About the WOMAN Activity Tracker

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• How can I register to take part in the WOMAN Activity Tracker?
• Is WOMAN Activity Tracker the same as the WOMAN Challenge?
• How does WOMAN Activity Tracker work?
• Why should I be physically active?

How can I register to take part in the WOMAN Activity Tracker?

Participants can register online at http://www.womenshealth.gov/activity/register.cfm.

Women who took part in the 2008 WOMAN Challenge can use their log-in information from the WOMAN Challenge to log into the WOMAN Activity Tracker.

Is WOMAN Activity Tracker the same as the WOMAN Challenge?

No, the WOMAN Challenge is an 8-week, annual program that begins on Mother's Day and also kicks off National Women's Health Week. This year, the WOMAN Challenge ends on July 5, 2008. The WOMAN Activity Tracker is a 44-week program that allows women and girls to keep track of their daily activities throughout the rest of the year. This year, the WOMAN Activity Tracker starts on July 6, 2008. Both the WOMAN Challenge and the WOMAN Activity Tracker are programs that promote daily physical activity.

How does WOMAN Activity Tracker work?

At the beginning of each week of the program, you log into My WOMAN Activity Tracker and go to the My Activity page, where you choose your daily activity goal for the week. For instance, for the first week, your goal may be to complete 7,500 steps each day of the week. For the second week, your goal may be to be active 50 minutes each day of the week.

If your goal is minutes of activity, simply keep track of how many minutes you are active. If your goal is steps, you can use a pedometer to record your steps. A pedometer is a small tool worn on your belt that measures body movements and records them as steps. To record your steps for the week with a pedometer, you need to wear it all day, every day of the week. If you don't want to use a pedometer, you can use the Activity Conversion Calculator to convert activities, such as horseback riding or gardening, into steps.

Log your daily activities in your tracking log on the My Activity page. As you meet your activity goals, you gain points to move you along your virtual route. You can watch your progress on the My Progress page. You can earn a maximum of two points per week. Also, once every 5 weeks, you will be offered a bonus challenge worth one point. When you have earned 16 points, you complete one route. If you earn two points a week and complete all bonus challenges, you can earn a total of 96 points. That allows you to complete a maximum of six routes.

If you are part of a team, your team gains points if all members of your team meet their weekly activity goals. You can watch your team's progress on the My Team page.

Every 5 weeks, at the same time as the bonus challenges, you will receive a motivational e-mail. The e-mail will have useful health information and tips for taking part in WOMAN Activity Tracker.

Why should I be physically active?

An active lifestyle helps you manage your body weight and prevent gradual weight gain. Also, it may help prevent heart disease, breast and colon cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

For more information on both physical activity and healthy eating, see Staying Active and Eating Healthy.

Content last updated June 25, 2008.