BLOG
Challenges
Stridekick

15 Spring Fitness Challenges Ideas to Get Your Group Moving

Plug-and-play challenge templates, prize ideas, and chat prompts to help your group stay active, motivated, and moving all season long.
Written by 
Klara Carges

If the sunshine and longer days have you thinking about how you can get yourself and your group moving more, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Stridekick, we’ve got a challenge for every season, and this guide is all about how to step it up this Spring. 

Below are 15 ready-to-launch spring challenge templates, complete with challenge modes, duration recommendations, prize ideas, and chat prompts. Pick one and run it as is, or mix and match, stack, and make them your own. 

April Fitness Challenge Ideas

‍

Theme: Opening Day Challenge ⚾

Suggested Duration: 14 days around MLB Opening Day (early April)‍

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard, Streak (5,000 steps/day)

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Bases Loaded Challenge"
  • "Grand Slam Sprint"
  • "Home Run to Wellness"

Description: Step up to the plate in this team challenge to celebrate the start of baseball season. Whether you are a baseball lover or just here for the hot dogs and peanuts, this challenge is all about finding your stride. Teams will compete to see who averages the most steps by the end of the challenge and be crowned the opening day champion.

Prize Ideas: Raffle prize for those who round the bases to achieve their streak goal and a celebration for the winning team. Our top picks from the Stridekick shop:

Theme: Spring Reset Challenge 🌷

Suggested Duration: 30 days

Challenge Mode: Freestyle (Meditate for 5 minutes, 10X), Streak (Personalized goal: 10–30minutes/day)‍

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Step Into Spring”
  • "Refresh & Reset Challenge"
  • "Spring Into Mindfulness"

Description: Spring cleaning is in full effect, and we want you to use this challenge to declutter your body and mind. Practice meditation at least 10 times this challenge and set a custom active minutes goal between 10 and 30 minutes to reach each day of the challenge. Pro tip: try a walking meditation and hit both goals at once. 

Prize Ideas: Participants who achieve both their meditation and active minutes goals are entered in to win one of these mindfulness prizes:

Chat Prompts:

  • What's your favorite form of practicing mindfulness?
  • Share one thing you're letting go of this spring
  • Share your go-to way to clear your head

Theme: Earth Day Challenge 🌍

Suggested Duration: 14 days

Challenge Mode: Streak (4,220 steps/ day)

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Earth in Motion”
  • "Steps for the Planet"
  • "Walk the Earth Challenge"

Description: Earth Day is approaching, and this is your chance to take in the beauty of the planet as you take care of yourself. During the two weeks before Earth Day on 4/22, we’re challenging you to get outside and walk at least 4,220 steps per day! The goal is simple: get some fresh air, move your body, and appreciate the planet.

Prize Ideas: Participants who hit the streak goal are entered into a raffle, with three people winning one of these sustainable prizes:

Chat Prompts:

  • What’s your favorite place in nature to walk or hike?
  • What’s one small thing you do to help the planet?
  • Post your best nature photo from this week

Theme: Stress Awareness Month Challenge 🧘 

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Challenge Modes: Target (300,000 steps/month), Freestyle (A moment of self care)‍ Stress Less 

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Steps to Stress Less”
  • "Keep Calm & Step On"
  • "Walk It Out Challenge"

Description: April is Stress Awareness Month, which is the ultimate reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize yourself this month with two goals: hit 200,000 steps for the month and find time for moments of self-care (could be meditation, journaling, audiobook walks, 10 minutes in the sauna, whatever works). Now is the perfect time to give yourself permission to stress less.

Prize Ideas: Participants who hit the target goal are entered into a raffle, with three people winning one of these mindfulness prizes:

Chat Prompts:

  • What’s your favorite thing to do to de-stress?
  • What is something that made you smile today?
  • Where do you go when you need a mental reset?

Theme: April Showers Bring May Flowers‍ Challenge 🌸

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (85 miles/month), "April Showers Bring May Flowers" map theme‍

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Bloom & Move Challenge”
  • “Step into Spring”
  • “Rain or shine stride”

Description: Get ready to soak up some springtime steps! In this month-long virtual race, you’ll cover 85 miles—because every rainy day walk, neighborhood jog, or treadmill trot gets us closer to those May blooms. Consider it a little thank-you to Mother Nature (and maybe your actual mom, too). Bonus points if you actually stop to smell the flowers.

Prize Ideas: Participants who finish the virtual race are entered to win one of these spring essentials: 

Chat Prompts:

  • What’s your favorite part about spring?
  • Send a picture of your favorite flower from your walk
  • Best rainy day activity? 

May Fitness Challenge Ideas

May is all about wellness. Whether you’re recognizing National Walking Month or focusing on your mental health, we’ve got a challenge for you. 

