Fitness Challenge Point System
The Cayuga Fitness Challenge Point System is comprised of the following:
- Total Steps (using a pedometer)
- Physical Activities and exercise
- Losing % of Body Weight (based on a formula)
- Eating a Combination of Fruits and Vegetables
- Drinking 8 cups (8 oz. each) of Water
- Bonus Points
Pedometer Steps (Baseline for Point System)
For every 1,000 steps a person receives 1 point. This is based on the following:
- Recommended daily steps: 10,000 steps
- 10,000 steps = about 5 Miles
- 2,000 steps = 1 Mile
For example, if a person reaches the goal of 10,000 steps per day, they receive 10 points.
We are looking for accurate step counts and will NOT accept estimates for step counts. If you don’t use a pedometer for your readings your steps will not be allowed.
No “Double Dipping” Rule
SPECIAL RULE: We have a special rule for the Fitness Challenge called the “No Double Dipping” rule. If you are doing a physical exercise that is on our list and that you will be putting down as points for the Challenge, please remove your pedometer. You cannot count both the physical exercise for points and the steps together – it is one or the other.
If you are on a treadmill walking, please use your pedometer. If you are jogging or running on the treadmill, you could count the steps OR the jogging/running activity. If you are playing golf, please use your pedometer.
Physical Activity Points
On average a person will burn 70 calories by walking 1 mile. So if the goal is to walk your 10,000 steps per day (5 miles), you’ve burned (on average) 350 calories and earned 10 points. Our physical activity points are based on players burn on average about 350 calories for doing certain exercises for a certain amount of time. So for every 350 calories burned when exercising, you earn 10 points. Of course everyone is different, so based on how many calories burned you earned points. A heavier person would typically burn more calories doing the same routine as someone weighing less, thus earning more points.
To make it fair, this year we decided to change our point system based simply on total TIME of exercise routine instead of calories burned.
Each exercise routine has a specific base-calorie value. We take a look at the length of time per activity and its base-calorie value, and then give the player 10 points for every 350 calories.
Calculate the Point Value: points = ( base calories value / 350 ) * 10
EXAMPLE:
Let’s say Kayaking for 1 hour has a base-calorie count of 350. Another word, if a typical person kayaked for one hour, they would burn, on average, 350 calories. A player’s points would be broken down as follows:
points = rounded up( base calories value / 350 ) * 10
points = rounded up( 350 / 350 ) * 10
points = ( 1 ) * 10
points = 10
The player would earn a total of 10 points if they did kayaking for a full hour.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
| Exercise | Effort | Calories 60 min |
Calories 45 min |
Calories 30 min |
Calories 15 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elliptical | Light Effort | 606 17.31 Points |
455 12.99 Points |
303 8.66 Points |
152 4.33 Points |
| Elliptical | Moderate Effort | 707 20.20 Points |
530 15.15 Points |
354 10.10 Points |
177 5.05 Points |
| Elliptical | Vigorous Effort | 808 23.09 Points |
606 17.31 Points |
404 11.54 Points |
202 5.77 Points |
Lets break down how we get the 17.31 points for Elliptical, Light Effort for 1 hour:
points = rounded up( base calories value / 350 ) * 10
points = rounded up( 606 / 350 ) * 10
points = rounded up( 1.731428571428571 ) * 10
points = ( 1.731 ) * 10
points = 17.31
Download our Exercise Base-Calorie Chart
If you would like to view all the various physical activities we are using, and their base-calorie count for the point system, download the following Microsoft Excel file here:
Losing Percentage of your Body Weight
At the end of the competition, you receive 100 Points for each 1% of body weight lost during the challenge. At the beginning of the competition, you will have an initial weigh-in. There will be a final weigh-in at the end of the competition and the Campus Nurse, using the formula below, will provide a final percentage.
Formula: (Start weight – Finish Weight) x 100 ÷ Start weight = % lost
Example: If a person’s starting weight was 200 lbs and they lost 10 lbs, the total percentage of weight loss was 5%.
(200 – 190) x 100 = 1,000
1,000 ÷ 200 (start weight) = 5
You lost 5% of your body weight. You get 500 points!
Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Healthy eating will earn you points! So if you “strive for five” by eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day you will earn points. Can’t eat five servings? OK – we will cut you some slack and you’ll be able to earn points for eating 3, 4 or 5 or more servings.
- Eat at least 3 servings per day and earn 1 point
- Eat 4 servings per day and earn 3 points
- Eat 5 or more servings per day and earn 6 points
Drinking Water
Water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
- Drink at least 4 cups (8 oz. each) per day and earn 1 point
- Drink between 5–7 cups (8 oz. each) per day and earn 3 points
- Drink 8 cups (8 oz. each) or more per day and earn 6 points
Is your school or business looking to run your own Wellness Challenge?
Contact us to learn now your school or business can have your own Wellness Challenge website and run your own competition just like this one.
Click the Request More Information button or e-mail adam@mywellnesschallenge.org for details.
