I haven’t done a fitness challenge in a long time. I can’t explain how excited I am for this one! But, I want you to call all the shots and pull all the reigns during your challenge. I’ve built an awesome guide, but it’s up to you to set your goals! The challenge will start May 10th!
This challenge is to inspire you to MOVE. To me, that’s what fitness is. It’s simply moving. It doesn’t mean you have to run a million miles, lift heavy weights, or hike a million mountains; it just means to get moving! Go for a twenty-minute walk instead of playing on your phone, walk during your lunch break, take the stairs, hike on the weekends, ride a bike, or go out and dance. I even consider cleaning your house “fitness.”
My goal is to stay active by walking the dogs, going for light jogs, hiking, biking, and a light circuit every other day. My goal is to drink more water, more herbal tea, less processed foods, more lean protein, and focus on stretching each morning and evening.
This challenge will have awesome giveaways, a hashtag that’ll bring challengers together, and support from me! I’ll be looking out for your posts with the #SIMPLY40DAYS 😊
As I mentioned before, I want YOU to set YOUR goals! What do you want to get out of this challenge? Fill out the questions below before you start. I put mine on the front of my planner, so I can see it every day to remind me of why I’m doing this challenge. You could put it on your fridge, too!
I printed 40 of these worksheets so I can keep track each day! You could use a plain notebook to track your days, or use one of your favorite apps!
I filled out one of the worksheets as an example! Don’t forget to share yours with #SIMPLY40DAYS to win prizes!
(ENTER BY USING FACEBOOK/TWITTER/INSTAGRAM PHOTOS/ INSTA STORIES #SIMPLY40DAYS)
DAY #1 (YOGA MAT BAG): PRINT & FILL OUT THE CHALLENGE GOALS & DAILY CHART. UPLOAD TO SOCIAL MEDIA & USE HASHTAG #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #7 ($50 LULULEMON GIFT CARD): POST SEVEN DAYS IN A ROW WITH YOUR CHALLENGE UPDATES (EATS/WORKOUTS/WATER INTAKE) #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #14 (HOME DUMBELL SET): POST 14 DAYS IN A ROW WITH YOUR CHALLENGE UPDATES #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #18 (ADIDAS GYM BAG): POST YOUR WATER INTAKE & A FUN WORKOUT YOU DID #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #22 (SWELL BOTTLE): POST A “WHAT I ATE IN A DAY” ON SOCIAL MEDIA #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #28 ($50 WHOLE FOOD’S GIFT CARD): POST YOUR GROCERY LIST #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #32 (ORGAIN PROTEIN POWDER): POST YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY SNACK #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #35 (VITAL PROTEIN COLLAGEN): UPLOAD A PHOTO OF YOU AND A FRIEND BEING ACTIVE (DOGS COUNT) #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #38 (VARIETY OF RXBARS): POST A ROUNDUP PHOTO COLLAGE OF YOUR CHALLENGE SO FAR #SIMPLY40DAYS
DAY #40 (GRAND PRIZE): MAKE SURE TO POST EVERYDAY OF THE CHALLENGE WITH HASHTAG #SIMPLY40DAYS
Making a list before going to the grocery store is always useful. Here are some things you’ll see in my cart.
Here are some of my favorite dinner go-to’s just incase you need some ideas!
Roasted Veggies // Zucchini Pizzas // Frittata // Stir Fry // Baked Chicken + Meal Prep Ideas // Kale Vegan Salad // Grilled Chicken & Goat Cheese Kale Salad // Spaghetti Squash & Turkey Meatballs // Salmon & Potatoes // Turkey Burger Collard Wrap // Turkey & White Bean Chili // Veggie & Chicken Soup // Chicken Nuggets & Homemade Guacamole // Chicken Fajitas // Sweet Green Beans // Click here for more dinner recipes….
Here are some of my favorite breakfast go-to’s just incase you need some ideas!
Blueberry Muffin Bars // 3-Ingredient Protein Waffles & Pancakes // Loaded Oats // 2-Ingredient Pancakes // Spinach, Sweet Potatoe & Goat Cheese Egg Bake // Quinoa Omelet // Blackberry Smoothie Bowl // Protein Pudding & Fruit // Blackberry Peach Smoothie // Chocolate Chip Oat Muffins // Eggwhite French Toast // Peachy Smoothie // Kale & Sausage + Omelet //
Here are some of my favorite snack go-to’s just incase you need some ideas!
