In November of last year, many employees took on the challenge of reaching one million steps as a team. It was a resounding success, so we’re launching a new challenge in March. This time, we’ll be moving for a good cause, and students can also participate. Why did so many people participate last year? And what’s different this time, other than the reward?
In November of 2020, no fewer than 834 UAntwerp employees racked up a combined total of 192 million steps over the course of one month, and 125 of the 157 teams made it to the finish line. The prize: a nice breakfast for ten winning teams. But that reward was not what really motivated most of them to participate. The Departments of Marketing (FBE) and Communication Sciences (FSW) conducted joint research into what motivates people to exercise, and found that the three main reasons for participating were:
- Cooperation, team spirit
- Getting more exercise
- A clear goal to work towards
Spirit of competition
Most participants exercised alone (about 55%), while others did it with family, friends or colleagues – hardly surprising during a pandemic. Nevertheless, many were swept up by the spirit of competition and the motivation to achieve the team goal. No fewer than 70% of the participants exercised more than they did before the challenge. Many people exercised during their lunch breaks, or when they finished work, taking the opportunity to unwind after a busy day. The most popular times to exercise were between 12 and 3 p.m. and between 6 and 9 p.m.
What did the participants like best?
- Social support: 64%
- Getting more exercise: 30%
- Competition: 27%
Borrow a Fitbit during the challenge
Following this resounding success, we decided to organise another Keep Moving Challenge. This time, too, we’ll be asking about your motivation. You can borrow a Fitbit for the duration of the challenge to register your activities. Are you in? Then be sure to sign up now.
We’ve made some changes this time around, based on the research and the results, to make it a true challenge.
What’s new?
On 1 March we start another Keep Moving Challenge at UAntwerp. This is new:
- Rather than counting steps, we’ll be logging the number of minutes we’re physically active. That means you can go cycling or swimming, but of course walking and running are also fine.
- What’s important is that you have to remember to log your activity.
- Each team has to reach 2400 minutes of exercise in four weeks’ time. That means that on average, each individual should get in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
- Teams can now consist of up to four members, as opposed to six members last year. This way, you can go for a walk together as a team and still keep to the social distancing rules. So head out there and catch those first rays of spring sunshine.
- Instead of giving away breakfast packages, the University of Antwerp will make a contribution to the fund for students facing financial problems for every team that reaches the goal of 2400 minutes of exercise.
- If you and your team want to raise extra money for this great cause and attract a sponsor, go right ahead. Click here [LING1] to find out how.
- UAntwerp students can also participate.
What are you waiting for?
After last year’s challenge, around 83% of survey respondents said they would be happy to take part in another exercise challenge. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for the Keep Moving Challenge before 28 February! We’ll be kicking off on 1 March.