Drake challenged Des Moines University and Wesley Life to a step challenge in October. During the month team members from all three institutions tracked their daily steps using pedometers, fitness trackers, and smart phone apps. The goal was to be the institution with the highest average step total. The prize – a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Seventy-four Drake faculty, staff, and students began the program and 58 completed the challenge. Out of those 58 participants, we collected a total of 16,931,373 steps which is equivalent to 8,465 miles. Our average step total was 291,920 steps.

Although we did not win the trophy it was a close competition and we should be proud of our accomplishment!

1st Place: Wesley Life 294,546 average step total

2nd Place: Drake University 291,920 average step total

3rd Place: Des Moines University 272,287 average step total

We will compete again next October and hope that many of you will help us bring this trophy home. But you don’t need to wait until then to get moving. Being more active is possible any time of year. Even during the winter months. Here are a few ways to add steps to your day:

Create a walking group with co-workers and friends. The Knapp indoor track is available most days over the lunch hour. You may need to check times and schedules.

Join a Group X class at the Bell Center.

• If your building has an elevator, skip it if you are able and take the stairs instead.
• If possible, walk to talk to co-workers instead of calling, emailing, or texting.
• Set a timer and every hour get up from your desk and walk around or walk in place for a couple minutes. Walk and talk on the phone as well.
• Park further from your destination. And if your building has multiple entrances, enter from the furthest door.
• If you are getting groceries on your way home from work, walk the shopping cart back inside the store when you are done with it.
• Watching TV at night? Get up and walk around during the commercials. Better yet, skip TV and try an active video gaming experience with a Wii Fit or Xbox Kinect.
• And instead of getting together with friends for dinner, make it an active night out. Check out a winter farmer’s market, go ice skating, or try a dance class.

For more information, contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

Linda Feiden, Human Resources