The Iowa City Blue Zones and UI liveWELL are partnering to offer the Campus Walking Challenge.  The College of Public Health has been invited to participate in this two-week pilot program that runs Nov. 10-23.  The challenge is being offered to only five colleges/orgs across campus, including CPH, College of Pharmacy, College of Business, College of Education, and the Main Library.  Each group is challenged to recruit at least 20 people – faculty, staff, students, and volunteers – and track all their physical activity for two weeks.  The group with the highest average minutes of activity per person wins bragging rights, a trophy, and a victory party!

There’s still time to participate, and all faculty, staff, and students are invited! To join, contact our CPH Team Leader, Amanda Jorgensen, at amanda-jorgensen@uiowa.edu. Please register by Nov. 10.

Only your name and email address are needed to register.  You will be added to a shared Google Doc spreadsheet on which you can log your activity minutes.  Any physical activity sustained for 10 minutes at a time counts. All participants who submit 10 dates of activity minutes will earn a Blue Zones t-shirt.  There is no cost to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Campus Walking Challenge.

What counts for activity minutes?

Any activity that is intentionally done for movement in the day.  It must be a minimum of 10 minutes in one bout.  Walking to meetings, going to the gym, dancing at home, intense cleaning are all examples that can be counted toward your minutes of activity.

How do we track activity minutes?

Each site will have one Google Doc Spreadsheet that all participants and administrators will have access to.  We are asking that at least twice a week, you update your minutes to reflect your activity.   A co-worker or team leader can update for you.  All minutes – through Nov. 23 – must be entered by noon on Nov. 24.  Winner will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 25.

What do I have to do to register?

Provide your email, first and last name.  You will be added to the Google Doc where you can log your activity minutes for the two-week challenge.

Why is Blue Zones involved?

The Blue Zones Project promotes natural movement throughout the day and social support.  Participating in this walking challenge may increase your natural movement and support those you work with.  If you are interested in forming more regular walking groups from this challenge, Blue Zones has resources to support ongoing efforts.

Who can participate?

Anyone that is involved with the college or department.  Students, volunteers, assistants, and other support staff are all welcome to participate.  The more, the merrier!

Is there a cost?

No.

Will my co-workers be able to see my activity minutes?

Yes.  Each site will have one shared Google Doc, so all minutes of activity shared will be visible to those participating in the challenge.

For more information, please contact erin-litton@uiowa.edu at liveWELL.

Thank you for considering participation in this project!