Take the Challenge!

This September, UNSW goes head to head with 11 other universities across Australia and New Zealand. Will you join us and take the Challenge?

What is the AUHC?

The Australiasian University Health Challenge (AUHC) is a health-focused initiative where staff and students increase their daily physical activity and improve their health and wellbeing. Universities across Australia and New Zealand have teamed up to provide staff and students with an opportunity to increase their physical activity through a fun and exciting inter-university competition. It's not about following a strict exercise or training regime, it's just about making the effort to move more.

Who can join?

All staff and students of UNSW are eligible to participate in the Challenge.

How much does it cost?

It's free!

When does it run?

The AUHC runs from Monday 6 September to Sunday 17 October.

Do I need to be physically active already to join in the AUHC?

No! It doesn't matter if you currently do 2,000 or 10,000 steps each day. This challenge is all about making small behavioural changes that increase your physical activity levels. 

When does the AUHC start?

The AUHC starts on 6 September and runs until 17 October.

Registration opens on 23 August.

How do I register?

Last year we had issues with UNSW email addresses, so try using your personal email address to register

  1. Go to the 10,000 Steps website https://www.10000steps.org.au and select Sign Up 
  2. Enter your details - use a personal email address
  3. Select that you would like to register as a participant
  4. Check your personal email and click the link in the verification email sent to you
  5. Complete the last details required to create the account
  6. Once in your account, access your Dashboard, scroll down and click on the Health Challenge card

7.  Select '2021 Australasian University Health Challenge' from the list under 'Current Health Challenge' 

8.  Select UNSW as your team - scroll down to the UNSW card and click on 'Join Challenge Team'.

9.  After this, the UNSW card will have a little ribbon on the corner saying 'Joined'.

 

Can I participate as an individual or do I need to have a team?

You can do either! If you just want to be a part of the broader 'Team UNSW', then follow the steps above and you're ready to go. If you want to join up as a team, read on below.

How do I join or create a team?

If you want to participate as part of a team, you can do that too!

Teams will be of four people, just like the Local Challenge. However, the process for team registration is a bit different:

  1. Gather your chosen teammates
  2. Each team member needs to individually register as a participant on the 10,000 Steps website (as described above)
  3. Collect your team details:
  • Team Name
  • Team Captain
  • Team Captain email address
  • Team members' names
  • Team members' email addresses
  • Email Liza Poppert with the above team details.

    • How do I track my steps during the Challenge?

    You can use whichever device you like to track your steps, eg. your smartphone, a pedometer, a fitness tracker or a smart watch.

    Garmin and Fitbit devices have the ability to connect with the challenge and sync your steps. Once you've registered you will need to go into Tracker Details in your account and link your Fitbit or Garmin account. For more information about linking your device, click here.

    How do I log my steps once the Challenge starts?

    You'll need to login to your account and manually enter your steps (unless you have a Garmin or Fitbit that you have linked).

    Once logged in, go to your Dashboard and enter the number of steps you have walked or the activity in minutes. If you have engaged in an activity that does not register as steps on your tracker (eg. you go for a swim but don't have a waterproof tracker) you may enter both a step count and a number of minutes of either moderate or vigorous activity. 

    That's it! Your step counts will contribute to your team's total and also to the UNSW total.

    Which other universities in Australia and New Zealand are we competing against?

    Australian Universities

    • Sydney University
    • University of Newcastle
    • Southern Cross University
    • Australian Catholic University
    • Bond University
    • University of the Sunshine Coast
    • Central Queensland University
    • University of Queensland
    • University of Tasmania
    • University of Western Australia
    • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

    New Zealand Universities

    • Victoria University of Wellington
    • Auckland University of Technology
    • University of Canterbury
    • Waikato University
    • Lincoln University
    • Massey University