No-Bake Lemon & Chia Energy Balls // Rice Cake With Peanut Butter & Honey // White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Energy + Protein Balls // Homemade Granola Bars // 4 – Ingredient, No-Bake, Protein Chocolate Chip Balls // Healthy Zucchini Bread // Healthy Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies // Dark Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cups // Hard Boiled Eggs + Carrots & Hummus // Yogurt + Protein Powder // Herbal Tea // Super Green Juice // Peachy Raspberry Smoothie Bowl // Lemon Chia Blueberry Oat Muffins With Lemon Glaze // Spinach & Avocado Toast 
What I Eat Before & After A Workout Post: Running & HIIT 
For me, I love FUN fitness and it motivates me to get active more often! I love playing sports, hiking, walking the beach, walking my dogs, yoga, and swimming. If you can, find the fitness you love to participate in! Getting your friends involved helps as well.
I’ll be adding in some small circuits during the challenge. I hope to do one every other day! I’ll be in Hawaii for half of the challenge, so I’ll be using the beach and the backyard to complete them. I’m including some of my favorite AT-HOME / GO-TO workouts that you can do anywhere! If you don’t have dumbbells, you can use books, canned goods, filled water bottles, or anything with weight! Get creative with your surroundings!
Click here for a list of ten 15-minute workouts! You can print them and take them anywhere!
Below is a list of 24 workouts you can do every other day throughout the 40 days if you’d like a guide! I will be doing several of these.
I can’t wait to start this challenge with you! I’ll be getting my groceries bought, my goals set, and everything prepped for the challenge! I look forward to seeing your posts, the giveaways, and all of us reaching our goals together! Remeber, this is YOUR challenge! Everything is at your own pace 🙂 #SIMPLY40DAYS @SIMPLYTARALYNNFITCHALLENGE!
QUESTIONS FOR YOU!
- WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
- WHAT IS FITNESS TO YOU?
- ARE YOU IN?
Ohhh I’m excited for this! Is the challenge on Instagram only? XO
Nope! Facebook/Twitter/Instagram! Just make sure to use the hashtags so I can find it!
YAYYY! This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’m about to begin medication for anxiety and I really wanted to couple the meds with a lifestyle revamp. This is so perfect! My goals will be to FEEL healthier, feel confident, look better in clothes, and be able to run a mile (or more!) without walking. Fitness to me is feeling strong! I’m definitely IN! I can’t wait 🙂 xo Kelsey
Hi, Kelsey!
Glad you’re in! Your goals are great! I have no doubt you’ll be able to reach them in 40 days!
xo xo xo
Do I have to post it on my feed or can I put it in my highlights on IG?
As long as you use the hashtag and tag me so I can find it!
This post is amazing. This covers everything you need to live a healthy life, even if you take little things from it. I love it. I am going to read in depth this weekend!! Love your work babe xx
Thanks, Lisa!! xo xo
Do I have to post it on my feed or can I put it in my highlights?
I just have to be able to see it!:) Just make sure to use the hashtag and tag me!
Heck yes! I am totally in! Cannot wait 🙂
Yay! so excited!
This sounds amazing!! I’m all ready to get started! Thank you!
Yay! Glad you’re ready!
Wow, sounds like a good challenge with great giveaways! So exciting! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks, Charmaine!
Be careful in Hawaii! Are you going to the big island? Please stay safe
Thank you! I will stay safe!
This post is simply amazing. Thank you!
Is it strange that I printed this whole thing? I love all the motivation!
Am I in? Heck yes, I am!
YAY!
Count me in!
My goal is to drink more water and walk during my lunch breaks!
Those are great goals! Can’t wait!
I’m so in!
Yay!
This is so motivating! I am for sure in on this. I have to come up with some other goals but for sure drink more water, eat more veggies and incorporate more chia seeds/flax seed and things of that nature into my diet.
Love your goals! So glad you’re in!
Im in too! I was so excited when I saw you were doing this because I have been so unmotivated lately and this is just what i need before summer starts. My goals are to drink more water, get AT LEAST 10,000 steps per day, and to avoid processed foods as much as possible!
That is awesome, and I have no doubt you’ll be able to reach those goals!
Wheeeee I LOVE THIS! This is definitely that time of year when I’ve been focused and mindful for the past few months to get that summer body ready, but after all the days I’m feeling like I wanna eat cinnamon rolls and cake for breakfast. This is the perfect oomph to stay focused and motivated!
