My Diary
You must be registered to take advantage of the diary and walking log we've provided for you.It only takes a moment, but it lets us know how many people are taking advantage of this free service we are providing. You'll get 5 points towards our incentive program just for signing up and be eligible to receive a free Pedometer. See the details at registration. To register, Click Here.
The Purpose of the Diary & Incentive Program.
The purpose is plain and simple. We want to motivate you to take control of your health by giving your body the exercise and decompression it needs. When a majority of Americans are considered obese, it’s amazing to learn that just 30 minutes a day of walking exercise could lower our chance of premature death due to chronic disease by 40%.
We admit it, we’re just trying to seduce you into a new habit with material rewards. The truth is, if we can get you to walk a half hour more every day than you are now, after 6 weeks your body will reward you far more than we can.
Free Health Assessments
We strongly recommend that you begin this new part of your fitness program with a health assessment that measures your heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index. This will give you a starting point from which to begin designing the intensity of your walking program. To make it easy for you, all three of the downtown YMCAs will give participants in this program free health assessments during the Phase 2 Program (Jan. 1, 2009 – May 1, 2009).
How Do I Use My Diary?
Your diary works very simply. You fill it out as you would any log, listing your activities and the dates. Use the third column space provided to describe what it is that you did to help improve your health and well-being. To set up your diary and record your activities, simply click here.
What is My Fitness Level?
For purposes of this program, we are defining fitness levels as follows:
| Beginner | Exercise less than one hour per week total. |
| Intermediate | Exercise 2-3 times a week for a total of at least 2-1/2 hours |
| Athletic | Exercise 4-6 times a week for a total of 4 hours or more. |
When you register, you’ll be asked to list your fitness level – and then again when you submit your diary points for rewards. If you aren’t starting out as an athlete, you should make it your goal to try and increase a level from where you begin.
How Do I Track My Progress & Earn Points?
You track your points on the honor system. That’s right, we’re going to trust you to tell us and yourself the truth. After all, this is really about helping yourself to healthy habits – and we want to reward your motivation with incentives. Be honest If you really just have to get a free water bottle without working for it, don’t cheat! Just call us and we’ll give it to you. For the rest of you, here’s the point system that will help you earn those fun fitness incentives.
| Activity | Points |
|---|---|
| Sign-up online | 5 points |
| Completing a Health Assessment | 5 points |
| Download & walk with a podcast | 2 points |
| Every mile walked or run | 1 point / mile |
| Fill out and submit Urban Walkability Assessments | 2 points |
| Attend Healthy Together workshop | 5 points |
| BONUS POINTS: Walking, when you normally would’ve driven | 2 pt/roundtrip |
| BONUS POINTS: Carpooling or taking the bus to work | 2 pt/roundtrip |
Bonus Points When You Reach 25 miles
When you registered, you indicated your fitness level. If you were just getting started, its unlikely you’ll log as many miles of walking or running over the next few months as someone who is used to extended exercise every day. To give you a little encouragement and make sure every level has a shot at rewards, you’ll receive extra points as a one-time bonus once you’ve logged 25 miles.
| Beginner | Gain an extra 25 points |
| Intermediate | Gain an extra 15 points |
| Athlete | Gain an extra 5 points |
Reward Activities
Downloading & Walking with Podcasts
Walking & Running – all walking for fitness counts towards your rewards, whether you take one of our walks, or you join another organized walk, or you walk on your own. For the purposes of this diary, walking around your house or office doesn’t count, unless you start walking to and from work. We’re trying increase your activity, not count what you’re already doing. When in doubt you can always measure your distances with a pedometer
Carpooling or Taking the Bus to Work
What Are The Rewards?
Aside from improved health, which is the big pay-off, you can use your points to earn fitness incentives. Check out the Rewards section of this website.
What is the Tracking Period for Rewards?
The Pilot Project Period for the first phase of the Do The Local Motion program is October 1, 2008 – January 1, 2009. Record your progress during that period and when you’re ready, submit your points for prizes. You don’t have to wait until the end – anytime will do. Spend your points and start over again if you like. All prize submissions must be made by January 15 in order to be honored.
Where Do I Submit My Points to Get My Rewards?
Print out a copy of your diary, or send an electronic copy to Healthy Together along with your name and information requested at the end of the form. Be sure to indicate what reward you have selected, and indicate alternative selections. Send your information to: Healthy Together, 601 N. Ashley St., Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33602 or to WALK@Healthy-Together.org. Be sure put “DTLM Rewards” in the subject line. We’ll get in touch with you and arrange for your rewards pick-up.
