Hosting a fitness contest can be a fantastic idea! Not only will it encourage participants to push themselves towards their fitness goals, but it also provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate achievements. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of hosting a fitness contest, discuss various types of contests, and guide you through planning and executing a successful event.

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Brandon Stroupe

Founder and President, APEC Sports Performance

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Big List of Fitness Contest Ideas

Read through our big list of fitness contest ideas and then set them up right within the Exercise.com platform!

Weight Loss and Body Transformation Contests

1. Biggest Loser Challenge
2. Body Transformation Challenge
3. % Body Fat Loss Challenge
4. Waistline Reduction Challenge
5. Before-and-After Photo Contest

Fitness Skill Contests

6. Most Improved Runner
7. Longest Plank Challenge
8. Pull-Up Contest
9. Box Jump Challenge
10. Push-Up Challenge
11. Highest Vertical Jump Contest
12. Wall Sit Challenge
13. Burpee Challenge
14. Sit-Up Contest
15. Best Yoga Pose Competition

Wellness Challenges

16. Daily Meditation Challenge
17. Smoothie Recipe Contest
18. Most Steps Walked Challenge
19. Sleep Tracking Contest
20. Hydration Challenge
21. Healthy Recipe Competition
22. Tobacco-Free Challenge
23. Mindfulness Challenge
24. Stress-Reduction Challenge
25. Self-Care Challenge

Group Fitness Challenges

26. Team Weight Loss Challenge
27. Group 5k Run
28. Team Sports Challenge (basketball, volleyball, etc.)
29. Group Cycling Distance Challenge
30. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Challenge

Virtual Challenges

31. Virtual Marathon
32. Online Zumba Dance-off
33. Online Group Pilates Challenge
34. Virtual Treadmill Distance Challenge
35. Virtual Weightlifting Contest
36. At-Home Workout Challenge
37. Virtual Yoga Challenge

Nutrition Contests

38. Healthy Meal Prep Challenge
39. Vegan Cooking Contest
40. Gluten-Free Recipe Competition
41. Low-Carb Cooking Contest
42. Healthy Dessert Challenge

Endurance Challenges

43. Longest Distance Swim
44. Treadmill Distance Challenge
45. Rowing Machine Challenge
46. Stair Climber Challenge
47. Cross-Country Skiing Distance Challenge

Seasonal Fitness Contests

48. New Year’s Resolution Fitness Challenge
49. Summer Body Challenge
50. Spring Training Challenge
51. Fall Back into Fitness Challenge
52. Holiday Healthy Eating Challenge

Fun and Engaging Fitness Contests

53. Hula Hoop Contest
54. Jump Rope Challenge
55. Sack Race Competition
56. Tug-of-War Contest
57. Fitness Scavenger Hunt

Outdoor Fitness Challenges

58. Outdoor Boot Camp Challenge
59. Trail Running Competition
60. Park Workout Challenge
61. Beach Body Workout Challenge
62. Outdoor Yoga Challenge

Unique Fitness Contests

63. Animal Movement Challenge (e.g. bear crawls, frog jumps)
64. Paddleboard Yoga Challenge
65. Rock Climbing Contest
66. Balance Beam Challenge
67. Circus Arts Competition (e.g. trapeze, juggling)

Fitness Bingo Challenges

68. Gym Equipment Bingo (participants must use different gym equipment to get a ‘bingo’)
69. Workout Class Bingo (participants must attend different workout classes)
70. Health and Wellness Bingo (involving a combination of exercise, nutrition, and wellness activities)

Charitable Fitness Contests

71. Charity Run/Walk
72. Push-Ups for Charity
73. Charity Dance-a-Thon
74. Charity Fitness Challenge (participants pledge to complete certain fitness activities to raise money)

With Exercise.com’s customizable platform, you can facilitate all these challenges, track progress, engage participants, and even provide awards or recognition for participants and winners. The platform can integrate various wearable devices and fitness apps, enabling easy tracking and reporting of progress in these contests.

Exercise.com is amazing! Positively surprised by the efficiency at responding and helping out!

Erica Nangle

Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

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Read More:

• Fitness Challenge Ideas for Your Gym
• Best Fitness Challenge Software
• How to Run a Fitness Challenge
• How to Run a Fitness Challenge Online
• Gym Event Ideas

Why Host a Fitness Contest?

Hosting a fitness contest offers numerous advantages for both participants and organizers. For individuals, it provides a structured and motivating environment to work towards their fitness goals. With the support of fellow participants and the excitement of competition, contestants often find themselves more dedicated and focused during the contest period. Additionally, contests can inspire participants to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and sustain their fitness journey beyond the competition itself.

As an organizer, hosting a fitness contest can foster community engagement and enhance brand visibility. By promoting health and wellness, you can position yourself as a leader in the industry and build a positive reputation within your community. Furthermore, organizing a successful contest can generate significant revenue through sponsorships, registrations, and other related activities. And, as a gym owner, then running a fitness contest can be an important part of your gym social media marketing strategy and and overall gym marketing mix.

Moreover, hosting a fitness contest can also provide a platform for participants to showcase their progress and achievements. Through before and after photos, testimonials, and success stories, contestants can inspire others and serve as role models for those looking to improve their fitness levels. This not only creates a sense of pride and accomplishment for the participants but also motivates others to take action and join in on the fitness journey.

Benefits of Hosting a Fitness Contest

While there are many reasons to host a fitness contest, let’s dive into the specific benefits that make these events so impactful:

1. Motivating participants: A fitness contest creates a competitive atmosphere that drives participants to go the extra mile and challenge their limits.
2. Building a sense of community: Contests bring people together who share a common interest in health and wellness, fostering connections and support networks between participants.
3. Increasing brand visibility: By hosting a fitness contest, you can showcase your brand’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, gaining exposure to a wider audience.
4. Generating excitement and buzz: Contests create a sense of anticipation and excitement, creating a positive buzz around your organization and event.
5. Encouraging healthy habits: Participants are often inspired to adopt healthier eating habits and engage in regular exercise routines to improve their chances of success in the contest.
6. Boosting participant’s self-esteem: Achieving fitness milestones or outperforming others can boost confidence and self-esteem among participants.
7. Providing structure and accountability: The set timeframe and competition structure of a contest provide a level of structure and accountability that can help individuals stay on track with their fitness goals.
8. Creating lasting memories: Successful fitness contests leave a lasting impact on participants, fostering positive memories and potential long-term relationships.

Opportunity for personal growth: Participating in a fitness contest allows individuals to challenge themselves and push beyond their comfort zones, leading to personal growth and development.

Networking and collaboration: Fitness contests provide a platform for participants to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.

Jimmy Myers

Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

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