Spring has sprung, and so has the season for outdoor events: 5ks, tennis and golf tournaments, rec leagues–you name it, it’s happening near you. Events like these are incredible motivators for people to accomplish fitness goals, and registration alone is often a big step toward reaching them. Another big motivator: a team! Having others training with you for the same goal helps keep you accountable, makes training more enjoyable, and makes the event itself that much more fun.
So this spring we invite you to challenge yourself and your coworkers to complete a fitness event. Not only will you accomplish something together, you’ll strengthen your office team and reap many health benefits along the way. Take the leap and sign up for one of these five group event ideas–or better yet, get more than one team going for some fun interoffice competition!
1. Themed 5ks
You’ve probably seen or heard about more of these than you can count. What’s great about them is that there are fun things to do along the course, they feature free beer and/or food, they end in a giant party, or all of the above! Amongst all the camaraderie, you and your office mates will forget you’re even working out. Check out local themed 5ks in your town, or find a nearby event from one of these national series:
- The Color Run
- Color Me Rad
- The Glow Run 5k
- The Zombie Run
- LivingSocial’s 5k Dance Party
- Hot Chocolate 5k
2. Endurance Events
Many of these are just as much a party as the 5ks listed above, but they take the intensity to the next level. Think half and full marathons, triathlons, century (100-mile) cycling rides, relays, and other tough but doable events. Bonus: Many support great charities! Just imagine how great you will feel to cross the finish line together in any one of these:
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon Series
- USA Triathlon’s Retro Tri Series and Mixed Team Relay Series
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
- Bike MS
- The National Park Half Marathon Series
3. Recreational Sports
It’s time to finally figure out which department truly has the best game and leave it all on the court (or field. or diamond. or course.) Pick a sport: soccer, tennis, softball, touch/flag football, ultimate frisbee, basketball, volleyball, even kickball or dodgeball. Then choose your teams and set up a league, or join one near you. Not enough folks in house to form a league? Invite your office park neighbors or nearby competitors!
4. Mud Runs and Obstacle Races
These fall somewhere in between the 5k and endurance event categories, but they’ve got one key difference: tough obstacles along the course designed to test your strength and tolerance to mud. But don’t let the soggy courses deter you. These events are accessible to many fitness levels (including many disabilities), and the mud is actually pretty fun. An experience like this will unite your work team like no other. Try it out for yourself:
5. Create Your Own Challenge
If these competitive events don’t rev your engine, why not create your own? Gather your colleagues to try something you’ve never done before but have always wanted to: dancing, AcroYoga, rock climbing, trapeze, roller derby, kickboxing, etc. Just don’t forget to set a concrete goal to work toward!
No matter what challenge you take on, by teaming up with your office mates, you and your team will see big benefits in and out of the workplace. Start toward your goal today by sharing this post with your colleagues!
Body Mechanix, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC-based company specializing in injury prevention, workplace ergonomics and physical therapy. Led by certified ergonomics assessment specialists, BMI provides on-site ergonomics analyses, injury prevention programs, wellness programs, and other services to large and small companies across the US.