My goals are to FEEL good and be completely comfortable in anything I wear. I want to rock out push ups and burpees like it’s nothing. That makes me feel so strong!
Fitness is a combination of so many things but overall, it’s treating your body well so you feel strong and health, and a nice lil booty is just a nice side effect :). I love the feeling of knowing I can crush a hike or crank out laps without feeling like I’m gonna die.
ALWAYS in! Might have to steal Ben’s insta for this!
Sooooo glad you’re in, Susie!!!
I love your goals and totally feel the same!
Tara .this is wonderful !
However I am not strong enough to do as your challenge list . I will Keep doing what I loved . I usually doing yoga at morning , drinking many glasses of water . And less junk food and process food . I eat vegetables and fruit a lot . I also have been keeping myself away from sugar drinks . Sometimes , I do jogging , but hiit is not my cup of tea. It’s too hard for me. So hard That I had hurt myself 1 years ago , but this recap is totally motivated and excellent ! I will do my best to let myself keep moving and being happy .
Thank you Tara .
Just do what works for you, girl! xo
How did you know my next big holiday is in 30 days? Haha. Perfect timing!
I just know these things!!! lol
I’m excited for this challenge and I love the layout you made
Thanks, Dani!
I started a fitness challenge on May 1st and this definitely fits in! I based it on your previous challenge last year (I think) and am walking 100 miles in May! The first week was incredible. I am drinking more water and healthier foods – it’s a challenge with my workload, but already rewarding! I hope I can incorporate your challenge too, especially because your prizes are awesome! Thanks so much for creating this. I can’t wait to see everyone’s posts!
That is awesome! Walking is my FAVORITE form of fitness and I love the 100 mile goal!
I am in!! SO excited for this Challenge.
I just wanted to ask if i live in another country can i participate in the giveaway?
Thank you very much for making this free you are the best.
Yes! Some of the items cannot be sent, but some can! It’ll depend on which giveaway, but you can certainly participate!
It must have taken you a long time to put together this post and the infographics!
Are the prizes exclusive to the US?
Some can! 🙂
xo
Am I in? Heck yes!
yay!!
I’m excited for this! My goals are to drink more water, stretch daily, and play outside with my son more.
Great goals, dorothy!
Perfect timing! All weekend I’ve been thinking about creating a fitness instagram to motivate myself more, doing the Challenge and having to post every day on there is probably the push I need! 🙂 now I just need to figure out what I can call it. Excited for this! Thank you!
Glad you’re in!
Hi, is this challenge open to those who are not originally from the US? who lives in Asia particularly? If yes, i would love to join in! 🙂 you’re such an inspiration!
Challenge is for everyone!
1. My goal is to just be more active and move more! Winter put me into such a slump and I’ve been using it as an excuse to be lazy. I would also like to drink more water- especially at work! I work as a nurse on nightshift and always find I’m dyhydrated by the end of my shift and sometimes get terrible headaches because of it!
2. Fitness to me is being active and finding things that you love to do weather it’s taking a walk, doing yoga to relax, or going to a bike ride. It’s taking the time for yourself, your mind, and your body!
3. I am so in! This looks like just the motivation I need, along with the nicer weather lately! I am in need of something to boost my energy and just be more active and to get in shape for my wedding in July! Thanks for always being such an inspiration!
How excited! Congrats on your upcoming wedding!:D
We are totally on the same page for fitness! xo
This is awesome!! so excited to do this!!
My goal overall is to just be happier and healthier. i feel if my goals are too specific (ie: i should weigh this or be size this) it makes it harder. I don’t care what the scale says, i just want to be healthy and be happy in my own body.
I completely agree with you when it comes to fitness. I find it really hard to complete or even start a workout if it isn’t something I enjoy. For the 40 days I am going to walk more and experiment with some new workouts. Also I have 2 vacations during this challenge so there will definitely be some hiking and other exciting things!!
Happy and healthy! Sounds like great goals!
And you’re right. YOU HAVE TO ENJOY what you do!
Im in! My goals are to drink more water for sure and eat more veggies daily, sometimes I go all day with out a single veggie. I have this workout app on my phone andit gives me 3 workouts a week ad a daily challenge. Another goal is to complete every workout and daily challenge alogn with adding more prenatal yoga into my fitness journey. i agree with you Taralynn, fitness is simply moving and staying active.
