Setting Personal Goals

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As part of your participation in the WOMAN Challenge, you will be asked to set your own individualized goals. You can choose to set your goals in steps (using a pedometer or armband pedometer to measure your activity) or in time duration of physical activity (minutes). Each week, you will choose a goal for yourself to achieve daily. For example, during week 1 of the WOMAN Challenge, your goal may be to complete 7500 steps each day of that week. During week 2, you might set a goal of 50 minutes of activity each day for that week. In this way, you have the option of changing your goal (increasing or decreasing) or changing your measurement type (steps or minutes) each week of the eight-week challenge.

When setting your goals, it is important to consider your current level of physical activity, as well as any mobility impairments that you may have. It is best to set goals that challenge you physically, but are achievable and realistic for you based on your lifestyle. A goal of 10,000 steps a day or 60 minutes of moderate physical activity is the minimum amount needed to achieve an active lifestyle.

Consider the following guidelines*:

Ready to set your goals? You can enter them on the My Daily Physical Activity page.

Are you tracking in steps? Convert your activities into steps with this handy calculator.

For participants with mobility impairments

There are no national guidelines regarding physical activity for people with mobility impairments. As a result, it is important to consider your current level of physical activity when deciding your goals for the WOMAN Challenge. You should assess which goal is best suited to your physical activity level and most achievable for you. Your doctor or nurse may be able to assist you in this decision. We encourage you to challenge yourself by increasing your daily physical activity each week as part of the WOMAN Challenge. (Read More)

Content last updated May 5, 2008.