Let’s be honest: coming up with creative, engaging challenge ideas every month is hard. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone.

At Stridekick, we’ve spent nearly a decade helping teams stay active, connected, and motivated through every season. This calendar pulls together our best ideas and most-requested themes, so you can run a fitness program that’s consistent and fun.

We followed our own best practices while building this calendar, and you can use the same tips to create an effective, energizing challenge program for your group.

Tips for creating a fun, engaging challenge program

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• Mix up your challenge type. No one wants to do leaderboard after leaderboard. Stridekick has 10 different challenge modes including Streak, Virtual Race, Target and more. 
• Go beyond steps. Compete on steps, distance, and active minutes. Or expand into broader wellness goals with custom activity goals like hydration, meditation, or sleep. Check out our custom activity ideas here.
• Lean into seasonal or cultural moments. Holidays, sports events, and weather changes all make great challenge themes.
• Vary your challenge length. A quick 1-week Streak can be just as powerful as a 30-day Team challenge.
• Choose how to compete. Whether you prefer individual goals, group targets, or team matchups, we’ve got a challenge mode for every type of competition.
• Let participants personalize their goals. Streak, Stick To It, and Target modes allow an option for each participant to set their own goal. Learn more about personalized goals here.
• Add your own flair. Prizes, teams, themes, or collective goals spice up challenges and make competing fun.
• Get the top dogs involved. If your group leadership is promoting and participating in your challenge, your program will see much higher participation and engagement. 

How to Use This Calendar

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• Use it as a starting point for your monthly, quarterly, or annual challenge planning
• Each month includes 2–5 challenge ideas you can launch as-is or tweak for your team
• Themes are seasonally timed, but feel free to mix them up depending on what your group needs

Your Annual Fitness Challenge Calendar

Ready for a full year of movement, motivation, and momentum?  Let’s dive in 👇

🌟 January

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‍Habits for a Healthy New Year 🥰

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race  (90 miles), “Habits for a Healthy New Year” map theme

Suggested Duration: 1 month

New year, new step challenge…? For the month of January, complete this virtual race by reaching 165,000 steps, and pick up some tips for developing healthy habits as you go! Surely, you can keep your New Year’s resolutions by February.......... Right?

Happy New Year, Happy New YOU! 🥳

Challenge Mode: Stick To It (30 active minutes, 15x over one month) or let users personalize their own goal between a given range!

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Let’s hit the ground running with a New Year’s step challenge to kick our fitness goals into gear. This month, complete 30 active minutes, 15 times over the course of the month. It’s okay to miss a day, life happens! As long as you hit your mark by the end of the month, you will be well on your way to success. Happy New Year? More like happy new YOU!

New Year’s Resolutions Challenge ✅

Challenge Mode: Streak (5,000 steps/day) or allow participants to personalize a goal within an activity range 

Challenge Mode: Custom Activity (try any of these ideas!)

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Consistency is key to sticking to New Year's resolutions. Your goal doesn’t have to be big; what matters is how often you reach it. This month, reach for 5,000 steps per day, and create an additional custom activity that you can mark as complete every time you do it. Some common custom activities for New Year’s goals include: abstaining from smoking, maintaining daily water intake, adhering to a specific diet, or learning a new skill. Whatever your resolution is, we’ll be right with you every step of the way!

Winter Wonderland Virtual Race ❄️

Challenge Mode: Group Virtual Race (collective distance goal), “Winter Wonderland” map theme 

Suggested Duration: 1 month

The holidays are over, but winter is the season that keeps on giving (I need that groundhog to see its shadow, stat!). Travel through this virtual race as we take in the magic of the season, and with 80 miles to the finish line, you’re free to take the long way home!

💘 FEBRUARY

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Super Bowl Face-Off 🏈‍

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl

The big game is here! Wings! Beer! Snacks! Did I mention wings? In the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, pick the team you think will win, and help them step to victory! Plus, everyone on the winning team will receive exclusive bragging rights (not as cool as a Super Bowl ring, but pretty close)! See you at the parade!

