Step Up Challenge

Struggling to reach your daily goal? Simply tracking your steps may not be enough to keep you moving. According to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a little friendly competition can make all the difference.

The study followed about 600 adults who were overweight or obese. Each participant received a wearable fitness tracker and set goals to increase their daily step count. They were then randomly assigned to four groups. One group, the control group, used only their trackers and goals. The other three groups added a motivational twist: encouragement, prizes, social support, and friendly competition, an approach researchers call “gamification.”

After six months, participants in the gamified groups showed significantly greater increases in their daily steps than those in the control group. The results suggest that games and a touch of competition can turn step tracking into a more powerful motivator for physical activity.

Ready, Set, Step!
Challenge your friends or coworkers to a step-off. Set goals, log your progress, and make it fun. Perhaps the winner earns a movie night or another small reward. Grab your fitness tracker and get stepping toward a healthier you!