The 'Step-Up' trend helping Kenyans get in shape

While it is not just a social media fitness fuss that started a month ago, when people were setting their New Year's resolutions, Kenyans have shifted to a popular step-based exercise routine called "Step-up."

With access to health and wellness information more readily available through social media, fitness apps, and local health initiatives, Kenyans are becoming more conscious of the importance of physical activity. Whether it is to prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, or just to keep their physical health in check.

One step at a time, the step-up trend in Kenya is an excellent example of how fitness habits are evolving to fit the needs and interests of the modern Kenyan.

How does it work?

What makes this trend even more interesting is the accessibility of the step-up movement.

While it may be easy to start walking, some people find it difficult to stay motivated to meet daily step goals. Now, this is where technology plays a key role.

Users have to first download the mobile application, from any app store, key in their account, and sync their wearables.

In case users are up for a challenge, users can use a provided link to join a specific group challenge or create their group by going to the app settings and managing groups to invite other people.

With a daily target of 10,000 steps, Kenyans are challenging their workmates, friends, and families to get in their steps through leaderboards.

The leader board, which ranks the members of the group according to their daily, weekly, and monthly steps, also helps create friendly competition while encouraging healthy living.

The challenge is also a great way to encourage people to foster a goal-oriented mindset.

Are there any rules and rewards?

The step-up challenge is also a cost-effective form of exercise, making it accessible to individuals across various income groups.

While it may be easy to start walking, some people find it difficult to stay motivated to meet daily step goals.

Having a group helps users set daily, weekly or monthly goals, for example, you may set 7,000 steps a day for one week and increase the steps by 2,000 after every week during the challenge.

This improves engagement and the overall group experience, because, "Nobody wants to be last" on the board.

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Participants also get to set their prizes and rewards outside the app, which encourages people to participate.

As more people adopt walking routines and track their daily steps, they are enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, better mental well-being, and enhanced stamina.

Unlike more intense workout routines that require specialized equipment or gym memberships, stepping involves minimal equipment: just a pair of comfortable shoes and your gadget.