Fitness challenges—those 30-day programs that promise quick results—have often been met with skepticism in the health and wellness world.

Maggi FItzpatrick is the Health and Wellness columnist for The Sullivan County Democrat and a fitness coach focused who has shied away from endorsing them. She says, "The challenge-driven approach can feel fleeting, and once the clock runs out, the habits we’ve built often disappear. But over the years, my perspective has shifted. I now see that fitness challenges can serve a valuable role in a person’s long-term health journey when used thoughtfully."

We spoke to her about how fitness challenges can challenges can act as a catalyst to reignite motivation and create momentum, especially for those feeling stuck in their fitness routines.