Valentine’s Day Step Challenge 💕‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (10,000 steps/day)

Suggested Duration: 1 week leading up to Valentine’s Day

Did you actually forget about our Valentine’s Day step challenge? After all we’ve been through?! You can make it up to me by completing a short and sweet 10,000 steps per day during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. Show me that you really care with a hot streak, and who knows, maybe you can use that time to actually think of a good gift this year…💝

February Strength Challenge 💪‍

Challenge Mode: Custom Activity (10 strength workouts/month)

Suggested Duration: 1 month

When people come up to you and ask, “Do you even lift, bro?” now you can finally answer, “kinda!” This month, build on your strength training exercises by finishing 10 strength workouts, and mark them complete as you go. Getting jacked has never been so easy!

American Heart Month Step Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Target (200,000 steps/month), Optional: Let users set a custom goal between 150k–350k steps

Suggested Duration: 1 month

It’s American Heart Month, and we here at Stridekick are bringing awareness to the cause in the only way we know how – with a step challenge. Research has shown that adults who walk 6,000–9,000 steps a day have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. We’re challenging you to reach 200,000 steps during the month of February to start walking your way to a healthier you. My heart might just explode from the anticipation! Happy stepping!  ❤️ 

🍀 MARCH

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St. Patrick’s Day Step Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (7,777 steps/day)‍

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day

Top of the mornin’ to ya! During the two weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, push yourself to complete 7,777 steps per day, and keep your lucky streak going as long as you can. You’ll be on your way to that pot of gold in no time!

Step Into Spring!‍

‍Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (70 miles/month), "Step into Spring" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Spring is here, and so is my positive outlook on life! (Man, the winter blues can really get you, huh?) This month, travel through this blossoming virtual race, that way you won’t have to stop and smell the flowers, the flowers can finally come to you!

March Madness Team Challenge 🏀‍

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

‍Suggested Duration: 1 month

The tournament hasn’t even started, and my bracket is already busted – oh well! This month, create your own team leaderboard step challenge to team up by group, location, or even alma mater. Users create their own team names to let their creativity shine (here are some ideas for inspiration), and the winning team becomes a legend of the game, if only for one shining moment…

National Nutrition Month Step Challenge‍

Challenge Modes: Stick To It (8,500 steps/day, 15x this month), Custom Activity (1 cup of fruits or veggies with every meal)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

It’s National Nutrition Month, and we know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with regular exercise. That’s why we’re challenging you to reach 8,500 steps 15 times this month, while you try to eat more fruits and vegetables per day. This way, you can start feeling better as you begin eating better. (With maybe just one cheat day thrown in, please?)

🌸 APRIL

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April Showers Bring May Flowers‍

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

Suggested Duration: 1 month

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—but no, cauliflower pizza doesn’t count.

April Workout Challenge 🌧️‍

Challenge Mode: Custom Activity (10 indoor workouts/month)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

It rains about 10 days on average during the month of April every year (Californians look away), so let’s take advantage of some of those extra rainy days! Aim to complete the following 10 indoor workout challenges this month, and don’t bother getting the umbrella out–– you won’t need it. ☔️

Stress Awareness Month Step Challenge‍

Challenge Modes: Target (200,000 steps/month), Custom Activity (Personalized de-stress goal)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

IF WE DON’T DO THIS MONTH’S STEP CHALLENGE I’M GOING TO LOSE MY MIND!!!!! Sorry, I don’t know what came over me there. I think I’m just a little stressed… This month, in honor of Stress Awareness Month, we challenge you to get outside and release some of the tension you may have built up inside. Complete 200,000 steps this month, and just remember that no matter what you’ve got on your plate, it isn’t worth beating yourself into the ground. You got this, now let’s get out there!

National Public Health Week Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (15 active minutes/day)‍

Suggested Duration: April 7–13

National Public Health Week is taking place from April 7-13, and what better way to take part than with a step challenge? (Well, maybe you should get that pain in your neck checked out first. It won’t go away on its own!) Push yourself to complete 9,000 steps per day this week, and help us take care of our bodies and minds together! 

