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Should You Try the 6-6-6 Challenge?
Real benefits: Walking is very well studied scientifically, and its effects on physical and mental health are well-established. Even at light or moderate intensity, it helps improve cardiorespiratory fitness, regulate blood sugar and other metabolic factors, thus reducing mortality rates. Psychologically, it is associated with stress reduction, improved mood, and the prevention of depression, among other things.
Social dimension: This challenge may foster a sense of belonging to a community among those who participate, which can boost motivation. Sharing experiences and gaining visibility on social media can reinforce initial commitment by creating a sense of collective progress and indirect support.
Some of its limitations
Lack of gradual increase: the activity level is very high from the outset, which is not suitable for everyone. From a behavioral and physiological perspective, too rapid an increase in volume can raise the risk of fatigue, discouragement, or even injury, particularly in people who are not very active.
Rigidity: an inflexible framework that disregards individual constraints and personalities that prefer flexibility, variety, or are sensitive to external pressures. We know that the ability to adapt a practice to one’s daily life is a key factor in maintaining it. A structure that is too rigid may work in the short term, but becomes difficult to sustain over time.
No coping strategy: nothing is planned for days with less time or energy. In practice, no two days are alike, and the lack of a plan B can turn a minor unforeseen event into a complete disruption of routine.
Little room for personal experience: By imposing numerous parameters, enjoyment and lived experience are overlooked, even though these are fundamental aspects for maintaining physical activity over the long term. Research in the psychology of physical activity shows that emotions (pleasure, boredom, discomfort) play a decisive role in the likelihood of repeating an activity, often more so than long-term benefits.
Risk of an “all or nothing” mentality: the implicit idea that if you don’t do everything, it doesn’t count or it’s a failure, whereas 30 minutes or even 5 minutes would already be beneficial. This perspective can reduce tolerance for deviations and increase guilt, while more flexible practices generally promote better long-term adherence.
Author
After four years of medical studies in Guadeloupe and France, Gary decided to reorient himself to follow his passion for physical activity. He completed a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree in physical activity sciences at the University of Montreal. Today, he specializes in the science of behavior change, a discipline that aims to make physical activity more accessible, regular, and realistic for everyone. As the founder of Kinobi Conseil, he provides personalized support to people experiencing motivational difficulties when it comes to physical activity. He is also a clinical instructor at the Kinesiology Clinic of the University of Montreal, where he contributes to student training.
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