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"We started with a large team during the 8 week program and did not do very well. We decided that if we broke up in small teams (3 teams of 3 now) we would be much more competitive for the new WOMAN Activity Tracker. Now we KNOW we can't miss any time or we throw off the other two members. We have a giant competition going on between our three teams and have awards set for the end and a big hike after. It truly is a fun way to get exercise. Sunshine Bees, Salem Oregon"

"For several years I have had high blood pressure problems. My doctor wanted me to get walking. So I took on the WOMAN Challenge. When I went back to my doctor after the Challenge, he discovered that my blood pressure had dropped significantly! I think that is worth the effort it takes to get out every morning and walk for an hour. I'm so happy I joined the Challenge!"

"Though this program is geared for women, my participation in this program has been getting my husband (who is trying to loose weight)to be more active. He and I each work every other weekend, but when we have the weekend off together, we go hiking with our almost 4 year old son. This program has really helped!"

"This year I was very prepared for our hiking vacation in the Boundary Waters of Ely, Minnesota. I hiked over 3 miles per day, sometimes twice per day, through beautiful country and I had the ability to enjoy it! With 10,000 steps a day or more, I was well conditioned and I am thrilled with the success over time. This is my second WOMAN Challenge. I also had a great visit with my doctor prior to leaving on vacation. For the last two years my weight has decreased over 10 pounds per year and now my numbers are all in the right direction! -Jean P. Chicago, Illinois"

"I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and knew I needed to exercise, but there was no motivation to do so. I love walking and when this challenge came along last year, I knew I had to do it. I had hoped to continue all year long, however, per doctor's orders, I had to quit in October. But by the time the challenge came along this year, I was cleared to take part once again. I was so excited to see it's a year long challenge now. Just the extra motivation I need to keep going. Thanks for a good thing!!!"

"I entered the WOMAN Challenge and completed it and was excited to see that I would be able to continue with the WOMAN Activity Tracker. I have gotten addicted to counting steps and because of that I'm more active. The first thing I do before crawling out of bed is grab my pedometer and start counting the minute I hit the floor. I keep track of my steps on another site also and since Mar. 2 of this year I've logged over 600 miles. This challenge is the best. I've even got my husband to start walking again. Thanks for these challenges!"

"I am 65 and completed the WOMAN Challenge with one point more than needed to finish my route! I didn't want to let go of the program and then the WOMAN Activity Tracker started and it was my answer to keeping motivated. I feel so much better and I'm glad this program will go on all year long. I'm losing weight, I feel good, and I am more mobile. Thanks very much for this program and the people behind it!"

"During the WOMAN Challenge, I became really sick and had to completely stop per Doctor's orders. However, I am now back able to do exercise and I am participating in the WOMAN Activity Tracker. I am slowly building up to where I was before and the encouragement to start again has been significant. Thankfully, I also have that little voice that says I should be doing more. Slow and steady I am getting there and hope others who had to stop will also do so. -Dee"

"I would not have been moving had it not been for the WOMAN Challenge. I started with a goal that I KNEW I could achieve, went to a goal that I THOUGHT I could achieve, and can't believe ALL that I've actually achieved! Thanks to all of you who organize this challenge!"

"I have been a Weight Watcher for a year. I had health problems and had gained weight...which added to my health problems...I was winded walking to the mail box. Weight Watchers got me started. Then on the Weight Watchers Message Board I learned about the challenge. I was afraid, but I wanted to become more active. I'd read about other ladies doing challenges but I wasn't sure I could do it. I completed with 20 out of the needed 16 points and best of all I'm doing a 4 mile walk every day when a year ago I was winded going to the mailbox."

Content last updated September 21, 2008.