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Your Guide to GOQii Trail Challenge 2019

GOQii Trail Challenge

If you joined us for GOQii Trail Challenge 2018, you know what lies ahead of you and if this is your first time, you’re about to step into the heart of nature – a journey filled with challenges, beautiful vistas and an experience you will never forget.

The 50km trail might seem daunting but if your body and mind can endure it, there’s nothing more satisfying in the world than the feeling of crossing the finish line. In this article, we’re going to suggest the best practices which will help you complete the trail like a champ!

Let’s begin!

GOQii Trail Challenge Gear List & Dos and Don’ts

We’ve made a list of essentials you will need to carry along with you on the trail:

  • Daypack (30L) and a small daypack of about 10-15L which you will use during the challenge.
  • Max pair of 2 clothes and a light jacket as it will be chilly in the morning and at night.
  • Sleeping bag or a light cotton bedsheet or a shawl. Avoid carrying anything too heavy. 
  • 2L hydra pouch or a 2x1L water bottle. Don’t forget some chocolate, energy bars or nuts you can munch on while walking. Carry Electoral or ORS mixed with your bottle of water.
  • Personal medication you might need or take regularly.
  • Carry a ziplock bag for your wallet and phone.
  • Floaters, extra socks, torchlight with extra batteries
  • Hat/Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Avoid carrying any electronic gadgets like iPods or iPads. You can use your smart phone as a camera.

What to Keep in Mind While Walking

  • Walk straight. Avoid sitting and climbing down slopes and you’ll experience more pain further down the road.
  • When tired, don’t sit down on the trail. This will tighten your muscles and make it more difficult to walk. If you must sit, don’t do it immediately. Standing and resting is better!
  • When you halt for a break, take small sips of water as opposed to large gulps.
  • If you feel uneasy, inform your teammates before things go out of hand.
  • Don’t walk on the trail with earphones listening to music, it could be hazardous.
  • Avoid littering and talking too loudly. Respect nature and the surrounding environment.

GTC 2019Follow these few basics and you’re all good to go! In fact, to make it even easier for you, we’ve prepared a hack list that consists of a few golden rules, walking strategy, what to eat, injury prevention and so on. Check the list here: http://www.goqii.com/gtc/hacklist. You can also watch this video tutorial for any help you might need to tape your foot the right way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU29tXBMAZs

Now that you’ve got all the details you need, we’ll see you at the trail venue on the 6th of December! Here’s wishing all the participants the very best. Let’s make #LifeWorthWalking

#BeTheForce

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Indians Aren’t Lazy Anymore! GOQii India Steps Challenge Beats the Stanford Report by 118%

GOQii India Steps ChallengeFebruary 22nd this year marked an important beginning! It was the day we initiated the GOQii India Steps Challenge in partnership with Network18 to make India a country that walks for good health!

The challenge was conceptualized when we came across a study conducted by Stanford University in 2017. It deemed Indians as the laziest in the world, clocking in an average of only 4297 steps a day. This average was challenged in 2018, when the IndiaFit Report 2018 found that the national average had increased to 6783 steps a day.

The GOQii India Steps Challenge sought to drive this number up considerably. By gamifying walking and introducing exciting rewards, GOQii was able to make people walk more. After 100 days and participation of over 2 million individuals from all over India, we are excited to announce that the national average has now reached 9391 steps a day, beating Stanford’s research by 118%.

Apart from this, we found that women walked just as much as men. Women participants clocked an average of 9184 steps a day. Their male counterparts clocked an average of 9436 steps a day.

GOQii India Steps Challenge

The youth of India took a healthy step forward, with participants below the age of 25 walking an avg of 9443 steps a day

GOQii India Steps Challenge

We also received reports from participants who began walking to earn rewards but as the challenge drew to a close, they began walking for their health. There were numerous stories of individuals who began walking every day and even managed to lose some weight and be healthy. GOQii India Steps Challenge

Winner Gives All!

Rajneesh Sharma from Pathankot in Punjab won the grand prize of Rs. 5 lakh. He managed to clock in an average of 39,657 steps daily! Rajneesh was able to achieve this by being active for 5-6 hours a day. Apart from him, there were 3 other players who clocked a daily average of 36,000 steps a day.

“I am very happy to have won this challenge as I have decided to give this money to an NGO – ‘Shiv Bhole Langar Samiti’ with whom I volunteer. This NGO feeds people in Himachal Pradesh’s Hadsar and Gauri Kund area. I participated and started walking to keep myself fit only to be able to climb up 13 km to feed people as part of the NGO work. Then my friends joined me and that kept me motivated.”

The support we received was amazing! We look forward to even more participating from the June Challenge initiated within the GOQii app.

To collect your GOQii India Steps Challenge certificate, you can:

  • Open the app
  • Select Arena
  • Click on Challenges
  • Click on India Steps Challenge

You can either download the e-certificate or get a copy sent to your address.

Stay tuned for our next challenge and keep an eye out for GOQii Play!

#BeTheForce

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5 Astounding Benefits of Walking 100 Steps Post Dinner

Centuries ago, the Greek physician, Hippocrates said, “Walking is man’s best medicine”. This saying is true even today. A recent study by scientists from the University College London proved that walking helps in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular dysfunctions by 31%. It even reduces the risk of deaths from diabetes and related illnesses by 32%.