It really is just “moving.” The word fitness can get too intimidating because it can mean so many things! Glad you’re in and you have great goals!
Hey Taralynn! I LOVE that you are doing another challenge! Long story short, my dog (German Shepherd cross) passed away suddenly a month ago and she was my best friend for 13 years. If I’m honest I have been struggling a lot with her passing and feel myself slipping into a depression. However, I refuse to let the depression control me and I know how eating right and exercising can help fight back from depression.
I logged onto my computer today to scroll through your website to print some recipes and gain more motivation (you are truly a great role model/inspiration) and was pleasantly surprised to see that you are starting this challenge! I’m SO excited to participate! My goals are to get a better frame of mind by looking and feeling good about myself and create a healthier routine for myself instead of emotionally eat or sit and watch tv all day. Fitness to me is a lifestyle choice, a commitment to yourself to love and take care of your body and mind which will help pave the road to success in many ways than one.
Looking forward to this journey! Can’t wait for May 10th!
– Maddie
Hi, Madeline!
I’m so sorry to hear about your pup. That hurts my heart deeply and I can’t imagine what it feels like 🙁 Just remember, he’s in heaven playing with all the pups and eating all the treats he wants! I love that you’re going to turn this around and work your way out of the funk. I totally understand your feelings though.
I’m really excited that you’re doing the challenge, and I can’t wait to do it with you.
I have no doubt you’ll kick butt!
xo xo keep your head up!
2 months post baby…working out in between pumping sessions at work but ready to go even further! Count me in!
YAY!
2 months post baby…working out in between pumping sessions, but ready to go even further! Count me in!
You go girl!
I’m in!
Lookung for ward to it!
I love your posts! Always so positive and colorful, and fun!
Thanks, Mindy!
Thank you for hosting this challenge! Such a perfect combination of structure and flexibility, I can’t wait to get started! My #1 goal is diet consistency, reducing portion sizes, and increasing my time outdoors (now that winter is FINALLY over!). Ready for Thursday!
Woooo!!! So happy you’re in!!
Great goals 😀
IN IN IN
lol so you’re in?
Hi Taralynn!!!
I am an avid (everyday follower)!!! I read through every single syllable of this post and am SO excited to steal your workouts, meals, and overall motivation!!!! I am going to start my first workout tomorrow and am choosing some meal options right now!!
THANK YOU!
<3 Jen
AHHHH YAY!!! This made me so happy to read! xo
Ahhh IM SO IN! I cant wait to start this! So exciting 🙂 My goals are to be overall healthier, eat healthier, and feel better! Also to feel better about my body! Thanks for sharing this and all the amaazinggg tips! I have a question for you, maybe you can give me some advise/tips from your own experience .. I want to get into shape and need to lose some weight first.. do you suggest focusing on cardio or toning exercises, or a mix of both?
Thanks love!!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Great goals, Katie!
I’m all about BALANCE. I think both, but all bodies are different! We all burn fat or process workouts/food differently. I lose weight by walking/light running/ and light strength training. (I have cortisol issues) but I think focussing on a clean diet and 45 minutes of exercise daily will be helpful. It doesn’t have to be hardcore exercise, walks, bike ride, or yoga as well! Just stay active, drink lots of water, and find a balance with eating! xo
Goals would be to eat better, more water. More consistent in workouts.
Great goals!
I know you have a busy life but i soooo appreciate you adding a fitness challenge yet again! I had fun following the one last year (I think it was last year…)
CHEERS! Here’s to continually seeking a healthy lifestyle
So glad you’re in Kelley! I love the challenges!
Doesn’t look like the First comment i posted got through.. so I’ll do it again 🙂
I am so in! I’ve been Wanting to make a fitness/health Instagram to motivate myself, so this Challenge came at the perfect time! Now I just need to figure out a name for my IG haha! Thanks for making this Challenge, i’m so excited! I’ve dritten down all the prize dates in my planner to remember what to post On the specific dates haha, I love these things! It’s okay to join Even though I live in Europe, right?:)
My goals.. well.. Get back into a healthy habit with eating and being more active again. Drinking more water. Feel better and stop having these random Little insecurities I Get after not having a Good routine in a long time. Feel Good!
I LOVE that you’re in and so motivated! The challenge is for everyone everywhere! Some of the prize giveaways cannot be shipped overseas, but some can! xo
GREAT GOALS!