Earth Day Step Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Group Target Goal (4,220 steps/ day)‍

Suggested Duration: 14 days

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! Make sure to work together to hit your average goal, because there’s no better time than now to appreciate the vast wonders of our Earth. See you out there! 🌍

🌼 MAY

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Mother’s Day Step Challenge‍

Challenge Modes: Streak (8,000 steps/day) & Custom Activity (Call or walk with your mom 2x during challenge)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 week leading up to Mother’s Day

For your first challenge, how about actually giving your mother a call? (You never call her anymore.) After that, let’s try a Mother’s Day step challenge! For the week leading up to Mother’s Day, push for 8,000 steps per day, and bring your mom along too (or at least call her while you’re getting your steps in). That might seem like a big goal, but is it too much to ask for the women who raised us? That’s what I thought… 🙂

May the Fourth Be With You‍

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (85 miles/month), "May the Force Be With You" map theme

Suggested Duration: 1 month

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 85 miles to complete your journey. Have fun, but remember, the fate of the galaxy depends on you!

Champions League Final Showdown ⚽️‍

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard‍

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks before the Final

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…

Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge‍

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

Suggested Duration: 1 month

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 keep it going for as long as you can!🧘 Keep calm and carry on.

Memorial Day Step Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (10,000 steps/day)‍

Suggested Duration: 7 days the week of Memorial Day

Let’s kick off the start of summer with a step challenge for the long weekend. Complete 10,000 steps per day and keep it going the whole week to get you outdoors and ready for the new season in the sun!

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🎉 June

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London City Tour 🇬🇧‍

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (100 miles/month), "London City Tour" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

This month, let’s grab our mates and tour this great city on a virtual race across the pond. See all of the sights of London and travel 100 miles to reach the finish line. Say hello to Big Ben for me!

Pride Month Step Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (8,500 steps/day)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

June is Pride Month, and we’re challenging everyone to a step challenge! Let’s celebrate our differences and get moving together as we strive to reach 8,500 steps per day this month. Happy stepping! 🏳️🌈 

Father’s Day Step Challenge‍

Challenge Modes: Target (300 active minutes/week), Custom Activity (Call your dad 2x/week)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 week leading up to Father’s Day

Father’s Day is coming up soon, and you know what that means: Completely forgetting until the last minute, so you just order him a random power drill online! This week, we’re asking you to complete 5 hours of total activity – perfect for catching up on that World War II audiobook he keeps recommending you…

NBA Finals Step Challenge 🏀

‍Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

‍Suggested Duration: 14 Days

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 ends up being a sweep!)

Stanley Cup Finals Step Challenge 🏒‍

Challenge Mode: Team Leaderboard

Suggested Duration: 14 Days

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)!

🎆 JULY

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Trek Through National Parks‍

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (90 miles/month), "Trek through National Parks" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Explore some of the United States' great national parks on this adventurous virtual race! Unlock milestones featuring some of the most breathtaking and unique sites that nature has to offer. But please, watch out for bears! 🗺️

Fourth of July Step Challenge 💥‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (20 active minutes/day)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 week leading up to July 4

Let’s start off the Fourth of July with a bang in more ways than just fireworks. During the week leading up to the Fourth of July, aim for 20 minutes of activity per day, and see how many days you can do it in a row! There will be a nice celebration once you make it to the end, and don’t worry, we’ll save you a spot next to the grill…🎇

Summer Olympics Virtual Race 🥇‍

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (95 miles/month), "Summer Games" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

The summer games are finally here, and now you have a chance to compete! Reach 95 miles this month to complete this Olympic-sized virtual race, and have real Olympians cheer you on as you go for gold! We wish you the best of luck, although we have to warn you, Usain Bolt just joined this challenge… so the odds might not be in your favor. 🥇

Step, Sweat, and Soak Up the Sun 🌞‍

Challenge Modes: Target (300,000 steps/month), Custom Activity (Apply sunscreen daily) or custom Activity (Personalized goal of your choice!)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

I know we’re all ready to bask in the summer sun, but we have to kindly remind you… PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN. July is UV Awareness Month, and it’s as important as ever to make sure we shield our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. This month, aim for 300,000 steps, whether you head for a hike or head to the beach, and keep your skin protected. Protect your peace this month, you’ll thank me later

🌞 AUGUST

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Tokyo City Tour 🇯🇵‍

Challenge Mode: Group Virtual Race (80 miles), "Tokyo City Tour" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

This month, explore the sites of the great city of Tokyo on this exciting virtual race! Move your way from Tokyo Tower to Yoyogi Park as you reach 80 miles to make it through the whole course. Don’t forget to send us a postcard!

