FAQ

What is HealthTrails?

HealthTrails is a wellness program that draws on the excitement of seeing and learning about new places and people by tracing famous trails around the world.

How does it work?

Each time you record a HealthTrails activity you move along the trail. As you progress, you’ll see great images and vivid descriptions of that location as if you’re right there. It’s a fun, effective way to track health habits because you actually see your progress.

What is the goal of the program?

Your goal is to travel 300+ virtual miles along 1 or more trails — you have 4 to choose from. If you record at least 10,000 steps a day/5 days a week, 5 produce servings a day/5 days a week, and 7-9 hours of sleep/5 nights a week, you’ll reach 300 miles. And you can add to your mileage by taking the daily Tip Test. Aim for at least 50 miles a week to achieve the goal in 6 weeks.

What health practices count toward the goal?

• Steps — Aim for 10,000 steps or more a day (using a step tracker or the Step Conversion chart) for the greatest health benefits, including more energy, better mood, weight control, and lower risk for many chronic conditions. You may record as many steps as you’d like, but to encourage consistency a maximum of 15,000 steps a day will count toward your movement on the trail.

• Produce servings — Choose from a variety of colors to get the most produce has to offer — vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients — for better health. Aim for 5 or more produce servings (5+ cups) a day, 5 days a week. What’s a serving? You may record as many produce servings as you’d like, but to encourage consistency a maximum of 9 a day will count toward your movement on the trail.

Who can participate?

Everyone. HealthTrails gives you several ways to earn mileage and move along each trail. Consistency is rewarded over great athleticism or dramatic changes. Simple, everyday healthy habits produce the greatest benefits — and the most success in HealthTrails.

If I have a disability can I still participate in HealthTrails?

Yes; HealthTrail’s self-paced, flexible design fits people of all abilities. If walking isn’t possible, be as active as you can in whatever ways you enjoy. If you’re unsure which activities are best, check with your healthcare provider. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability offers specific ideas.

The Step Conversion chart is helpful for equivalents. If your activity isn’t listed, estimate your steps based on the closest in intensity (light, moderate, vigorous). And an odometer can gauge distance in a wheelchair; 5 miles of pushing generally equals 10,000 steps (2000 steps/mile).

Is there a limit to the amount I can record each day?

Yes. To encourage consistency, each activity has a daily maximum. Click on the name of the activity in the Record Progress box to learn more.

How do the activity trackers/apps sync to my HealthTrails account?

After you register and connect a device or app to your HealthTrails account, it’s simple. Just put your device on in the morning, then each time you sync it with your computer or app and log into your HealthTrails account, you can see your steps add up.

Can I log manually if I’m using a tracking device?

Even if you have a device connected in HealthTrails, you can still manually record steps:

1. Go to the Home page.

2. Under Log Progress, click Edit (by Steps), then enter the number of steps, and click Save.

3. To revert to device tracking, click Edit again, then Sync.

If I’m doing an activity that’s not accurately measured with a tracker — like cycling — how do I count steps?

Refer to the Step Conversion chart; multiply the number listed by total minutes.

Note: Steps per minute conversions are estimates, not actual step rates. Actual steps per minute depend on the specific activity, leg and stride length as well as fitness level. For nonstep activities, step equivalents are determined by the metabolic cost (higher intensity = more steps per minute).

How does team participation work?

You have until Tuesday, September 1 to form a team of (number) members. The team competition will end Tuesday, September 29, so be sure to complete logging by (date) to have your activity count toward your team’s score.

In this friendly competition, teams challenge each other to see who can top the leaderboard. Although you can participate on your own, it may be the most fun part of this path to better health. Scores are based on the team’s average miles/day. Each person’s individual contribution affects the team score, so gather a group who will encourage and support each other along the way.

Why do I want to be on a team?

It’s fun! Plus, joining with others striving for similar goals keeps you accountable — and doubles your chances of success. So start or join a team with members close by, across the hall, or around the world — the most important thing is to recruit others who are motivated to be active and healthy.

What if I have questions about the program?

Use the Contact link at the bottom of each website page. A HealthTrails representative will respond within 1 business day.