- A 15-minute daily exercise challenge led to a 12-minute increase in daily physical activity among participants
- The challenge improved fitness, energy, sleep quality, and mood
- Gamification and teamwork were key motivators for sustained engagement
In today’s fast-paced work environment, wellness initiatives like lunchtime yoga, walking meetings, or even company-wide fitness challenges are becoming common. But if you think these require a significant time commitment, think again. New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA ) reveals that just 15 minutes of daily physical activity, combined with a touch of gamification, can significantly boost your health (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Evaluation of the “15 Minute Challenge”: A Workplace Health and Wellbeing Program
).
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The Power of 15 Minutes
The research, which evaluated 11,575 participants across 73 companies in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, focused on a gamified workplace wellness program known as the 15 Minute Challenge. The results were impressive, with 95% of participants either meeting (36%) or exceeding (59%) the recommended physical activity levels.
On average, participants increased their daily physical activity by 12 minutes, which equates to an additional 85 minutes per week. Throughout the six-week program, the median daily exercise duration for participants was 45 minutes.
But the benefits went beyond just physical activity. Participants also reported notable improvements in fitness (14%), energy levels (12%), overall health (8%), sleep quality (8%), and mood (7.1%).
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How to do the 15 Min Challenge
The 15 Minute Challenge is a six-week corporate wellness program that encourages participants to get at least 15 minutes of exercise each day. The program is designed to be easy to fit into busy schedules and encourages people to develop regular exercise habits.
Here’s how to do it:
- Find a team or create your own
- Be active for at least 15 minutes a day and record your progress on the online platform
- The team that exercises for the most days during the challenge wins
The challenge is a great way to improve your health and fitness, reduce stress, and boost your mood.
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Meeting Global Health Standards
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults aged 18-64 engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. However, in Australia, only 37% of adults and 17% of teenagers meet these guidelines. The 15 Minute Challenge offers a practical solution for integrating more physical activity into daily life, especially for those who spend most of their time working.
Dr. Ben Singh, the lead researcher at UniSA, emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity for both physical and mental well-being. He notes that physical activity is crucial in preventing and managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, as well as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Despite these benefits, approximately half of Australian adults fail to meet the recommended activity levels.
Dr. Singh points out that the 15 Minute Challenge is particularly effective because it provides an easy entry point for those who are less active. The program’s simplicity encourages participants to start with just 15 minutes of exercise, which often leads to more significant physical activity. For many, the 15-minute target becomes a catalyst for adopting a more active lifestyle, helping them move closer to or even exceed national health recommendations.
The Role of Gamification in Success
Professor Carol Maher, a co-researcher on the project, attributes part of the program’s success to its gamified elements. The challenge promotes teamwork, friendly competition, and accountability, which motivates participants to stay engaged and committed. The app used in the program tracks rankings, celebrates achievements, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members.
Maher emphasizes that combating inactivity is a collective responsibility. When employers provide effective, enjoyable, and cost-efficient ways to support employee wellness, everyone benefits. Physically active employees are not only healthier but also more productive, satisfied, and resilient to stress. Initiatives like the 15 Minute Challenge offer a scalable solution that can significantly improve employee health and well-being.
The 15 Minute Challenge demonstrates that small, consistent efforts can lead to substantial health benefits. As workplaces continue to evolve, integrating simple yet effective wellness programs should be a priority for employers aiming to enhance the overall well-being of their teams.
A small step today can lead to a giant leap in your health tomorrow.
Reference:
- Evaluation of the “15 Minute Challenge”: A Workplace Health and Wellbeing Program – (https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/13/1255)
Source-Medindia
