Challenges not Based on Steps, eg. Sports, Stairs, Active Mins

[Lianne393]

It would be nice to have different types of challenges that aren't solely based on getting our steps in. 

For instance, the number of active minutes in a day, loss challenge, calories, water consumption. Some activities don't count steps such as cycling, skiing or skateboard.  I would like to be able to compete against my friends while doing other activities.  

Moderator edit: Word choice

[nebulajo]

For those of us that sit for a living, we have to work hard for active minutes and extra steps, to be able to compete in step challenges.

People that have a job and stand for a lot of the day and move from place to place in short distances, aren't necessarily getting the quality, active minutes that build those steps. For example, I have one friend that is a daycare worker, and one friend that manages a bakery. They both have told me that their jobs are not strenuous but they do move very short distances, so they both get more steps than I do within a week. However, my active minutes are more than both of thiers.

It really would be nice to compete with people based on weekly active minutes, including daily showdowns for 30 active minutes. This way people aren't killing themselves beyond physical capacity either.

Moderator Edit: Added Labels

[MarreFitbit]

That’s an interesting idea and could be useful, thanks for sharing this suggestion.

[Cantoons]

Sorry for posting this all over the boards, but there seem to be several threads with the same theme - We want more challenges and adventures!

While I track my steps and certainly want to set goals and reach them in that regard, that is not my only goal or objective for using a Fitbit.  My main objective is just to move more in general - i.e., number of days I exercise per week and number of active minutes.  I agree with previous posters, I would LOVE to see challenges available for all of the various things Fitbit tracks - days of exercise, floors, miles, minutes of activity, meeting daily water intake goals, etc.  Fitbit isn't only about number of steps, so let's have the ability to challenge, motivate, and encourage each other in all the other areas as well.

When the only challenges I can participate in are number of steps and I lose the challenge every time -- even though I know I've had a GREAT week because I worked out 30-60 minutes 5 days that week but 3 of those days were strength training so step count was lower -- well, it is discouraging. Not all of us run 10 miles a day, but that certainly doesn't mean we don't get in just as much of a workout some other way.

We all love a little positive reinforcement rather than being told our hard work doesn't count because it wasn't the "right" kind of work.

I have seen several threads making similar suggestions regarding the wish for new challenges & adventures and some of those threads go back YEARS. Does not appear that the powers that be are listening.  But, I will keep asking and continue to vote for each of the threads I come across.  Challenges based only on step count and the same handful of adventures has gotten extremely boring and I only discovered them a few months ago!  Not sure why Fitbit expects anyone to want to continue doing the same challenge or adventure over and over again for years - ugh!!!

[LukeBerry]

Me and my family have recently started doing the challenges. We are enjoying them quiet a lot but we have been wanting to do more challenges but there are none. It would be nice if there were more challenges such as calorie burn competitions, time training competitions and such. Please think about this

thank you

[tb457]

Over a year and almost 2k votes, and still no Active Minute challenges......

[CorinneDLC]

Definitely agree with more challenges, badges, etc. for non step activity. Particularly floors (competitions) and swimming (competitions, lifetime mile badges like Mississippi, Nile, Atlantic, Pacific, etc). 

Active challenges and badges are fun, we want more! 

[Mollie1415]

THIS THREAD HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR HOW LONG AND FITBIT CANT SEEM TO REPLY...LETS GO FITIBT, WAKE UP!!!

[StephaniaDarius]

i love this idea, i work very hard and don’t have much time to work out, but when i do i really go for it! so my steps might be low but that doesn’t mean i haven’t worked out. i always lose the workweek hustle challenge etc, but that doesn’t mean i haven’t made the effort to be active 

[nebulajo]

I agree! I always lose the challenges too, but I know that the steps I have earned through active minutes are worth it for my body.

For the active minutes challenge, I know that I would also beat a lot of the competitors that do better in steps, in the Workweek Hustle 😉 They aren't earning their steps by heart healthy active minutes.

[Riar]

Would appreciate if anyone could help me connect my iPhone 7 to Fitbit charge 2 for what’s app

[Kososhee]

I would like a challenge that focuses on calories burned in a day/week/workweek please? .. some of my friends beat me on steps but I wipe the floor with them on calories burned lol.. I would like to challenge them to that!! 

