You kicked off your step challenge — amazing! Whether it’s a step battle, hydration goal, or a good old-fashioned "let’s move more this month" kind of vibe, you’ve already done the hardest part: getting it started.

But what if participation is a little quieter than you hoped? Or maybe things started strong, but now it’s... crickets. Totally normal. Every challenge has its peaks and dips. The good news? There are tons of low-lift, high-reward ways to re-engage your crew, invite more people in, and keep the good vibes going.

Let’s break it down.

1. Add a Mid-Challenge Spark

Think of this like a little refresh button. You can:

• Relaunch the challenge with a new message like “Still time to join us — finish the month feeling proud.”
• Add a countdown: “Only 7 days left to sneak in those steps.”
• Run a mini-promo: anyone who joins (or logs back in!) this week gets a bonus prize entry

Even a quick post or email with some new energy can work wonders.

2. Show Off the Real MVPs (Your People)

Nothing drives FOMO like seeing real people out there crushing it, or just showing up in their own way. Shoutouts make participation feel rewarding, and they don’t have to be about “most steps.” Try celebrating things like:

• Most Improved This Week – spotlight someone who made a big jump in activity
• Most Consistent – steady effort counts just as much as big numbers
• Weekend Warrior – highlight the person who logs the most activity on Saturday/Sunday
• Weekday Warrior – the one who shows up strong during the grind
  

You can also feature a “Wellness Spotlight” with a photo, quote, or story, or shout out mini-wins like “I walked every day this week!”

3. Get Social About It

People are more likely to join when their friends are doing it too.

• Offer a “Bring a Friend” bonus — an easy way to boost numbers and deepen connections
• Share a graphic and caption they can copy and paste into their group chat or Insta story

Sample caption:

“Trying to walk more and feel good? I’m doing a step challenge this month, and it’s actually fun. Come join me: [link]”

4. Meet People Where They Already Are

Don’t limit your messages to email or challenge chat. Think: where do your people already talk?

Use:

• WhatsApp, Slack, Teams, or Facebook groups
• Text threads or even printed flyers if you’re IRL
• Meetings! What makes a call more exciting than a derailed fitness conversation?
• Quick nudges like:
  “What’s your goal this week?”
  “Anyone discover a great playlist for walking lately?”

5. Reframe the Vibe

Not everyone wants a "fitness challenge." That’s okay. Reframe it:

“No pressure. No perfection. Just small steps that feel good.”
“Join the movement — literally.”
“This is wellness that works with your life, not against it.”

Focus on energy, connection, and joy, not performance.

6. Celebrate More Than Just the Speedwalkers

Top steppers are cool, but so are:

• Most improved
• Best walk view or selfie
• Funniest chat message
• Quiet consistency (we see you, silent striders!)

Make everyone feel like part of the story.

8. Use Weekly Themes or Mini Challenges

Add a little flavor with fun prompts in your chat to keep things lively:

• Mindful Monday — What made your walk feel good today?
• Try-It Tuesday — New trail, new playlist, or just new socks
• Feel-Good Friday — Share your win of the week
• Selfie Saturday — Drop your walk pic, no filters needed

And if your group thrives on a little extra structure, layer in mini challenges that feel more goal-oriented:

• 10K Streak — Hit 10,000 steps three days in a row
• Active Minutes Push — Log at least 15 active minutes every weekday (Mon–Fri)
• Weekly Mileage Goal — See who can reach 10 miles (or your group’s chosen number) by Sunday

These options keep things fresh and give both casual walkers and goal chasers something fun to work toward.

9. Celebrate Milestones Loudly

If your challenge includes a map or step tracker, shout it out when people or teams unlock new milestones.

• “We just walked across the state together!”
• “Halfway there — keep going!”
• Drop in some fun facts about the destinations if you’re using a themed route

10. Ask for Feedback- and Actually Use It

Mid-challenge is a great time to pause and ask:

“How’s it going so far?”
“Anything you’d like to see next time?”
“Not in yet? Tell us why!”

Even a quick poll or email reply prompt can help you learn and adjust.

11. Remind Folks It’s Never Too Late to Start

Some people feel like if they didn’t start on Day 1, they missed their shot. Help them reframe it:

“Your Day 1 can be today.”
“Jump in anytime. Start where you are.”
“This challenge is about progress, not perfect attendance.”

12. Wrap It Up With a Bang

When the challenge ends, don’t ghost your group. Celebrate it! That’s how you keep them coming back for more. 😉

• Post a final thank-you or fun stat (“Together, we logged 500,000 steps!”)
• Highlight a few participant stories or photos
• Drop a teaser: “Want to do this again next month?”

Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection

You don’t need 1,000 participants or a perfect plan. Just some good intentions, clear invites, and a sprinkle of celebration along the way.

Start where you are. Walk when you can. Celebrate what counts.

We’re rooting for you. 💛