FitSix Challenge: Week 1 — Building Your Foundation

Starting your fitness journey? Learn how to set goals, build habits, and create a strong foundation in Week 1 of the FitSix Challenge.
By
William Baier, MS, CSCS, USAW, CFL2
July 19, 2025
FitSix Challenge: Week 1 — Building Your Foundation

William Baier, MS, CSCS, USAW, CFL2

   •    

July 19, 2025

Why Week 1 Matters

The first week of any challenge isn’t about perfection—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Instead of focusing on drastic changes, Week 1 is about establishing small, sustainable habits that create momentum.

The Focus This Week: Consistency Over Intensity

It’s tempting to overhaul your diet, train every day, and expect overnight results. But lasting transformation comes from consistency. This week, aim to:

  • Attend 3+ workouts — building a rhythm of movement.
  • Track your nutrition — awareness is the first step to change.
  • Prioritize sleep — recovery fuels results.

Nutrition: Keep It Simple

Instead of restrictive diets, start by focusing on balanced meals:

  • Protein at every meal (meat, eggs, fish, beans).
  • Colorful vegetables for fiber and nutrients.
  • Smart carbs (rice, potatoes, oats, fruit) for energy.
  • Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts) for recovery.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t worry about hitting perfect macros this week—just practice building plates that support your training.

Mindset: Progress, Not Perfection

Change is messy. You’ll miss workouts, eat something unplanned, or feel off track. That’s normal. What matters is moving forward, not being perfect.

Adopt the mantra: “Win the day.” If you can do something today—whether it’s a workout, a healthy meal, or going to bed on time—you’re making progress.

Action Steps for Week 1

  1. Book your workouts in advance.
  2. Plan and prep 2–3 healthy meals for the week.
  3. Track your sleep for awareness.
  4. Reflect on one small win each day.

The Bottom Line

The FitSix Challenge is about more than weight loss—it’s about creating habits that improve your health, strength, and confidence long-term. Week 1 is your chance to lay the foundation for success.

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Outdoor Workouts for Strength and Conditioning

Outdoor Workouts for Strength and Conditioning

Why Train Outdoors? While gyms provide equipment and structure, stepping outside can supercharge your training in ways that go beyond barbells and rowers. Outdoor workouts challenge your body differently, boost mental health, and connect you with your environment—all while building strength and conditioning. Benefits of outdoor training: Varied surfaces and terrain improve stability, balance, and coordination. Environmental exposure (heat, cold, wind) builds resilience and adaptability. Fresh air and sunlight can improve mood, Vitamin D levels, and recovery. Minimal equipment needed—your body weight, a few simple tools, and creativity are enough. Strength Training Outdoors You don’t need a squat rack to build strength. By using natural resistance and bodyweight, you can load your muscles in new ways. Examples: Sandbag carries or sled drags → build raw, functional strength. Weighted backpack squats and lunges → challenge legs and core anywhere. Pull-ups on bars or playground equipment → strengthen upper body and grip. Odd-object lifts (rocks, logs) → develop stability and whole-body tension. Conditioning Work Outdoors Conditioning outside doesn’t just mean running endless miles. Mix sprints, intervals, and carries to build work capacity. Examples: Hill sprints or stair runs → explosive power + cardiovascular endurance. Shuttle runs → change of direction + speed. Farmers carries with kettlebells, dumbbells, or sandbags → grip + aerobic capacity. Circuit training combining running, burpees, and push-ups → whole-body conditioning. Sample Outdoor Strength & Conditioning Workouts Workout 1: Hill Sprint Power Warm-up: 5–10 min jog + dynamic mobility 6×20–30 second hill sprints, walk down to recover Finisher: 3 rounds – 20 push-ups, 20 air squats, 1 min plank Workout 2: Sandbag Strongman 4 rounds: 40m sandbag carry 10 sandbag cleans 10 burpees 400m run Workout 3: Park Circuit 5 rounds for time: 10 pull-ups (playground bar) 20 step-ups (bench or box) 30 sit-ups 200m sprint Tips for Outdoor Training Hydrate well—heat and sun increase fluid needs. Wear stable shoes for uneven ground. Adapt intensity to terrain and conditions. Scale movements just like in the gym—mechanics, then consistency, then intensity. The Bottom Line Outdoor workouts are a powerful way to challenge your fitness, build resilience, and keep training fresh. Whether you’re carrying a sandbag across a field, sprinting hills, or pulling yourself up on a playground bar, you’re building strength and conditioning that transfers directly to life.