Walking 10,000 steps everyday will help you stay fit. It can facilitate a healthy living in ways you can’t imagine. Being the safest and easiest exercise possible, walking helps your cardiovascular fitness. It aids weight loss, boosts your mental health and shapes your body.

It’s suggested by some health experts that walking 100 steps before going to sleep every night is good for your health. Usually, we would spend the time post dinner and before sleep in front of a TV or checking emails. Instead, go for a short walk! A minimum of 100 steps will help you burn calories, improve digestion, and control blood sugar levels among other benefits.

  1. Aids Digestion

Walking accelerates the secretion of gastric juices and enzymes responsible for breaking your food into beneficial elements. Under normal conditions, it takes some time for this process to start. This results in the occasional acidity, indigestion and other stomach related complications. Walking around 100 steps will help you sleep better and wake up fresh and healthy.

  1. Maintains Blood Sugar

For those suffering from diabetes (type 2) and extreme blood sugar levels, walking after half hour of having had a meal will help breakdown the food component with more utilization of glucose and improved blood circulation. A physically active body will always need more glucose (sugar level) to burn, thereby controlling/limiting the accumulation of the same.

  1. Helps Metabolism & Facilitates Weight Loss

Any kind of exercise boosts the body’s metabolism, aids blood circulation, burns stored fats and filters unwanted chemicals out of the body. You certainly cannot go through rigorous exercise after dinner. Walking for half a mile solves this problem. Burning of fat and an improved body metabolism also leads to losing weight. For elders, walking after meals is strictly advised to maintain a healthy body. However, this should be practiced by individuals of all ages.

  1. Improves blood circulation

Walking 100 steps after dinner can work up the muscles and facilitate better blood circulation through the body. It only takes a 15 minute stroll to lower the accumulated fat levels in your blood (comprising of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides). Your blood stream will be supplied with more oxygen as your lungs will demand more air.

  1. Relieves stress and improves sleep

Doctors have always advised against going to bed immediately after dinner. If you cannot step out, walking within your home is a good idea as well. For those who lead a sedentary life, walking for a while after dinner aids digestion. Which in turn helps you get better quality sleep.

Make walking after dinner a habit for a lifetime. You will certainly be able to experience positive results within a few weeks. Considered one of the easiest of all exercises. Walking 100 steps after dinner can surprisingly bring a healthy turnaround in your life.

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10 health and diet tips for Women

eating-healthy-and-exercising

March 8th is considered International woman’s day but at GOQii we dedicate this whole month to focus on Women’s health. This month, I want you to sit back and relax and take some time out to focus on your health. I have carved out some easy-to-follow tips that will help you keep up with your health and fitness along with your diet habits.

Here are some of the health and diet tips every woman must follow to remain healthy and fit

  1. Do not cut out any food groups from your diet

If you are dieting, do not think of cutting down on any food groups, be it carbohydrate or fat. Include lean proteins, calcium and other nutritional foods that will help your body function better. All you need to do is to ensure portion control and not go overboard, especially with unhealthy foods. Moderation is the key to a healthy you!

  1. Load up on lots of water

Water is the one solution to all your health problems; it helps flush out the hazardous toxins produced in the body due to poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, et al. Drink lots of water or just add some lemon and honey to make it healthier. Not only will it help keep your body hydrated but also will leave your skin glowing.

  1. Kick-start your day with a healthy and heavy breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; no matter how busy or caught up you are, take out some time to indulge in a good and healthy breakfast full of proteins to keep you energized through the day.

  1. Do not obsess over dieting

One must not obsess over dieting. It is okay to accept your body as it is; what is important is to ensure eating healthy and keeping yourself physically fit. Focus on building your stamina and engage in exercises.

  1. Feed your skin with healthy and natural ingredients

It shouldn’t be only your overall health but also your skin that needs some attention. For once, toss your chemical-laden commercial skincare products and use natural kitchen ingredients instead. They will help you get a gleaming skin.

  1. Do not forget to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise

 It is not just your diet that will ensure a healthy body, but also some physical activity or exercise. It is not necessary to spend two hours at the gym, but just 30 minutes of your favourite outdoor sport, gaming, running, walking, et al can help you out.

  1. Get yourself checked every six months

In order to take care of others in the family, we neglect minute health problems we generally go through. Take some time out and get your body checked for any suspicious growth or anything that you think should be flagged before it gets too late. Go in for a comprehensive health check up once in a year.

  1. Do not stop yourself from indulging

Keeping yourself healthy does not mean you forget munching on your favourite foods. Indulge in these foods once in a while to make yourself and your tummy happy and going. Do make sure you don’t overeat only to ruin your diet.

  1. Stop stressing! Include bright coloured foods to up your mood and get going

Nowadays, stress has become synonymous with us humans and one cannot avoid considering the many pressures in personal and professional lives. Load up on de-stressing foods and include more bright coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet that will help liven up your mood instantly.

  1. Avoid smoking and alcohol

While occasional drinking is fine, making it a lifestyle habit is extremely dangerous. Not only do smoking and drinking cut short your lifespan, but also make you look a lot older and dull.

Follow these basic health and diet tips to lead a positive, fit and enduring life!

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