Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

Any Adventist church member or friend who is interested in improving their fitness and health are welcome to join. We hope whole families will participate together and that you will invite your non church member friends to join you as well on this journey to better fitness and health.

How do I get a pedometer?

You can order them online from the GetFit Adventures web site or through your InStep for Life fitness coordinator at your church or Adventist institution.

Do I have to count steps?

No, you can also keep track of foot miles (walked, hiked, or from running) or minutes of biking, playing tennis, swimming, or some 30 other common aerobic activities.

Can I invite non-church members to join me?

By all means! Ask friends at work, a neighbor, or other friend to join you in your journey to better fitness and health. Be an advocate for fitness and health in your community. Get as many people as possible to take the Fitness for Life Challenge.

Can I get exercise credit for mowing the lawn and working in the yard?

Absolutely. As long as you are pushing the mower and not riding on it, and as long as you are doing active gardening such as spading, hoeing, and raking. Sorry, trimming the roses doesn't count for fitness but it's good for mental health. Keep track of the number of active minutes of gardening and report them on your exercise log. The exercise time needs to be in minimums of at least 10-15 minutes at a time to be considered aerobic. There are dozens of other activities you get credit for as well.

When can I sign up for the InStep for Life Fitness Challenge?

The target date for launching InStep for Life across the North American Division for all churches is October 1, 2008. Pilot test sites will begin May 1, 2008 in various churches and institutions across North America and Canada. But, you can get started walking now. You don't have to wait. Begin walking and building up to the 10,000 steps a day so when it's time to begin, you will already be in good shape and ahead of the game.

Do I have to have a fitness buddy?

No, but it's best if you do. If you have someone to go walking, running, or biking with regularly, you are much more likely to maintain your resolve. It also makes it more fun. Invite your spouse, your teenage son or daughter, and friends to go with you. Be an advocate for fitness and good health. By helping others, you also help yourself.

Do I have to pay $10 to participate?
Only if you want the benefits of the regular membership such as the ability to take fitness adventures around the world, log your miles and track your yearly progress on line, get the WellNotes health letter, and other member benefits. You can still participate free by keeping track of your steps and aerobic miles and using the InStep for Life web site to learn more about fitness, reading fitness tips, and downloading free handouts (such as your quarterly fitness log).

We think you will find it more fun, however, to be a regular member. And $10 is very inexpensive for all the benefits you will receive. Compare the benefits of a year long fitness and wellness program to some other option for $10 such as eating out once, the cost of one music CD, half the cost of buying one DVD, or 1/4 the cost of one tank of gas. In reality, for every dollar you invest in fitness, you will earn back 10-fold in savings on health care costs and improved energy and productivity in your life!