By Kenya Godette

The next time you’re feeling sluggish, the remedy could be as simple as taking a walk. In fact, shows that aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day could significantly reduce the risk of age-related diseases and can improve mental wellness, sleep quality and management of chronic conditions.

At 鶹, the Department of Recreation & Wellness (Rec Well) has launched the “June Step Challenge,” a friendly competition among students, faculty and staff to track their daily steps, stay active during the summer and compete for prizes.

Ruby Schaubach, fitness and wellness coordinator for Rec Well, said daily routines often shift during the summer months, and she hopes the challenge will inspire participants to remain committed to their health goals while having fun.

The challenge runs from June 1-30, and participants should track their steps using the . The app syncs with most wearable devices like digital watches, activity trackers and smartphones. The competition is open to all Monarchs and weekly prizes will be awarded to participants with the most steps who have an active membership with the Student Recreation and Well-Being Center. Incentives include a Ninja CREAMI, a muscle massager and wireless headphones. Second and third place winners will be entered into a drawing for a prize at the conclusion of the challenge.

If participants do not have a Rec Well membership, they are encouraged to create their own prize pools or shared goals within their department, class cohorts or offices. For Schaubach, the challenge means more than just counting steps and competing for gifts, it’s about creating personal accountability and community.

“We are not focused on hitting a specific step count. Instead, we hope participants feel more connected to their wellness journey,” she said. “Our primary goal is to increase daily physical activity, promote intentional movement and build a sense of community.”

Participants are invited to join a GroupMe chat, provided upon registration, to share progress, organize group walks and support each other. “We believe community is a powerful motivator, especially during less structured times like the summer,” Schaubach said.

The step challenge is just one initiative led by the Recreation & Wellness department, whose mission is to support individual wellness by “meeting people where they are.” Schaubach said that wellness looks different for everyone, and their programs are created to promote physical activity without prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach.

To register for the step challenge:

  • Install the StepUp App: Search for "StepUp App" in theǰ and install it.
  • Open the app and press “enable step tracking.” 
  • Set your daily step goal and save.
  • Select the + symbol in the top right corner and select “enter link to add friend/group”
  • Join the 鶹 Rec Well group by clicking  or type in “”

Registration for the “June Step Challenge” ends on June 11. For questions about the challenge, contact Schaubach at rschauba@odu.edu or 757-683-5569. 

鶹 Rec Well offers a variety of programs and services to the community and Monarchs alike, including swim lessons, summer camps, bicycle learning labs, fitness classes and intramural sports.