Unlocking Fitness with Virtual Challenges: A Unique Approach
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Chapter 1: Understanding Virtual Fitness Challenges
Have you ever come across virtual adventures that allow you to explore cities and paths you might never physically visit? The Conqueror Challenge, based in New Zealand, and similar programs provide such experiences, along with a stylish medallion as a reward for accumulating miles through various forms of exercise—indoor, outdoor, or a combination of both.
This can serve as a fantastic incentive to stay active. While there is a fee associated with these challenges, which covers the cost of producing the medallion and shipping, I believe that if you appreciate these kinds of rewards and can afford them, participating in a virtual challenge is an excellent means to maintain your fitness.
In addition to the coveted medallion, which comes with a ribbon and a display case, you can log your workouts via the myvirtualmission website or the Conqueror Challenge app on your mobile device, tracking your distance traveled. You have the option to embark on this journey solo or as part of a team, where you can share your distance with teammates.
You can complete the challenge at your own pace, ranging from one week to two years. After signing up, you have two years to start a licensed challenge and three years for an original one.
As you progress, the app reveals milestones, images, and intriguing information about the locations along your virtual route. Additionally, you receive exclusive content, including postcards and character cards, which can be saved online, enriching your exercise experience and serving as keepsakes from your journey.
For every 20% of the challenge completed, the Conqueror Challenge organization contributes to environmental efforts, planting a tree or preventing ten plastic bottles from entering the ocean with help from Plastic Bank. You can even explore fictional realms, such as those from the Lord of the Rings or the adventures of Scooby-Doo.
In January 2024, I took on the Scooby-Doo Conqueror Challenge, immersing myself in the classic Scooby-Doo™ mystery titled "Which Witch is Which" as I pursued my fitness objectives. I invested $90 AUD to participate—$80 for the medallion and $10 for shipping. Although $90 seems steep, the allure of the unique medallion, packaged in a box resembling the Mystery Machine, was irresistible!
My involvement in this challenge spurred me to exercise consistently. The Scooby-Doo Conqueror Challenge is a licensed activity accessible exclusively through a mobile app; tracking progress or enjoying other benefits isn't available on desktop devices. However, the app is user-friendly, boasting an appealing interface. Upon registration, you receive an email confirming your participation, complete with a link to the app.
The app's homepage displays a trail between the start and finish points, indicating participants' initials based on their progress. You can adjust privacy settings to keep your activity and profile private if desired.
Section 1.1: Features of the Conqueror Challenge App
Under the Conqueror Challenge App version 4.2.0, you can connect the app to various fitness platforms such as Adidas Running (Runtastic), Apple Health, Fitbit, Garmin, RunKeeper, Strava, and Under Armour Connected Fitness. This integration allows you to import activity recorded by these devices directly into the app.
The app also offers options to create or join a community, although I haven't utilized this feature. Your registration email provides a join code, indicating you have 24 months to complete the challenge, relieving you of any time pressure regarding mile completion.
The Scooby-Doo Conqueror Challenge requires covering 50 miles, which translates to approximately 80.5 kilometers for those who measure in kilometers. You can set a completion date for your challenge on the app or website, and this date can be adjusted as needed, ensuring no undue stress if you require an extension.
Within the app, you can select distances in either miles or kilometers, and there are seven default activity types to choose from, plus an "Other" option for those not listed. I opted to use my indoor exercise bike for this challenge.
The app features a "Post Distance" option at the bottom, leading to a form where you can enter your miles or kilometers. It's important to input decimal points correctly, as entering a number like 55 without a decimal will inaccurately record it as 55 miles!
Section 1.2: Tracking Progress and Achievements
The app's round purple icon appears on the homepage, and clicking it reveals dropdown options from "Activity" to "Settings." If you choose a challenge linked to a real location, your app "location" updates in relation to Google Maps as you progress. Milestone emails provide updates on your completion percentage, along with statistics reflecting your distance traveled and remaining time.
I genuinely enjoyed this challenge, choosing to exercise at my own pace and adding distances when possible. It took me seven and a half weeks to cover the 80.5 kilometers on my exercise bike, with sessions lasting up to 30 minutes at a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour. On average, I logged 5 kilometers per session.
While some may find it surprising that I needed nearly two months to complete the 80.5 kilometers, it's essential to remember that everyone has their unique pace. With two sessions per week over eight weeks, I managed 16 sessions of 5 kilometers each, and I take pride in completing this challenge ahead of my self-imposed three-month deadline.
Chapter 2: The Rewards of Virtual Challenges
The Conqueror Challenges are enjoyable and serve as excellent motivators for exercising. You can save up or ask friends or family to cover the entry fee as a birthday or other gift!
If you own a fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit or Apple Watch, you can link it to the app to automatically record your movements. Every bit of activity counts! Whether you're using a mini-pedaller, doing aerobics, playing basketball, or even engaging in housework, you can convert your energy expenditure into distance.
At the conclusion of your challenge, you'll be prompted to enter your address for your medallion to be mailed to you. You’ll also receive a digital certificate of completion via email. While there's no physical certificate sent, the Finisher's Medallion serves as a significant reward for those who appreciate such accolades. The Scooby-Doo Medallion is truly special, featuring unique designs and effects.
For those interested in exploring other virtual destinations, there are numerous options available, including Italy, Tokyo, and even the Shire from the Lord of the Rings. My next virtual challenge may take me to the Netherlands!
It's important to operate on the honor system. While you could falsify distances, that would be disingenuous.
One note of caution: the entry fee may appear to be around $50 AUD on the Challenge pages, but you should anticipate adding approximately $10 AUD for shipping upon registration. Thus, the average entry fee for the medallion is closer to $60 AUD, with licensed challenges, like the Scooby-Doo Challenge, typically costing more.
Within my budget, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in exercise-based virtual challenges that keep me "on the road" to fitness. Once you begin, hopefully, you'll establish a routine of regular exercise. There’s a virtual adventure, walk, and medallion suited for everyone, allowing you to work out at your own pace with your preferred activities.
The satisfaction of setting and achieving a goal is a powerful motivator, independent of the tangible reward of a medallion. Thanks to the Conqueror Challenge, I can explore new places virtually while improving my fitness—all from the comfort of my home!
And that, to me, is invaluable.
In the video "Are Virtual Challenges a SCAM?" we delve into the authenticity and value of these fitness challenges, exploring their pros and cons for participants.
The second video, "I Worked Out in VR for 30 Days," chronicles a personal journey through virtual workouts, showcasing the impact of technology on fitness routines.