Join the ISF Step It Up Challenge!

Dear ISF students, teachers and parents,

Keeping active at this challenging time is so important. We want to help support the ISF community in staying active by launching the first ever community-wide ISF Step It Up Challenge.

What is the ISF Step It Up Challenge?

The ISF step it up challenge was launched on Monday, March 23rd, and is open to all of you: we encourage you to do 10,000 steps each day. Every step counts, so don't worry if you don't quite reach the target because you will all be contributing to your ISF teams.

At the end of each day, we want you to log your steps with us and we’re going to publish them so everyone can see:

1. Which Grade is the most active?

2. Which members of the ISF are the most active? Teachers, students, parents etc

3. Which Field Day team is the most active?

Why are you still reading this, get stepping!! Need inspiration? Click on this link to get motivated: Marathon runner completes 31 miles in his own house!!

How do I record my steps?

All you need is a phone and an app or a smart watch. Here are two step counter apps you can use:

• Stepz - Step Counter iPhone

• Step Counter - Android

How do I log my steps?

At the end of each day, record the number of your steps into our online form here: Record your steps here

How will I know how many steps my Grade has done?

Each day the number of steps will be published through the ISF VL website. Watch this space for the first week's results!

What if people want to cheat?

Why would they cheat? We’re all doing this for fun and to stay healthy! However, just in case, we will conduct random spot checks where some participants will be asked to provide a photo of the number of steps they have logged.

Why 10,000 steps?

The goal of 10,000 steps is the recommended daily step target to achieve health benefits. The following pedometer indices have been developed to provide a guideline on steps and activity levels:

• Sedentary is less than 5,000 steps per day

• Low active is 5,000 to 7,499 steps per day

• Somewhat active is 7,500 to 9,999 steps per day

• Active is more than 10,000 steps per day

• Highly active is more than 12,500

Although the programme promotes the goal of reaching 10,000 steps each day for healthy adults, this goal is not universally appropriate across all ages and physical function. There are some groups where the goal of 10,000 steps may not be accurate , such as the elderly and children. Children under 8 aim for at least 5,000 steps and above this age set a goal that works for you. Your individual step goal should be based on current activity levels and overall health and fitness goals. For people who normally do substantially fewer than 10,000 steps, almost any increase in daily activity will pay off in the long term.

Safety Guidelines

Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before commencing a physical activity program. Ensure you are suitably hydrated and that your environment is safe.

Kind regards,

Gemma Iannone, Denley Jones and Toby Dean