Chasing the Minutes Challenge

April 1 – May 31 | YMCA Members Only

Challenge Overview

The Chasing the Minutes Challenge is a two-month wellness initiative designed to encourage YMCA members to prioritize daily movement through walking or running. Participants will track their total minutes of activity throughout April and May, focusing on consistency, healthy habits, and personal progress rather than speed or distance. Minutes can be completed on a treadmill, elliptical, indoor track, or outdoors, making the challenge flexible and accessible for all fitness levels.

The goal is simple: keep moving and keep adding minutes.

Walk or run, do what you prefer, just make sure you’re doing one of them. Track your minutes on the treadmill, elliptical, or walking/running indoors or out. Record your minutes at the front desk and continue your wellness journey.

Keep moving and keep adding minutes.

How It Works

• Open to YMCA members only
• Challenge runs from April 1 through May 30 (60 days)
• Participants log total minutes walked or run
• Activity may be completed indoors or outdoors
• A recording book will be available at the front desk for daily or weekly entries
• All minutes should be intentional walking or running (elliptical counts as walking minutes)

Participants are encouraged to set a personal goal at the start and aim to build a consistent routine over the two months.

Minute Goal Levels

These thresholds are designed to be challenging but realistic for a wide range of participants.

Consistency Builder (Beginner Stretch)

600 Minutes Total (10 minutes per day)

• Ideal for new walkers or those building a routine
• Focus on showing up regularly

Recognition

• Social media recognition

Healthy Habit Level (Average Stretch)

1,200 Minutes Total (20 minutes per day)

• Strong goal for the average member
• Encourages steady, sustainable movement

Recognition

• Social media recognition
• Certificate of achievement displayed in the lobby

Endurance Level (High Stretch)

1,800 Minutes Total (30 minutes per day)

• For members looking to significantly improve stamina and health

Recognition

• Social media recognition
• Certificate of achievement displayed in the lobby
• YMCA water bottle

Performance Level (Avid Walker/Runner Stretch)

2,400 Minutes Total (≈45 minutes per day)

• Designed for highly active participants
• Requires consistency and intentional training

Recognition

• Social media recognition
• Certificate of achievement displayed in the lobby
• Chasing Minutes t-shirt

Tracking & Accountability

Participants will record their minutes in the official challenge logbook located at the YMCA front desk. Entries can be made daily or weekly and should reflect honest tracking of time spent walking or running. Staff may provide periodic reminders and encouragement to help participants stay on track.

Optional: Members may also keep a personal tracker for motivation and transfer totals to the logbook.

Incentives & Recognition (Optional Ideas)

• Monthly milestone shoutouts (April & May)
• Recognition board in the lobby
• Completion certificates for each level achieved
• Small wellness prizes or YMCA swag for milestone tiers

Purpose & Impact

This challenge promotes healthy living in a simple and inclusive way by focusing on minutes rather than pace or athletic ability. By removing barriers related to speed, distance, or location, members of all ages and fitness levels can participate. The emphasis on consistency supports long-term wellness, stress reduction, and cardiovascular health while reinforcing the YMCA’s commitment to community-wide well-being.