[Kososhee]

Can there be a new challenge based on calories burned in a day/werk etc? Some of my friends beat me on steps but I wipe the floor with them on calories! That would be great x 

[SunsetRunner]

Hello,

i am trying to drink more water. The steps challenges have really helped me be more active due to the accountability that the challenges creates. I would like to suggest a challenge for drinking water. I think it would be great and a popular addition to the wonderful Fitbit services.

thanks 

Blaine 

[Kmgioia]

Yes active minutes challenge, it’s been requested for years, when is it going to become real?

[PureEvil]

@Kososhee,

The instrumental problem with a challenge based on calories burned is that since people burn calories at very different rates, it is ultimately unfair.  You may burn calories at a higher rate than your current set of friends and you'd have an unfair advantage, but it's only a question of being in a challenge with someone who burns calories at a higher rate than you.

For instance, man may burn over 2000 calories a day through just his BMR (does not have to take a single step).  How much work do you need to do to offset that?

[vivomagee]

Add water/boat sports like dragon boating, canoeing/kayaking, and rowing to the list of exercises that would be nice to see on a Fitbit. And rollerskating/rollerblading.

[Crelojones]

I absolutely love the challenges! In fact, ive noticed myself being active when i otherwise might not be,  because i wanted to get in more steps because im in a challenge. But i really wish the challenges would be expanded to include floors climbed, hours active, cycling, swimming, calories burnt, weight lost, days exercise. I saw people mention sleep and water... challenges for those dont make sense to me, but whatever. Also, i want to be able to make a group for the people at my local YMCA. I dont believe this is currently available.

[Mary.ro22]

Why have there been so many requests for great new challenges aside from just steps, yet Fitbit has still done nothing to implement these fantastic ideas. HELLO, IS THIS THING ON?!?!? These requests been going on for a fee years now but nothing has changed... FITBIT TEAM- what’s the deal? The secret to better success of any company is to give the people more of what they’re wanting. The people have spoken so let me summarise a few of the common requested challenges for your convenience:

*stair challenge

*bike challenge

*rowing challenge

*distance challenge

*active minutes challenge

*sleeping challenge

*water consumption challenge

*caloric burn challenge (I do understand that each person burns calories at a different rate, but still- this is a big one for some people). 

[lizd1348]

I agree and think it should have badges! 

Please check out my idea as well - https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Feature-Suggestions/New-Badge-Idea-Secret-Agent/idi-p/2620038

[K_Waz]

Since posting this request about a year ago I have had time to use my watch extensively for walking, running, stairs and cycling.  As most fitbit users are aware, the stats are quirky.  This is not to say this device does not motivate or that I do not use it anymore.  I still wear and use it everyday.  It just means that the support for multiple activities in competitions will only create more controversy over what will be questionable results.

I am looking forward to the Versa.  Initial reviews indicate technological improvements may make this a more accurate device.  If this turns out to be true, it may make it more practical to create competitions based on say the common denominator of calories burned or miles ridden. We shall see.

[SunsetRunner]

Hello,

I would like to suggestion an update to the way steps are calculated for challenges. Currently in the challenges a step is a step, but is not equitable to all who are participating. As someone who is 6ft tall with a long stride length I can cover a lot more ground in less steps. A shorter person with a shorter stride length earns more steps in a challenge than me even if we cover the same ground. I would like to see an update in the way the steps are calculated in a challenge to make it equitable for all involved.

Thanks!

[K_Waz]

I agree with what you are saying.  Something seems to be amiss in the calculation in any event.  I'm not sure if you height, weight and stride can be used to calculate steps.  But I agree that adjustments need to be made.  I'm sure that Fitbit is aware of all issues regarding these calculations.  For this reason I am hoping that the new Versa will use different dynamics and be more accurate.  Until accuracy is improved in multiple categories (steps, stairs, swimming, lifting) I believe creating competitions across categories will only create more controversy.

Kelly

[Gleasondj]

Definitely-  at minimum a challenge for Active minutes.  When I’m lifting weights with my heart rate up, my overall exercise could compete with my wife who loves the treadmill.  A seperate challenge for active minutes, one for stairs climbed etc.   More and varied challenges between friends. Step challenges limits the many functions of the newer fitbits.

[Mstewart131]

You need to add a stair challenge. My friends and I like climbing stairs for a change in our routines and would love to be able to challenge each other. 

[Rhi_b]

sounds good. my mobility is not the best. If I can move for more than 5 mins at a time I'm having a good day. As I cannot set the active minutes to less than 10 I never complete my active minutes.