Apr 26, 2006

Inspired by Challenge?

For walkers whose bottom line is to maintain healthy weight or loose excess pounds, the Weight Loss Challenge phenomenon is familiar. While there are many online and offline walking Challenges Walktopia often spotlights, this particular post glimpses some mostly non-walking, weight-focused ones. Take a quick tour of these Challenges and you may find a new twist for your individual or group walking.

With their short time period, quantitative goals, team aspects and enticing prizes, the upside of Challenges is that they build enthusiasm and force results. On the downside, Challenges can be unsupervised, pressurized ego-busters with unrealistic goals that are impossible for many to reach. So, whether it's at weekly meetings, online or in a book, a weight loss Challenge is only as good as the informed participation (read: consult your doctor first) you bring to it.

Walktopia wants to know: How much does walking actually help you succeed at managing weight? What's your favorite “walking-for-healthy-weight” Challenge? Do you participate in walking Challenges like workplace walk programs, racewalks, marathons or online walking contests? Email us at walktopia at mac dot com.

Kashi's Day of Change Tour runs April to October but only a few dates are given. E-newsletter signup box is provided. Includes a brief description of walking for weight management (to prevent gain).

Yoplait yogurt files an interesting report from their Yoplait Challenge completed earlier this year with lots of video, personal stories and “relating”. It's a diary of the eight-week challenge where six women made positive changes and gained a healthier lifestyle.

Love “The Biggest Loser” TV show? Their online Summer Challenge starts May 1 at the NBC site where fans pay $19.98 per month for a variety of resources, support and a chance to win prizes.

Although Dr. Phil'’s Weight Loss Challenge is long over, his interesting Weight Loss Readiness Quiz is still a thought-starter.

Diet.com's Slimmer By Summer weight loss Challenge started April 10 but continues to June 23 offering a free option that requires you to complete a diet profile to enter.

The Milk Processor Board's Got Milk? Weight Loss Challenge, called ClubMilk for Moms, offers a site in two languages (English/Spanish) and the campaign hits targets in several cultures. Teamed with Curves, Shape magazine and local dairy companies, the accompanying national Milk Mustache Tour features nutritionists, food samples, exercise tips and book signings. The message? Reduce calories, drink 24 oz. of milk each day and exercise to lose weight over 12 weeks. Women can find out how to start their own ‘Got Milk? Breakfast Club’ or submit a success story.

Albany, New York's Times-Union newspaper created its own Loser-style Challenge where three teams with each member at an average weight of 218 pounds —will compete through June. You can observe them through their blog.

Strictly for the non-traditional and blogsphere-savvy: Designer GiggleChick” made up her own Great Blogger FatOff Challenge that began April 10 and runs to July 10. She says it's a no-prizes, honor system-based incentive to lose weight. She rolls out links to the major diet player sites, a basic tracking chart and her “Challenge” button you can add to your site.

Discovery Channel's Annual Weight Loss Challenge includes the “Destroy Your Fat Pants Game” designed for post-weight loss fun but it's a kick to play anytime along the journey.

Not to be outdone, ABC-TV ran a Lose the Weight or Wear a Bikini Challenge where five people tried to lose 15 pounds each in a limited number of weeks--or else! Based on the "“credible threat"” theory, you can see who was most afraid of bikinis.

Corporate wellness leaders who want to bring a healthy weight Challenge to the workplace might consider the $155 package from Food and Health Communications.

Photo Credit: Leslie E. Kossoff / copyright U.S Newswire Photography. Pictured are 200 walkers at the kickoff of Wellness Works, a Greater Washington Board of Trade fitness campaign to help employees incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into their day as part of a business-led effort to reduce health care costs.

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