Five Unexpected Benefits of Joining FITISM’s 6 Week Challenge

When I first signed up for FITISM’s 6-Week Challenge, my main aims were to get fitter, lose a few pounds, and to ultimately build strength. But I didn’t quite appreciate that the benefits go far beyond just physical transformations. After completing the challenge myself, here are five unexpected perks I discovered – benefits that have stuck with me long after the six weeks ended.

1. A Massive Confidence Boost

One of the most surprising outcomes of the challenge was the boost in confidence it gave me. Before FITISM, I’d avoided weights and resisted going to the gym on my own, partly because I felt too weak and didn’t know how to use the equipment. But with each passing week at FITISM, I grew stronger and more comfortable. The trainers were incredibly supportive, teaching me proper form and pushing me to lift heavier weights than I ever thought I could. By the end of the challenge, I was confidently walking into the gym and using the equipment without feeling self-conscious. That sense of accomplishment has stuck with me, making me feel capable both in and out of the gym.

2. Better Sleep (Without Even Trying!)

Before FITISM, my sleep was fairly unpredictable. Travelling a lot with work means that late nights are often unavoidable, and I struggle to sleep if I’m not in my own bed. But during the 6-week challenge, I started sleeping better without even focusing on it. The combination of regular exercise, structured routine, and physically challenging workouts naturally improved my sleep quality. I’d wake up feeling refreshed and energised, which, in turn, gave me more motivation to keep going. The improvement in my sleep wasn’t something I signed up for, but it’s definitely one of the benefits I’m holding onto!

3. Healthier Eating Habits

I like to think of myself as a fairly healthy eater – I avoid processed food where I can and try and stay balanced. But since working out at FITISM, I’ve noticed that my diet has become even better (again, without really trying.) While the 6-Week Challenge doesn’t have a strict diet plan, I found that my eating habits started to shift on their own. The more I worked out, the more I became aware of how certain foods made me feel – and I started craving meals that would fuel my workouts and aid recovery (hint: protein, protein, protein!) It wasn’t about restriction or counting calories; it was about making mindful choices that supported my training, and those habits have stuck with me long after the challenge.

4. More Motivation & Structure

I signed up for the challenge expecting physical results, but what I didn’t anticipate was how much better I’d feel mentally. The consistent workouts acted as a form of stress relief, helping me clear my head after busy workdays or long travel weeks. I found that the more I trained, the less lethargic I felt, and the more productive I became in other areas of my life. It turns out that focusing on fitness had a ripple effect – improving my mental clarity, reducing stress, and making me feel more centred overall.

5. Meeting New People

I didn’t expect to make friends when I signed up for the challenge, but actually – FITISM is a great way to meet new people. The group classes were welcoming and non-intimidating, and I found myself looking forward to seeing familiar faces in every session. Everyone – regardless of fitness level – encourages one another, creating a sense of camaraderie that’s so rare in most gyms. It’s not just a fitness programme; it’s a community where everyone supports each other. That sense of belonging helped me stay committed and made the whole experience far more enjoyable than I anticipated.

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