9 Simple Rewards To Motivate Employees In Health and Fitness Challenges

Keeping coworkers engaged in health and fitness challenges often feels like an uphill battle. Enthusiasm usually peaks at the start but quickly fades, leaving participation rates disappointingly low. You genuinely want to see your team Level Up, but sustaining motivation without overspending seems like an impossible puzzle.

At Rolla, we’ve cracked the code to keep corporate wellness both exciting and budget-friendly. The key? Simple, creative strategies that reignite enthusiasm while keeping costs manageable. It’s not about flashy investments or costly programs - it’s about finding meaningful ways to keep the spark alive.

The truth is, wellness challenges can become a wasted expense if your team isn’t interested. Why pour resources into initiatives that fizzle out? Instead, turn those efforts into creating a culture that inspires participation. It might require some serious planning, but the benefits outweigh the effort.

By fostering genuine excitement and engagement, you transform what could have been a financial drain into a smart investment. Think of it as building something that works for your company and your employees. It’s a win-win that keeps everyone motivated, healthy, and striving toward their next level.

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1. Prime parking spot

A simple yet effective way to motivate employees in health and fitness challenges is by offering a prime parking spot. It doesn’t need to be extravagant - just the closest spot to your company entrance can work wonders.

At Rolla, we take this idea a step further. We’ve painted three parking spots in the signature colors of our Rolla One modules. Pink represents the Health Score Challenge, green stands for the Active Points Challenge, and blue symbolizes the Calorie Budget Challenge.

This colorful approach does more than provide a reward—it highlights top performers from our leaderboards and celebrates their achievements in a visible, creative way. It’s a small touch that keeps motivation high and fosters friendly competition, all while making your team feel valued.

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2. Gym membership

What better way to encourage consistency in health and fitness than by covering employees' gym memberships? It might seem like an unusual reward, but high gym membership costs often deter people from committing to a fitness routine. Offering this benefit can make a big difference - when it’s free, people are more likely to follow through and turn their workouts into a habit.

However, this isn't just a reward for challenge winners. Focusing only on the top performers leaves out those who are actively working on improving. Instead, consider rewarding individuals who show consistent effort. You can track progress by looking at those climbing the leaderboard the most, not just the highest scores. This approach motivates everyone to stay engaged, acknowledging hard work and perseverance, not just victory.

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3. High-quality fitness gear

Motivating employees in health and fitness challenges doesn’t have to be complicated - sometimes, the right gear can make all the difference. This is especially true for those just starting their journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

For many, climbing the leaderboard takes consistent effort, whether through running, cycling, hiking, or gym sessions. However, low-quality fitness gear can pose risks, leading to avoidable injuries that hinder progress and negatively impact their enthusiasm.

By providing employees with high-quality gear, you not only show that you value their health but also help them stay safe and motivated. It’s a simple yet impactful way to keep their momentum going while fostering a positive and supportive fitness culture. Consider this your sign: investing in the right tools can be the boost your team needs to stay active, engaged, and injury-free.

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4. Experiences

Rewards don’t always need to be material. Experiences can leave a lasting impact and serve as meaningful recognition for hard work. These don’t have to break the bank, but they can still be memorable and motivating.

No matter where you are, there’s always something unique to explore. Consider options like a local “Wine & Art” event, a relaxing spa day, or even a visit to a nearby ranch. Experiences like these offer a chance for employees to try something new, often things they’ve wanted to do but haven’t had the opportunity or courage to pursue.

Simple yet thoughtful, these rewards can make a big difference in fostering excitement and appreciation.

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5. Classes for their particular hobbies

Do you know your employees' hobbies? Whether it’s painting, photography, skiing, or something else, tailoring rewards to their passions is a powerful way to show appreciation.

Consider gifting classes that align with their interests - yoga, Pilates, cooking, or even design courses. This thoughtful gesture not only supports their personal growth but also makes them feel valued and understood.

These rewards don’t have to be extravagant. Many options, including online classes, are accessible and affordable. By investing in their passions, you’re encouraging them to pursue their unique journey while staying engaged in their health and fitness goals.

It’s a simple yet meaningful way to let employees know they’re seen, supported, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally.

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6. Extra time off

When it comes to motivating employees in health and fitness challenges, nothing beats the universal appeal of paid time off!

One idea is to offer an extra vacation day each month to challenge winners - not just the top performer, but also those who show great effort and progress. This encourages more employees to participate and push themselves.

At Rolla, we take it a step further by letting employees exchange Active Points for work hours. For example, if someone spends an hour on the treadmill, they can leave work an hour early. Over time, these hours can be stacked, giving them the flexibility to finish work a few hours early.

This type of reward is not only simple and effective, but also reinforces the value of maintaining an active lifestyle while showing employees that their health and effort are priorities.

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7. Bundles of healthy snacks

Looking to reward healthy habits? Try creating bundles of healthy snacks!

Support local businesses by sourcing homemade goodies, or make a personalized DIY bundle. Just be mindful of potential allergies to ensure the gift is thoughtful and safe.

Fill your bundle with items like homemade jams, peanut butter, protein bars, healthy juices, smoothies, honey, or an assortment of fresh fruits. These treats aren’t just delicious - they’re a tangible way to show support for someone’s health journey.

Such a gesture provides a boost of energy and also reinforces a sense of encouragement. Employees will feel motivated and appreciated, knowing their efforts in the challenges are recognized with meaningful rewards that make their journey a little easier and sweeter.

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8. Gift cards

Not sure what to reward employees with for winning health and fitness challenges? Gift cards are a simple yet effective solution - just ensure they come with a generous balance.

Consider selecting gift cards for places that align with their interests, like sports stores, health food shops, or even local experiences. This thoughtful reward shows appreciation and takes a bit of financial pressure off their shoulders.

Gift cards offer flexibility and allow employees to choose something they’ll truly enjoy, making the reward both practical and personal. It’s a straightforward way to celebrate their efforts and keep them motivated.

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9. Leaderboard-specific recognition

If you want straightforward rewards, why not tailor them to the challenges themselves? This approach adds a personal and meaningful touch.

For instance, at Rolla, we awarded trophies to winners of the Health Score and Active Points Challenges. You could take it further by pairing rewards with each challenge: a healthy snack bundle for the Calorie Budget Challenge, an exclusive gym membership for the Active Points winner, and a full spa day for the Health Score champion.

Every employee values different things, so aligning rewards with their passions and achievements ensures they feel seen and appreciated. Customizing rewards keeps the motivation high and the challenges more engaging.

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Conclusion

Rewards play a powerful role in motivating employees to embrace health and fitness challenges. Whether it’s personalized experiences, healthy snack bundles, time off, or high-quality gear, thoughtful rewards can make all the difference. 

The key is understanding your team’s unique interests and aligning the rewards with their efforts and goals. By creating a culture of encouragement and celebration, you not only boost participation but also foster a deeper sense of connection and appreciation. 

Remember, the best rewards aren’t always about grand gestures - they’re about showing employees that their health, hard work, and progress truly matter. Keeping that in mind will surely make them maintain a long-term interest in Challenges. 

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