Hot Streak 🔥‍

Challenge Mode: Streak (7,500 steps/day)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

The weather isn’t the only thing getting hotter these days… This month, try to reach 7,500 steps per day, and see how long your streak can last before you start burning up from being too iconic. You are the moment!!!

Back to School Step Challenge

‍Challenge Modes: Stick To It (20 active minutes/day, 12x/month), Custom Activity (10 minutes of self-care, 5x/month)‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Attention all shoppers! School is starting soon, and you will finally have your kids out of the house again! Give yourself a little extra ‘you’ time by challenging yourself to reach 20 active minutes for at least 12 days this month, in addition to giving yourself a little extra self-care – whether that’s listening to your favorite podcast, relaxing in a hammock, or soaking up a face mask! (For more ideas, check out this article here!)

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🍂 SEPTEMBER

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Labor Day Step Challenge!‍

Challenge Mode: Target (10,000 steps/day = 70,000 steps over 7 days)  🧘 Bonus: Include custom activity self-care practices like a hammock nap, face mask, or favorite podcast

Suggested Duration: Labor Day week

As we celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season, what do you say we do a little fitness overtime? Aim to reach 10,000 steps per day (70,000 total) in the week leading up to Labor Day, and put in a good shift at the wellness factory! So enjoy the long weekend, and let’s take our health to new heights! 👣

STEPtember — Group Target Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Group Target, Streak (10,000 steps/day), or  allow participants to personalize a goal within a range you specify

Suggested Duration: 1 month

It’s STEPtember! The time of year when we push ourselves even more than normal to up our step count. This month, aim for 10,000 steps per day, and make sure to work together to reach your group’s overall goal. The important thing is that we get moving, so let’s get ready, get set, and get stepping!

Fall Into Fitness 🍁‍

Challenge Modes: Stick To It (30 active minutes, 10x/month), Custom Activity: 10 sit-ups/day streak (or let user choose)

‍Suggested Duration: 1 month

My favorite part of September is undoubtedly seeing the leaves change color. This month, show it some appreciation by going on a 30-minute nature walk at least 10 times, and as a bonus custom activity, complete 10 sit-ups per day. There’s no better time to jump into a new wellness routine!

🍂 Jump Into Fall Virtual Race

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (85 miles), "Jump Into Fall" map theme.

Suggested Duration: 1 month

School is starting up again, the leaves are changing color, and now a step challenge. The only thing that could make this season better is a fun hayride. This month, work your way through our fall-filled virtual race as we take in the new season. It’s 85 miles to the finish line, and I’ll have a fresh apple cider waiting for you when you get there! 🍎

🎃 OCTOBER

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Halloween Spook-tacular Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (75 Miles), "Haunted Halloween" map theme‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Boo!!! Spooky season is upon us. Are you brave enough to wander into a haunted house? This isn’t just any haunted house, though- it’s our haunted virtual race! This month, work your way through our scenes that are sure to quicken your pulse – and steps! Plus, a free candy bowl at the end (please take ONE).

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fundraiser‍

Challenge Mode: Group Target Fundraiser‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month
💗 Optional: Tie in donation prompts or group match

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are raising awareness in the best way we know how - with a step challenge. When breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. This month, let’s work together as a group to encourage one another to increase our steps, while also motivating each other to donate and get regular screenings. Let’s take care of our neighbors suffering from breast cancer and help make a difference in the long run.

Rome City Tour 🇮🇹

‍Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (95 miles/month), "Rome City Tour" map theme

Suggested Duration: 1 month

See the many sights of Rome as you take a city tour on this fun virtual race. Travel 95 miles this month to see the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and explore the great foods of Italy – I hear the sauce is fabulous!🍝

Fall Habit Builder – Custom Activity Challenge‍

Challenge Mode: Custom Activity Only.  💡 Idea bank: drink 8 glasses of water/ day, no screens after 9pm, daily gratitude note, take the stairs, 8 hours of sleep‍

Suggested Duration: 1 month

Looking for a fresh start this fall? Choose a single custom activity (from our healthy habits list or make your own) and aim to complete it daily. 🍂 Tiny habits lead to big wins—especially when sweater weather hits.

