make room to mOve challenge

Get rewarded for getting active in the new year.

Challenge starts January 12, 2026.

A woman with a prosthetic leg performing a plank in a living room.

What is the make room to move challenge?

From desk-bound days to skyrocketing screen time, the jampacked lives of people in Canada leave little room for movement, even though it can improve their moods, energy, creativity, focus, productivity and more.

That’s why we’re helping people identify ways to overcome barriers to getting active and make room to move where they live, learn, work and play.

Our Make Room to Move Challenge is a 20-day physical activity tracking contest that highlights the importance of making movement a priority and a part of everyday life.

How to participate in the Challenge

Download or open the free Optimity app.
Pre-enroll in the Challenge before January 12 for your chance to win an early bird prize.
Track your “move minutes” within the app from January 12 – 31, 2026 for your chance to win sweet prizes!

Key dates:

Pre-enrollment period: December 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Challenge period: January 12 – 31, 2026

Pre-enroll Now

Check out the amazing prizes you could win!

Early bird:

Prizes: One of three $100 EverythingCard gift cards that you can use at over 150 brands, including SportChek, Running Room, Canadian Tire and more.
How to win: Pre-enroll in the Challenge by Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Weekly:

Prizes: One of five $50 EverythingCard gift cards
How to win: Track at least 30 move minutes in a day each week of the Challenge.

Grand:

Prizes: One of three $500 EverythingCard gift cards
How to win: Track at least 30 move minutes in one day between January 12 and 31, 2026.

Pre-enroll Now to Win

3 tips to help you make room to move

A woman checking her smartwatch while seated on a yoga mat placed on a living room floor

Schedule movement that can’t be moved

Treat physical activity sessions like appointments, meetings and other commitments by blocking time for them in your schedule and setting reminders on your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or computer. In case you can’t keep your original appointment, have alternative time slots as backup.

Make your home or workspace physical activity-friendly

Keep exercise gear like dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats, stability balls and/or running shoes visible and accessible. Move furniture and other obstacles out of the way so you have enough space to safely get active. If these options aren’t possible, try activities like bodyweight exercises that don’t require equipment or much space.

Habit stack to stay on track

Pair physical activity with habits you already have. For example, stretch while watching TV shows, movies or videos, perform some squats as you wait for your morning coffee to brew, or walk, wheel or jog while listening to podcasts or audiobooks.

Get More Tips

Resources to help you make room to mOve

Challenge FAQ

Follow along with our workout videos

How to start your active journey

Wanted: 6 sneaky physical activity time thieves (and how to outsmart them)

How to make room to move in your life: 5 helpful hacks

How to make your home or workspace physical activity-friendly: 6 trusty tricks

outsmart the physical activity time thieves

If you often feel like there just aren’t enough minutes in a day for physical activity, you’re not alone.

What’s most likely to blame? This video uncovers a few sneaky “time thieves” hiding in plain sight:

The good news is that you can catch these time thieves in the act, outsmart them and protect your precious time for physical activity. Click or tap here to find out how and scroll down for more tips and resources to help you make room to move in your life.

A man in exercise clothes sitting on the foyer floor while looking at a smartphone.