Today@Sam Article
Elevate Hosts Virtual 30-Day Walking Challenge
Sept. 21, 2020
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Sam Houston State University’s Healthy Campus Initiative, Elevate, is hosting a 30-day virtual walking challenge for all current students and employees across all campuses. The challenge will run from October 1-30, with two available competitions.
The first competition is for those who choose to enter individually. In this format, winners are decided based upon the total number of steps that they earn throughout the entire challenge. The competition has been divided into three categories in order to accommodate different fitness levels: <300,000 steps; 300,000-500,000 steps and 500,000 steps. Individuals with the highest number of steps from each category will receive Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones as a reward for their achievement.
The second challenge is for those who choose to participate in teams of up to three people. Winners of this competition are decided based upon their team’s daily average of steps during the 30 days of the challenge. The players on the top two teams with the highest daily averages will each receive a 40 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle.
Associate Director of the Office of Health Promotion, Megan Richardson, explained the importance of participating in this event.
“Now more than ever, many of us have experienced decreases to our physical and social wellness due to effects from the coronavirus pandemic,” Richardson said. “This challenge not only encourages people to get out and walking, but it will also encourage friendly competition and distanced socializing amongst participants. Because the challenge is conducted through the app, you can participate no matter where you are located.”
Participants can register for one or both of the challenges starting September 21 at https://link.movespring.com/join?groupCode=M3DVP6&orgCode=shsu or by scanning the QR codes on flyers for the event around campus. There are no entry fees for those who want to take part in the challenge, but participation will be capped at 200 people and those interested must use their SHSU email to register. Those who register will receive a free Elevate T-shirt when they present proof of registration at the LSC Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 30.
Once registered, competitors must download and sync their fitness tracking devices to the MoveSpring app in order to have their steps logged for the challenge. The app is compatible for most fitness tracking devices; the Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Health, Android, and others. Through the app, people will be able to check where they stand against the competition on the leaderboard.
The challenge is open across all campuses, including the Woodlands Center and the College of Medicine. For questions or more information concerning the event, reach out to elevate@shsu.edu.
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