Friday 12 October 2012

Create a workplace physical activity challenge


The LBD PCN staff recently participated in an activity challenge at work. We did a 50-day activity challenge where we had to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to high activity each day. Each staff member was allowed to miss no more than 8 days total over the 50 days.  

To encourage and motivate the staff, we collected a $20 sign up fee from each participate and put each participating staff member’s name on a poster. Each day the completed the 30 minutes of activity, they got to put a sticker on the board. Everyone was very excited and motivated by the shiny stickers and looked forward to putting them on the board each morning!



Sixteen out of our 18 regular staff members took part in the challenge.  At the end of the 50 day challenge, each staff member who completed the challenge with no more than 8 days off had their name placed in a hat for a draw. The person who’s name was pulled won all of the money collected at the start. Our only caveat was that the money was to go towards something for themselves like a massage, new workout clothes, new runners, etc. The winner of our challenge put the money toward a year membership at her local gym.  

The goal behind these types challenges is to create a habit that will continue past the 50 days and become a regular part of everyday routine. The majority of our staff continued on with 30 minutes of activity day after the challenge was over, the habit was formed.

Corinne Cutler
Exercise Specialist