🦃 NOVEMBER

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Gratitude Challenge

‍Challenge Mode: Stick To It (10,000 steps, 7x / month), Custom Activity (Take a moment daily to reflect on what you’re thankful for)

‍Suggested Duration: 10 days leading up to Thanksgiving

Each day, take a moment to reflect, write down, or share something you're grateful for. Pair it with our Stick To It 10K challenge (7x in 10 days) for a gratitude and movement combo. It's not just about the turkey—it’s about the thank yous! 💛

Thanksgiving Step Challenge — Food Fight Edition

‍Challenge Modes: Stick To It (10,000 steps/day, 7x in 2 weeks), Team Leaderboard‍

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks leading up to Thanksgiving

On average, people gain just under a pound every Thanksgiving, and I think now is finally the time to be proactive about it, with a step challenge! During the two weeks before Thanksgiving, complete 7 days of 10,000 steps or more, and compete in a fun Team Leaderboard challenge with family or friends, and create teams based on Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing,

Movember 🥸‍

Challenge Modes: Team Leaderboard (user-created teams)

Suggested Duration: 1 month

It’s officially Movember, and while we’re growing out our full and thick mustaches (well, some of us anyway), we’re also going to stay active with a step challenge! This month, let’s work with a team and compete against each other to improve our bodies and overall well-being. Create your own team names to show your personality (use any of these ideas for inspiration), and let’s get moving together!

Push-Ups for Prostate Health

Challenge Mode: Stick To It (100 push-ups/day, 8x)‍

Suggested Duration: 2 weeks

Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives, so during the next two weeks, we’re challenging you to complete 8 days of at least 100 push-ups per day, and then push the men in your life to get screened. Your encouragement could go a long way to protecting the loved one in your life, so let’s get started! 💪 

❄️ DECEMBER

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Hibernation Preparation

‍Challenge Mode: Streak (30 active minutes/day)

‍Suggested Duration: 2 weeks in early December

It’s easiest to lose your fitness habits during the winter times, especially between holidays, parties, and the end-of-the-year rush. For the next two weeks, we are challenging you to 30 minutes of activity per day, so we can keep our commitment to fitness going strong!🐻

Holiday Season Step Challenge

‍Challenge Mode: Virtual Race (80 miles/month), "Holiday Hustle" map theme

‍Suggested Duration: 1 month

As you take a moment to appreciate the holiday season, remember to take a break from errands and hosting parties to stay active! This month, reach for 80 miles total as you work your way through our seasonal virtual race, and you might even get a nice prize at the end! (Well, only if you’ve been good this year, and that has yet to be determined…)🎄 Have fun. Stay active. Soak in the season—steps and all.

End of the Year Step Challenge

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

‍Suggested Duration: Final 7 days of the year

Ah yes, it’s that weird week in between the holidays and New Year’s Eve where things just feel a little off. Is anyone doing anything during this time? Are we supposed to? Here’s an idea: a 7-day step challenge to finish the year strong! Aim for 5,000 steps per day and try to see how many consecutive days you can reach this goal. Let’s wrap up the year with a nice little bow on top…🎁

December Reset: Mini Meditation Challenge

Challenge Mode: Custom Activity (5-minute meditation, 10x this month)

‍Suggested Duration: 1 month

You may not have time to work out or be super active, but find a way to destress by setting aside 5 minutes to meditate at least 10 times this month, and say goodbye to that end-of-year stress!

*For individual and team leaderboard challenges, you’ll be able to create your own team name and compete against each other! Visit this blog post here for some inspiration.

🎯 Ready to Get Moving?

Whether you're using this calendar to plan an entire year of wellness or just picking a few fun ideas to boost engagement each season, we hope it’s given you a head start (or a fresh step forward).

From holiday-themed races to personalized goals and team challenges, Stridekick makes it easy to build connection, motivation, and movement into your group culture—without the heavy lifting. 💪

Need help choosing the right challenge for your team?
Just reach out — we’re always happy to help you make wellness feel easy and fun.

We’ll be with you every step of the way. 🚶🚶🚶