Beginning May 1 and ending May 5, Habit Health and Wellness is issuing a Habit Challenge. This time, it is the Home Edition to respect physical distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting last year, Habit Health and Wellness began issuing fitness challenges every few months, with entry by donation to a local cause – proceeds from the upcoming challenge will go to the Yukon Humane Society.

In previous renditions of the challenge, before the COVID-19 measures were put in place, they would take place at the Black Street Stairs or spin classes would be held.

Habit founder Melanie Tait said the current challenge is based on those that were usually held.

"It's a way to encourage people to stay active at home," said Tait. "The idea of it is to be accessible to everyone."

Entry into the event is the donation. When the challenge begins, the participants are encouraged to walk, run, bike or do stairs and track their kilometres and post them to social media – either on the Habit Facebook page or by mentioning them on Instagram.

"We will use social media to track everybody's kilometres," said Tait.

Tait said don't worry about how many kilometres you can accomplish in a day. It's a win to be moving. The kilometres of everyone participating will be totalled together.

"Let's see how as a community we do together," said Tait. "The focus is on connection, staying active and to motivate each other."

Kristie Serada, a Habit fitness instructor, will be taking part in her first fitness challenge.

"I'm excited to be a part of it," said Serada. "I understand how important it is for my mental health."

Serada said the mental health component to the Habit challenges was a big draw for her and given the uncertain times at the moment, it's as important as ever.

"I love the vision behind Habit," said Serada. "I'm a big mental health supporter – especially with everything that is going on. Everyone is dealing with it in different ways. It will be nice to have a supportive space with like-minded people."

Serada will be supporting people as well as helping track the kilometres. She said no matter your fitness level, come and give the challenge a try.

"Everyone can do it," said Serada. "We want the whole community involved. It's not just about fitness. It's about being outside and taking care of yourself in a supportive environment."

Tait said those who complete all five days of the challenge will be eligible for door prizes from local business sponsors.

"It's an incentive to get people to do it every day," said Tait.

The modality people choose to use can vary depending on preference or stay the same throughout.

When tracking kilometres, Tait said it is informal, but added there are apps that can help keep up on your distance travelled and show the route a person has taken.

While the COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, Tait said Habit Health and Wellness will continue to do their regular programs virtually.

"Any programs that we offered we will still have them run and be accessible for people," said Tait. "The goal is holistic health, fitness and mental health."

Tait said people are already registering by donation. For those wanting to be active for a good cause, they can sign up on the Habit Challenge - Home Edition page on Facebook.