The Fitness Challenge - The Game Designed for the Wannabe Exerciser

This cute, easy to use game is a great way for couples, siblings, family members or friends to get in shape together. This 8-week program works on the buddy system, allowing you and your partner to set goals based on your fitness level, post your progress on the scorecard and, even better, make your partner pay for missed workouts by doing things like washing the dishes and organize the closet. This is a fun way for couples to get in shape together and keep each other on track with exercise.

I have to say, I really love this idea. This game adds a fun, competitive element to exercise that is often missing while offering you an opportunity to buddy-up with someone else, which always adds motivation. The game itself is very simple to use. Both players fill out a fitness contract agreeing to get in shape and earn at least 40 points by exercising consistently for 8 weeks. You enter a start date, agree to perform the tasks listed in your partner's wager book (if you lose) and you choose your fitness level (Beg, Int or Adv). Then you hang the scorecard (it includes the hardware) which shows a calendar on which you place stickers for completed workouts. You can also pick 1-15 wager coupons...these tasks are what your partner will have to do if he or she loses the game.

You then choose your exercises from a list of activities which are divided into categories. The Star-Studded activities are more vigorous and include things like aerobics, running and swimming. Star-Lite activities include things like walking, Pilates and tai chi You can pick from either category, but you have to workout longer for the Star-Lite activities. You track your progress by putting a star (equaling one point) on the scoreboard. If you finish a third workout for the week, you get a 3-point star, so if you exercise 3 times a week, you can easily get 40 points (more if you do more workouts).

At the end of 8 weeks, you add up your scores to determine who has to do the tasks in the other's wager book (which is the person who gets the least points). The wagers coupons are fun, covering different areas like Around the House (organize a drawer, go grocery shopping), V.I.P. (my night out with the guys, I control the remote control) and Big Stakes (take me to dinner).

This is such a great game and a fun way to exercise together. I highly recommend it!