The National Steps Challenge™ is back with more new ways to rack up Healthpoints, in exchange for e-Vouchers and the chance to score huge prizes. We’re talking a pair of Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Seattle worth up to $23,000, Royal Caribbean Cruise vouchers worth $5,000 sponsored by Coca-cola No Sugar and an OSIM uDiva Star Massage Sofa worth $3,299. A surefire way to get motivated and get fit!
Taking place all the way till 30th April 2020, you’ll get to score Healthpoints for physical activity beyond steps accumulation. In short, the more you move, the higher your chances of being rewarded for staying active.
Giving the train or bus a miss to walk from one stop to the next is not only a cost-saving mode of travel, but an easy way to boost your fitness AND step count for the day. Additionally, there’ll be 2 new added Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities (MVPA) tiers for you to earn Healthpoints.
Examples of higher intensity physical activity include fun and enjoyable sports such as cycling, badminton, kayaking and taking a dance class.
Being active doesn’t necessarily have to mean partaking in sports and fitness routines, though.
“Incidental exercises” are movements that are part and parcel of your daily life, which happen to whip you into shape without you even knowing. Think climbing a flight of stairs or two, lugging several kilograms of groceries home, even the mini-sweat that you work up after vacuuming the whole house.
Fun fact: Did you know that bus/MRT “surfing” challenges your muscles to maintain proper balance on those shaky rides?
One of the most highly-anticipated aspects of this annual affair is the complimentary fitness tracker that comes with each season of the National Steps Challenge. A wearable tech essential for people of all ages to keep tabs on their active lifestyles, typical fitness trackers on the market don’t exactly come cheap.
Not only does signing up entitle participants* to a free fitness tracker, this year’s edition sports a snazzy colour display that’s sure to add a touch of flair to your everyday get-up. It’s a functional and insightful tracker plus a sleek fashion accessory, all in one!
*In order to receive a free tracker, participants must be Singaporeans/PRs aged 17 and above (based on birth year) who have signed up for Season 5 and have not collected a tracker during Season 4.
In honour of the Merdeka Generation, there’ll also be a special fitness tracker dedicated to Singaporeans and permanent residents born in 1959 or earlier. All they have to do is register for the Silver Challenge under National Steps Challenge Season 5, where there’ll be thematic challenges and monthly lucky draws to keep them motivated throughout a journey of active ageing.
Whether or not you’re a fan of Pokémon, few can resist the adorable allure of Pikachu, Eevee, and the original starter trio.
Loyal supporters and completers of previous National Steps Challenge seasons will be treated to a Pokémon-themed collectible kit which consists of a handy collapsible cup, an umbrella with Pikachu prints and a tote bag emblazoned with iconic Pokémon species.
Operating on a simple premise, you’ll be rewarded for the number of steps and MVPA minutes clocked.
New participants instantly get 350 bonus Healthpoints, as do returning participants who have yet to complete Tier 1 of each category.
Thereafter, you’ll be able to cash your Healthpoints in for some sweet e-Vouchers. Burning calories while raking in savings might be one of the best deals we’ve ever heard of.
In addition to the guaranteed Healthpoints earned, every 10,000 steps clocked per day earns you 1 chance in the grand draw, while every 30 minutes of MVPA per day earns you an additional 2 chances. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
It’s not always easy to stay on the ball fitness-wise when you’re already juggling the plethora of responsibilities life throws at you. For that extra push, sign up for Live Healthy SG, a programme offered in collaboration with Fitbit.
Leveraging on Fitbit Premium, you’ll receive customised programmes, personalised health and fitness guidance and individual behaviour insights. These will come together to help participants adopt healthier habits and in turn, achieve better sleep, nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
At $9.99/month, you’ll receive personalised coaching and nudges to keep you on track, undoubtedly helping you to achieve the goal of 10k steps and 150 MVPA minutes clocked each day. Enrol as a participant of Live Healthy SG and sign up for Fitibit Premium for 1 year to get a free* Inspire HR tracker, pictured above.
Find out more and sign up for Live Healthy SG here.
*T&Cs apply.
Redeeming a complimentary fitness tracker and exclusive Pokémon-themed goodies will no doubt put a pep in your step as you kickstart your journey. All you have to do is download the Healthy 365 mobile app (available on iOS and Android) and register for a new account or restore an existing one.
Swing by the various collection venues or arrange an appointment slot at your convenience through the Healthy 365 mobile app to pick up the items. For updates on roadshows near you, make sure to stay tuned to the HPB Facebook page.
This post was brought to you by the Health Promotion Board.
Photography by Gabriel Seow.
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