What is the Difference Between Step & Walking Challenges?

There are various forms of fitness challenges that all require “walking” as the main fitness focus. Walking is a popular activity because it is easy to do.

A decent pair of shoes and off you go.

A “Challenge” is when you (or a group) decide on a specific goal. It can be a simple time period, such as “30 Day Walking Challenge” where you focus on getting out to walk each day.

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Challenges that fall into this category include:
1. Step Challenge
2. 10,000 Step Challenge
3. Pedometer Challenge
4. Fitbit Challenge

At first glance you may think they are the same. They are not.

The Pedometer Challenge and Fitbit Challenge (or any other challenge specific to a gizmo or app) has been designed to focus on the method of recording.

Using Pedometer for a Challenge

At one time in the past the Pedometer was the only device around for measuring REAL steps. Back in the day this little mechanical metal thing worn on your belt would “click” a step to the total everytime your foot hit the ground. It worked because the slight movement would cause the numbers to change.

Today they are electronic and work in a similar fashion and increase the number of steps with body movement. They also estimate distance based on general numbers or input of stride length.

Some pedometers also have the added features of estimating the number of calories burned using the steps/distance/weight inputs and calculations.

Other than the number of steps they aren’t particularly accurate, but good enough for general conditioning. They are a great tool when keeping track of your walking and climbing steps.

Using Fitbit for a Challenge

Using gizmos like the Fitbit can be a little more sophisticated in its makeup. It can measure steps from movement but it can also be a little sensitive. For example driving over speed bump may register as steps.

Some have heart rate monitors to help calculate calories burned. Some can measure distance, elevation etc. when tapped into the cloud. People using the Fitbit during Step Challenges have been known to cheat by strapping them to their cats/dogs to upload the activity to their challenge websites.

Back to Basics – 10,000 Steps

The 10,000 Step Challenge is a specific and daily goal orientated challenge. Although some do expand the challenge, the general idea is to focus on getting in 10,000 steps a day.

It is basic, easy to implement, and is great for incentivising yourself or a group to just get moving!

Team Step Challenge

The Step Challenge can be more detailed and probably the best idea for a group challenge. Most daily activities can be calculated into “steps” for scoring and calorie calculation purposes.

Step challenges can include prizes, journaling and log books, and easily expand into a full-fledged Weight Loss Challenge. Step challenges is a perfect team activity.

When developing a Office Step Challenge for the workplace be sure to keep fun and fitness together in mind. Because the steps can be converted from most activities there is a focus on general fitness and not just fitting in 10,000 steps.

Organizing a step challenge for your office group can be a fun adventure. Pick a timeline like 4 – 8 weeks. If this is the first time engaging your office group in a non-work activity, maybe start with fewer weeks.