I’m so in!! My goal is to be HAPPY! I’ve always found happiness in being fit and healthy and after 4 years of unhappiness, I’m done. #simply40days bring back my smile! Thank you for being such an inspiration, I’m in a new town, new state and ready for a new start. Enjoy Hawaii and wear sunscreen!
So excited you’re in!!
Love that you’re taking your happiness back! Each day is a new journey.
I’m in. My goal is just to lose some more weight to hit my goal, tone up and maintain the weight loss. Fitness to me is just trying to workout everyday and hit my 10,000 steps so I know I am moving.
Great goals!!
Is it ok if we combine yours with another fitness challenge we’re doing? Tone it up has their bikini series going so I’m doing some of that. I only had a baby three weeks ago so I need to ease back into it and your challenge seems perfect for me! My goals are to focus on water, doing the daily moves and going on walks a few times a week. I am so IN!
Is it ok if we combine this with another fitness challenge we are doing? I only had a baby three weeks ago but this seems like the perfect challenge for me right now! My goals are to drink more water, do the Tone It Up daily moves and to go on walks a few times a week. I am so IN!
Is it ok if we combine this with another fitness challenge we are doing? I only had a baby three weeks ago but this seems like the perfect challenge for me right now! My goals are to drink more water, do the Tone It Up daily moves (they have a challenge going on too)long and go on walks a few times a week. I am so IN!
Is it ok if we combine this with another fitness challenge we are doing? I only had a baby three weeks ago but this seems like the perfect challenge for me right now! My goals are to drink more water, do the Tone It Up daily moves, go on walks a few times a week and find balance in eating. I am so IN!
One question: do we post a picture of the paper we filled out every day to check in? Or just a picture of the day??
Thank you for doing this!
This challenge is what YOU make of it. There are no rules or guidelines, just a group of people coming together to focus on health and fitness!
Those are great goals! Water for me too!
Just some form of “check in” with the hashtag daily!
So embarrassed my comments came through a million times 🙈🙈 thanks for responding 😁
Is it ok if we combine this with another fitness challenge we are doing? I only had a baby three weeks ago but this seems like the perfect challenge for me right now! My goals are to drink more water, do the Tone It Up daily moves, go on walks a few times a week and find balance in eating. I am so IN!
One question: do we post a picture of the paper we filled out every day to check in? Or just a picture of the day??
Thank you for doing this!
This challenge is what YOU make of it. There are no rules or guidelines, just a group of people coming together to focus on health and fitness!
Those are great goals! Water for me too!
Just some form of “check in” with the hashtag daily!
This is so exciting! I’m definitely in! One of my main goals is to drink more water. I really suck at this. And of course to keep my nutrition clean. I love your meal ideas and your whole blog!
Thank you for taking the time to inspire us!
Can’t wait for these next 40 days!
Thank you, Julia!!
Can’t wait to see you participate! xo
I’m in! 40 day challenge! My goal is to take 2 classes a week at my gym- usually 1 yoga & 1 cardio/ weight, and run 2 times per week. Drink H2O-(i’m pretty bad at this- so any little bit of improvement will help big time), and portion control with meals. I have to take a steady dose of prednisone everyday- so I am constantly battling hunger control (especially when I work out) – so I want to make sure I am fueling my body with wholesome food- but still packed with flavor. Last goal- to actually stick with this for 40 days- I usually get distracted about 5 days in. 🙂 Thank you for all the print outs/ downloads! #SIMPLY40DAYS
This challenge is something that I’ve been needing for quite a while,but could not put it together in such an awesome yet simple and inspiring way by myself,so thank you,thank you,thank you and of course I’m in!
Fitness to me means different things than it meant 5 years ago. After I read books by Geneen Roth on compulsive eating (and other eating-related insights) now fitness means this to me: nourishing and taking care of myself without restrictions,punishments or inner hate-filled talk. It does not mean that eating a full cake is nourishment, but if i really want to,I’ll have a slice or two. I just did not want to live a life in a prison depending on what scales say of me. When everything changes in personal perception,it becomes enjoyable to look after yourself,to go on long walks,to cook meals full of goodness, to concentrate on what is really important,to be mindful. So now I’m working on that,working really hard and I feel so,so thankful for this challenge as a daily reminder and support to simply be good to myself and support my own wellbeing in gentle yet practical and thought-through ways.
So today is the first day of the challenge….but we just post the challenge page first, right? And then start with day 1 tomorrow (11th)…right? Just making sure I have that all correct. 👍