Step Into Spring
Challenge yourself to walk 10,000 steps a day for 30 days (weekdays). Register anytime between March 27th and April 2nd.
Walking is an accessible form of exercise that is easy to do and does not require a gym. Making time for brief walking breaks throughout your day can provide numerous health benefits to include:
- Increased energy – going for a walk when you’re tired increases oxygenated blood flow and cortisol levels, the hormones responsible for boosting energy.
- Increased energy expenditure – the body burns approximately 100 calories of energy to walk 1 mile. So, increasing your level of physical activity can increase energy expenditure and potentially help you reduce body weight.
- Improved strength and function of the heart – your heart is a muscle and low-to-moderate intensity walking is a great way to strengthen your heart, helping it become more efficient at moving blood throughout your body!
- Increased focus – along with a boost in energy, walking is a great way to regain focus and stimulate your mind and body.
Registration
The Step Into Spring challenge is open to all Earlham College students, staff and faculty.
Register between March 27 and April 2.
How to Earn Prizes
- All participants logging a minimum of 900 minutes (30 minutes per day for 30 days) will be entered into a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prize giveaway.
- Participants must keep track of daily time spent walking, then submit the weekly log form on Mondays at 9 AM.
- Failure to fill out the weekly walking log by each Monday at 9 AM will result in a forfeit from the challenge.
Prizes
- 1st place – Fitbit
- 2nd place – Wellness Gear
- 3rd place – $25 Gift Card
How to Participate
The Step into Spring Challenge is open to all Earlham College faculty, staff, and students.
You may walk anywhere, anytime, Monday-Sunday. Those who complete the 30-day challenge will have walked a minimum of 900 minutes, or 60 miles, by the end of the challenge. Challenge yourself to take a 30-minute walk with a colleague or friend at lunch time or a 5-minute walk each hour—it all counts—whatever works for you!
Submit Your Steps
To participate in the Step Into Spring challenge, log your daily time spent walking on a weekly basis. If you cannot walk 30 minutes a day, but you can complete a total of 210 minutes weekly, that will work as well. All participants logging a minimum of 900 minutes (30 minutes per day) will be entered into a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prize drawing.
Step 2
Upload your weekly tracking log on Mondays before 9am.
How to get the Most out of the Challenge
- Participants must be currently employed or enrolled Earlham College, staff, faculty, or students.
- Participants must register for the program by filling out the online registration form between March 27th and April 2nd.
- The 30-Day Step into Spring Challenge begins the 3rd of April
- Participants may walk anywhere, any day, any time, and are encouraged to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into their daily work schedule.
- Participants do not have to walk 30 consecutive minutes and may accumulate 30 total minutes or a total of 210 minutes a week. Participants are encouraged to walk at least 5-minute intervals.
- Participants must keep track of daily time spent walking and log this in the weekly log form downloaded from the registration website. Failure to fill out the weekly walking log by Wednesday at 9 AM will result in a forfeit from the challenge.
- Participants must walk a minimum of 20 minutes per day to have their time spent walking count toward the overall challenge.
- Questions and requests for rule exceptions must be presented to the program coordinator, Jason Fleenor at [email protected].
Health And Safety
- Participation in Earlham College AWC activities, including the use of facilities and equipment, is completely voluntary. There are risks and hazards, minor and serious, associated with participation in fitness activities. Participants voluntarily assume all responsibility and risk of loss, damage, illness, and/or injury to person or property associated with the participation in the Step into Spring Challenge.
- Participants are advised to check with a medical professional before starting any exercise program.
- Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately and drink water before, during, and after exercise.
Where to Walk
Check out these locations:
Walking Tracking Apps
Membership
Residents of Richmond and Wayne County are invited to use our facilities as members. Learn more about membership and all the perks that come with it!
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
We offer services ranging from fitness classes including yoga, pilates and spinning, to massage therapy, lessons and personal training. Students also have the opportunity to get involved with club sports and recreational sports. Learn more about some of our offerings below.
Facilities
Through our state-of-the-art fitness center, stadiums and our newly renovated Weber pool, we offer all that you need to begin your health and wellness journey.
With the Wellness Center 360 tour, you can enjoy 360° panoramic views of the center’s beautiful facilities from the convenience of your own computer or mobile device. This interactive online walking tour includes stops inside Trueblood Fieldhouse, Druley Performance Gym and our Energy Center.

Our team
Our team is here to provide you with the tools necessary to succeed along your fitness journey. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. For more information, please contact the Athletics and Wellness Center Welcome Desk at 765-983-1734.
Meet our team