Theme: National Walking Month Challenge 🚶

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Challenge Mode: Target (200,000 steps), Group Target (20,000,000 steps)

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "May the steps be with you”
  • "Walk this May"
  • “200K this May”

Description: There’s no better way to celebrate National Walking Month than with a month-long step challenge. Walking is one of the easiest ways to boost your mood, improve your health, and enjoy the outdoors, so we’re challenging you to walk at least 200,000 steps this May so we can hit our group target of 20 Million steps. That breaks down to about 6,500 steps a day, but you don't have to be perfect. Move at your own pace and show us how you’ll walk this May. 

Prize Ideas: Hit the target and be entered into a raffle for one of these walking essentials:

Chat prompts:

  • What’s your favorite way to get some extra steps in?
  • Best audiobooks for walking
  • Photo contest: share your latest walk

Theme: National Bike Month Challenge 🚴

Suggested Duration: 1 month OR Bike to Work Week focus (May 11-17)

Challenge Mode: Target (100 miles) 

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Ride & Stride Challenge"
  • "Spin into Spring"
  • "Miles for May"

Description: Celebrate National Bike Month by spinning into spring. Throughout May, riders will work towards an individual goal of 100 total miles. Ride at your own pace, whenever you can, wherever you can. Mix in a walk or run if you prefer, whatever it takes to hit that target. 

Prize Ideas: Hit the target, and we will raffle off one of these three walk and ride essentials:

Chat prompts:

  • Photo contest: bike + walking routes
  • What’s your favorite way to ride? (road, trail, stationary)
  • Share did you know facts, converting cycling miles to step equivalents

Theme: Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge 🧠

Suggested Duration: 1 month OR 2-week sprint

Challenge Modes: Stick To It (30 active minutes, 10x/month) & Freestyle (5-minute meditation, 10x/month)‍

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Mindful Miles"
  • "Step Into Mindfulness"
  • “Move for your Mind”

Description: Exercise has been scientifically proven to improve your mental health, and since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re challenging you to complete 30 minutes of activity – and 5 minutes of meditation – 10 times this month. See how many days you can reach your goal, and remember, it's all about progress, not perfection. 

Prize Ideas: Complete both your activity and meditation goals and be entered to win one of these tools to support your mental health:

Chat Prompts:

  • Daily mental wellness tips
  • Mental health resource sharing
  • Encourage a "walk and talk" buddy system

Theme: May the Fourth Be With You‍ Challenge 💫

Suggested Duration: 1 week (1st week in May)

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (25 miles), "May the Force Be With You" map theme

Challenge Name Ideas: 

  • "May the Force Be With You"
  • "Journey through the Galaxy"
  • "The Jedi Journey"

Description: Step into a galaxy far, far away with this Star Wars-themed virtual race. Whether you’re a Jedi Knight, a Sith Lord, or even an Ewok, you’ll love exploring these familiar scenes as you travel 25 miles to complete your journey. Have fun, but remember, the fate of the galaxy depends on you!

Prize Ideas: Complete the virtual race and be entered to win one of these Jedi Training essentials:

Chat Prompts:

  • Who’s your favorite Star Wars character?
  • If you had a lightsaber, what color would it be?
  • Share your walking route (bonus points if it includes alien-like landscapes)

Theme: Champions League Challenge ⚽️‍

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks before the Final

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard‍

Challenge Name Ideas: 

  • "Step to Victory Challenge"
  • "The League of Champions"
  • "The Final Countdown" 

Description: The Champions League Final is only a few weeks away, but they’re not the only ones who are chasing glory. Now you can join the competition with a step challenge! During the two weeks before the Final, you will choose which team you think will win and work together to help them step to victory! And even though you’re not out there on the pitch with them, I won’t stop you from yelling “GOAL!” every time you open the app…

Prize Ideas: The team with the highest average points gets to try this pre-match fuel:

Chat Prompts:

  • Who’s your favorite player?
  • Who do you think will win the Champions League this year?
  • If your steps were goals, how many would you score today?

June Fitness Challenge Ideas

June 1 has been dubbed "New Year's Resolution Recommitment Day," serving as a reminder that it's never too late to get back on track. This month is all about fun challenges to help you do just that. 

Theme: Pride Month Challenge 🏳️‍🌈 

Suggested Duration: 30 days OR Pride Week sprint (last week of June)

Challenge Mode: Group Target (~100,000 steps x number of people in challenge)

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Walk with Pride"
  • "Pride Stride Challenge"
  • "Rainbow Walk"

Description: There’s no better way to celebrate Pride than moving together with love. This June, we are stepping out in support of community, visibility, and awareness. Together, we are walking towards a collective step goal of 2,000,000 steps and showing support to our LGBTQIA+ friends. Happy Pride! Now let’s stride! 

