2025 Cardio Kickstart Challenge Completed!
620 Years of Life Saved and Counting
2025 Challenge Results
After testing our Cardio Kickoff with a small group of early adopters in 2024, we officially launched the Unaging Challenge in 2025, and the response was tremendous. 140 people joined the challenge, with approximately 30 participants completing the full 12-week Cardio Kickoff phase.
From Pilot to Full Launch
Last year's pilot program helped us refine the approach and structure. We were thrilled with the initial results: 14 out of 17 participants completed the program, which gave us valuable feedback that shaped this year's expanded challenge.
What began as a simple question from a friend ("Can you help me get fit?") has evolved into a structured, evidence-based program that's showing real results. The Unaging Challenge moves beyond fitness fads and extreme approaches to offer practical, sustainable habits that contribute to longevity.
What Participants Experienced
The feedback from our participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93% rating the program 4 or 5 out of a possible 5 stars. Here's what they've been experiencing:
Physical Improvements
"No longer out of breath climbing stairs"
"Overall pace is faster on routine runs"
"Climbing flights of stairs is a cinch, and recovery is very fast"
"My resting heart rate has lowered"
"I can dance longer"
Mental and Emotional Benefits
"I'd been in a pretty bad place mentally... So I was glad to pick it up again. I'm still going."
"Regularity is key, motivation will come after as a natural result"
"Stamina boost, less stress, and better sleep"
Community Impact
Many participants highlighted the value of community support and accountability. The chat groups, progress tracking spreadsheets, and weekly emails created a supportive environment that kept people engaged throughout the 12 weeks.
The Science Behind the Results
The Cardio Kickoff focused on High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which research shows can provide significant cardiovascular benefits even with relatively short workout sessions. The program was designed with a gradual progression, starting with manageable intervals and building intensity over time.
The results speak for themselves - participants reported:
Improved stamina and endurance
Lower resting heart rates
Better recovery between exercises
Increased energy throughout the day
For some participants, these benefits came alongside modest weight loss, though the program emphasizes fitness improvements over weight reduction.
Looking Ahead: The Strength Challenge
The Cardio Kickoff was just the first phase of the Unaging Challenge. Many participants are now moving on to Phase 2: The Strength Challenge, which will build upon their improved cardiovascular fitness with strategic strength training.
Based on our research into longevity interventions, the combination of cardiovascular fitness and strength training provides some of the most significant reductions in premature death risk - potentially adding 7+ years to your lifespan.
The Strength Challenge will follow the same evidence-based, gradual approach that made the Cardio Kickoff successful, introducing participants to effective strength training with proper form and progressive intensity.
Stay Updated on Future Challenges
If you missed the first round of the Unaging Challenge, don't worry! To be notified when registration opens for our 2026 challenge, subscribe to the blog. You'll receive updates and announcements about the next cohort, which will include both the Cardio Kickoff and Strength Challenge phases.
As one participant advised others: "Stick with it, you won't regret it. It's ok to be inconsistent. Do things you enjoy."
The Unaging Challenge is designed to create sustainable habits that contribute to longevity through evidence-based physical activity. It's not about extreme transformations but about consistent, manageable improvements that add up to significant health benefits over time.