Team Challenge FAQ
for challenges starting before January 30, 2015.
For challenge starting on or after January 30, 2015, see the 2015 FAQs.
Click here for deadlines and details.
Contact us
For fastest response: email us at info@healthywage.com.
Gyms and HealthyWage members can call support at (888) 636-3832.
Our general fax number is: (651) 964-3499.
Rules
To see the rules for the Team Challenge go here.
Why should I join?
Because it works and it's a lot of fun! Team weight loss is exciting and effective because it harnesses the power of positive peer pressure, the excitement of achieving goals with teammates, and the thrill of competition and big cash prizes. Participants in the contests have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in the last two years. Teams forming now!
How does it work?
The Team Challenge is a three-month weight loss challenge in which teams of five compete to win cash prizes (more than $18,000 for most challenges—details here). The winning team is the one that loses the greatest percentage of weight during the challenge.
Do I need to purchase meals or follow any specific diet plans?
There are no additional fees outside of your registration and no meals or exercise programs to purchase from HealthyWage. We provide the motivation with a large cash incentive and helpful tips along the way, but you are free to lose weight in whatever fun, safe and effective way fits your lifestyle.
Can I participate in the HealthyWager at the same time as the Team Challenge?
Absolutely—that's a popular combination!
How much does the team challenge cost?
That depends. The normal fee is $25/month for three months (or $75) for each member of your team. If you're participating through your company, you will have a lower price (and usually additional prizes). The entrance fee allows you to compete for the cash prizes (usually more than $18,000 per challenge—details here). During the Team Challenge, you can win hundreds of dollars in additional prizes in the optional, fun mini-challenges.
When will my next payment installment occur?
If you selected to pay in installments (as opposed to one single payment), your account will be charged every 30 days. Please note payments are processed exactly 30 days apart and will not occur on the same date of each month.
Can I participate if my company is not involved?
Yes! The Team Challenge is open to everyone! Sign up now!
How do you help me stay on track during the twelve week contest?
The Team Challenge is based on team support and motivation, which provides accountability and success. To make it lots of fun, each week, we provide you with tips and tricks to help you and your team stay on track. We also have weekly challenges with prizes for the winning teams!
Do I need a team of five?
Yes, it's a team-based weight loss challenge. You can have your family, friends or co-workers on your team. If you don't have a team of five, don't worry; we will match you up with new friends when the contest starts (we make sure everyone is on a team).
Find more information on how to join or form a team HERE.
I formed a team; how do my friends and family join my team?
Ask them to visit the Team Challenge. After they register, they will choose your team from a list.
Do I need to send my friends and family an invitation through your website?
No. Just let them know that they need to register online at the Team Challenge page. After they register, they will arrive at the page with a list of teams and will be able to choose your team from the list.
Is there a deadline for registering, adding teammates and weighing-in at the beginning of the contest?
No, but the longer you wait after the contest starts, the less time you'll have to lose weight!
My company is participating, do my teammates have to be co-workers?
No! You may have anyone on your team. The contest is great for families or friends to work together.
Do I need to have my weight verified?
Yes—twice: once at the beginning (anytime on or after the start date) and once at the end (within two weeks before, or on, the end date) of the program.
Where do I get my weight verified?
You have two options: (1) it's easy to get verified at home by making a private weight verification video following these instructions or (2) you can get your weight verified by any fitness professional (e.g., your health club), doctor or as part of your normal WW weigh-in. If you do not belong to WW or a health club, many health clubs are willing to help out—be sure to call ahead. Note: if you are a corporate participant, please stand by; we will automatically send you a list of weigh-in centers the week of the contest start date.
How do you calculate a team's percentage weight loss?
We take the average of each team member's weight loss percentage. To calculate your individual weight loss percentage, take the number of pounds you have lost divided by your starting weight.
Do you have any rules to prevent excessive, unhealthy weight loss?
Yes. In order to encourage healthy weight loss, we only count weight loss up to 16.6% per person. Any individual weight loss beyond 16.6% does not count for the challenge. So, the winning team is the one where each team member gets closest to the cap. Note: it is OKAY to lose more than 16.6% (you won't be disqualified), but the extra weight you lose above 16.6% will not count toward your team's weight loss for the challenge.
What if there's a tie?
Please note: the tie-breaking rule below applies to challenges that started before Jan 30, 2015. If your challenge started on or after Jan 30, 2015, please see the newest version of the FAQs.
Ties are rare because there are so many factors at play. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner of the tie will be the team that earns the most aggregate votes in the six Mini-Challenges that take place every other week during the Team Challenge program. Each team will receive instructions by email for submitting entries in the Mini-Challenges. The criteria for voting on each Mini-Challenge is the same: voters are instructed to carefully review the entries and select the two entries that are the most likely to inspire the most people to lose weight and be healthy.
Is there any way to get a discount on my registration fee?
We offer a referral program where your entire team's participation will be free of charge if you invite your employer to join the contest, and at least two other teams sign up. Alternatively, if your company is already participating in the contest, you may be eligible for a discount on registration because some companies choose to cover part of the cost for employees who participate—just like WW at Work. Ask your HR department if they are covering part of the cost for the HealthyWage program.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
No. But you can sign up if you've recently had your baby, if your doctor says it's okay.
Can I participate if I am on weight loss pills or if I have had or am planning to have bariatric surgery?
Only with advanced doctor approval.
Do I have to live in the same city as my teammates?
No! You and your teammates can live in different parts of the country, and verify your weight by video or get weighed-in at different gyms and/or doctors. Once you sign up, our online dashboard will allow you to interact with your teammates, see your progress with goal-tracking tools, and participate in mini-challenges throughout the competition.
Do I have to get a membership or a personal trainer at the gym where I weigh-in?
No. You are under no obligation to any health club weigh-in station. While we encourage you to support our sponsors and partners, the weigh-ins are free and without obligation.
Can I get a refund once I start the program?
HealthyWage will only issue refunds before the start-date of the challenge or in cases where medical issues or pregnancy prevent you from continuing the program.
Will others see my weight information?
No. No one else in the challenge (including your employer, if you are participating through your employer) will ever see your weight or your weight loss in pounds. Only your percentage weight loss will be visible to other participants.
Does my team need to submit a photo?
Your team must take a before photo (either a team photo or individual photos). If you choose not to submit the before photo(s) for the first mini-challenge, that's okay. Just hang on to your photo(s) until the challenge ends.
