COLUMBUS – With many people working from home over the last few weeks, it’s understandable some may fall out of a routine.
The Columbus Crew SC is also out of their typical spring routine.
To help everyone out and to rally the community together around fitness, the organization created the 30-Day Step Challenge.
At the beginning of April, nearly 1,000 people, ages 18 to 75, signed up to compete on teams for recording the most steps each day for 30 days.
10TV talked with Dante Washington, a former Crew player and current director of team strategic partnerships and business development.
“I think all sports teams are facing the same situation where, ‘How do we engage with our community? How do we engage with our fans in a time when they can’t go to games?’ he said. “And for some who make this part of their weekly ritual, you know, they’re at a loss.”
Washington coaches one of the Step Up Challenge teams himself, with more than 80 people on his team.
While the challenge will come to a close after this week, Washington encourages anyone who wants to find that motivation to move more, to take the challenge for themselves.
“It has not, was not part of my daily routine; going out and exercising,” Washington said. “A lot of people think that as a former professional athlete, you stay active all the time. I’m one of those who does not so this has actually been really good for me.”
One way to increase step counts in a daily routine is to make it a family activity, Washington said.
“We’re all pretty much at home together so like most people, you probably haven’t spent this much time with your family, which can be a challenge, but it can also be a blessing at the same time so use it as an opportunity for everyone to get out and spend some quality time outside,” he said.
The Columbus Crew SC wants to offer more to fans and those searching for a fitness routine during the pandemic.
The Crew has posted both instructional workouts and recipes to try at home on their website.