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Summer is officially knocking on our doors and we all know what that means: bikinis, burgers and bros! October is also the perfect time to commit to resetting your health, wellness and fitness routines by building sustainable habits (not crash dieting). After sticking to a six-week challenge, you are guaranteed to feel energised, confident and ready for the season’s festivities.
A six-week challenge is a structured wellness or fitness programme designed to deliver noticeable results in a relatively short time. They’re particularly popular in the lead-up to summer because six weeks feels achievable: long enough to see progress, but short enough to stay motivated. Most programmes combine exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle tweaks into one focused plan. Workouts can vary widely—from gym classes and weight training to home routines, yoga, or running programmes. Nutrition guidance may include meal plans, portion control, or simply smarter, healthier eating habits. Many challenges also incorporate a mindset or habit-building component, helping you develop routines that stick long after the 42 days are over whilst accountability check-ins ensure you do not fall off the horse.
Six weeks might feel like a big commitment, but it passes faster than you think. The timeframe is ideal for jumpstarting weight loss, improving strength, and boosting overall fitness. Having a set endpoint also makes the challenge feel manageable and motivates participants to stay on track.
On the flip side, six weeks isn’t always enough for habits to fully cement, and slipping back into old patterns is easy. That’s why it’s important to choose a challenge that focuses on sustainable practices — things you can realistically continue beyond the programme. The right challenge doesn’t just get you ready for summer; it helps you maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle year-round.
We analysed various six-week challenges and compiled a template of our own; one that you can use to get yourself fit for festivities and set yourself up for your healthiest holiday yet!
Week 1 – Kickstart Your Glow
💪 3 full-body workouts + light cardio
🥗 Swap sugary drinks for water + add extra veggies
🧠 Set your summer goal + journal for at least 5 minutes per day
Week 2 – Find Your Flow
💪 4 full-body workouts + core focus
🥗 Lean protein with every meal + balanced portions
🧠 Visualise your end goal + celebrate small wins
Week 3 – Push & Progress
💪 Heavier weights, longer cardio + stretch with yoga
🥗 Meal prep: include whole grains + healthy fats
🧠 Notice energy boosts + tackle challenges
Week 4 – Challenge Yourself
💪 Extra HIIT or circuit + track your bests
🥗 Go light on sugar + 5 fruit/veg portions per day
🧠 10 minutes of mindfulness daily + focus on consistency
Week 5 – Strength & Stamina
💪 Alternate cardio and strength + increase reps
🥗 Try a new healthy recipe + limit takeout
🧠 Reflect on progress + share your wins
Week 6 – Finish Strong
💪 5 full-body + high-intensity workouts
🥗 Whole, nutrient-packed meals + celebratory treat
🧠 Celebrate achievements + plan long-term habits
If you’re looking for a program that actually delivers results while keeping things fun, the F45 Challenge is worth checking out. Over 45 days, it blends team-based workouts, practical nutrition guidance, and lifestyle tips to help you build stronger habits, not just muscles. What makes it stand out is the balance: you’ll get high-energy F45 sessions, meal plans designed to be realistic and sustainable, and a supportive community that keeps you motivated. It’s the kind of program that not only helps you hit your short-term fitness goals but also gives you tools to maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle long after the challenge ends.
Nutrition: F45 focuses on a functional, personalised, and balanced approach, rather than a crash diet. You’ll learn how to build realistic, sustainable nutrition habits, with macro-balanced, customised meal plans and practical education to support long-term success.
Training: Team workouts make a difference. Studio-based sessions improve cardiovascular health, build strength, develop new skills, and help establish healthy movement patterns that last a lifetime.
Accountability: F45 isn’t just a gym, it’s a community. Coaches, fellow participants, and the F45 Training App provide individualised plans, progress tracking, and regular check-ins to keep you motivated and on track.
Wellness: The challenge goes beyond workouts. It encourages positive mindset habits, optimised recovery, and balanced lifestyle practices, with tools like dedicated recovery sessions and habit-building guidance, helping you perform at your best while prioritising your overall well-being.
Six weeks is all it takes to kickstart a healthier, stronger, and more confident you. With the right mix of workouts, nutrition, and mindset support, these challenges are designed to help you feel amazing just in time for summer. Whether you join a studio program or craft your own routine, the secret is simple: consistency, balance, and a positive attitude. So, grab a friend, set your goal, and get ready to move, nourish, and shine — summer is waiting!
Summer is officially knocking on our doors and we all know what that means: bikinis, burgers and bros! October is also the perfect time to commit to resetting your health, wellness and fitness routines by building sustainable habits (not crash dieting). After sticking to a six-week challenge, you are guaranteed to feel energised, confident and ready for the season’s festivities.
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Summer is officially knocking on our doors and we all know what that means: bikinis, burgers and bros! October is also the perfect time to commit to resetting your health, wellness and fitness routines by building sustainable habits (not crash dieting). After sticking to a six-week challenge, you are guaranteed to feel energised, confident and ready for the season’s festivities.
In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. Whether it’s a weekend escape or an indulgent mid-week reset, this is where staycations take on new meaning from the moment you arrive.
After enchanting Cape Town, Classics on Turf made possible by Telkom returns to Johannesburg for an unforgettable fusion of sport, style, and symphonic brilliance. On Friday, 14 November 2025, the Killarney Country Club will transform into a playground of elegance — where the precision of golf meets the emotive power of orchestral music. Now you can experience it all — on us. We’re giving away double tickets to this one-of-a-kind event, offering two readers and their partners a chance to attend the Music Experience.
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