Prize Ideas: Optional donation to an LGBTQ+ nonprofit or community organization if the group reaches the target.

Chat Prompts:

  • What does Pride mean to you?
  • How are you celebrating Pride this month?
  • Share your Pride walk outfit

Theme: Summer Kickoff Challenge ☀️ 

Suggested Duration: Summer Solstice (7-day challenge) June 21-27

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (30 miles), “Summer Stepping” map theme

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Summer Stepping"
  • "Walking on Sunshine"
  • "Spring Into Summer"

Description: Summer is finally here! Celebrate your favorite summer activities with our Summer Stepping Virtual Race. From grilling out to lounging in the pool, make the most of long days and extra sunshine as you walk, bike, or hike at your own pace and celebrate the best time of the year.

Prize Ideas: Finish the virtual race to be entered to win one of these summer essentials:

Chat Prompts:

  • What's your favorite summer activity that keeps you active?
  • Share a photo from a sunrise or sunset walk this week
  • What's on your summer bucket list?

Theme: World Wellbeing Week Challenge 🗺️ 

Suggested Duration: World Wellbeing Week (June 24-30th)

Challenge Mode: Group Virtual Race (~20 miles x number of people in challenge), “Summer Stepping” map theme, Streak (6,000 steps/ day)‍

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "World Wellbeing Walk"
  • "Global Wellness Challenge"
  • "International Globetrot"

Description: In honor of World Wellbeing Week, join us on this international globetrot as we step together to reach a collective goal of 2000 miles. In this group virtual race, we will journey through South and Central America, the United States, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to experience an array of food, animals, culture, and more! Aim for at least 6,000 steps every day of the week, and think of it as a free mini-trip around the world without the jet lag.

Prize Ideas: Hit at least 20 miles and average 6,000 steps/ day, and be entered to win one of these explorer prizes:

Chat Prompts:

  • What’s your favorite way to move your body?
  • If you could go for a walk anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  • Share your favorite healthy meal recipe from another country 

Theme: NBA Finals Step Challenge 🏀

‍Suggested Duration: 14 Days

‍Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Fast Break Fitness"
  • "Championship Steps Challenge”
  • “NBA Finals Showdown"

Description: The NBA Finals matchup is set, and now it’s your turn. Pick your team, and help carry them to victory with a team step challenge. This is due to be our closest challenge yet, so make sure to leave it all out there on the court! (Even if the actual Finals end up being a sweep!)

Prize Ideas: The team with the highest average points gets to choose from this finals MVP kit:

Chat Prompts:

  • Who are you rooting for to win the Finals?
  • Who’s your favorite NBA player right now?
  • If this challenge had a Finals MVP, who would it be?

Theme: Stanley Cup Finals Step Challenge 🏒‍

Suggested Duration: 14 Days

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

Challenge Name Ideas:

  • "Race for the cup"
  • "Power Play Steps Challenge”
  • “Stanley Cup Showdown"

Description: This year’s Stanley Cup Finals matchup is set, and for the next two weeks, you can help your team win… a step challenge! Pick your team, reach your step goals, and help them lift the Stanley Cup (metaphorically)!

Prize Ideas: The team with the highest average points gets to recover with one of these shop picks:

Chat Prompts:

  • What’s your favorite hockey team?
  • Show us your hockey gear or jersey.
  • Who do you think will score the first goal tonight? 

How to Level Up Your Spring Wellness Strategy

Use these templates as a starting point to build your spring wellness strategy. You can launch the challenges as is or customize them to suit your group best. Our recommendation is to choose 2-3 to run, mix up your challenge types and challenge lengths, and go beyond steps. The more variety, the better the engagement.

For best practices and advice on how to launch your program with a bang, check out this blog.

If you're ready to level up even further, consider upgrading to Stridekick Unlimited. With Unlimited, you get access to all 11 of our challenge modes, including Team, Group, and Stick To It, so you can keep your program fresh and participants coming back for more. Create challenges in seconds from your SuperDash, where you can also run reports, build teams, and manage participants all in one place. Less time setting up means more time stepping.

You'll also get a dedicated account manager and the ability to run private challenges for large groups (50+). Whether you're managing a wellness program, a large group, or a fitness community, Unlimited makes setting up fitness challenges quick and easy.

Get started with Unlimited 

Happy Spring and Happy Stepping!

< Back to Latest Articles

Private Challenges

Run a challenge for your group

Host a private challenge for any group size. All fun, no admin.

Contact Us

START A CHALLENGE NOW

Company
AboutContact usPartner with usRun a group event
Product
ChallengesWorkoutsShopPricing
Resources
Steps to Distance CalculatorHelp DeskBlogTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicySubscription Fulfillment Policy