How do you keep your family healthy, fit, and active? I'll admit, it's really hard for a family of five to make that a priority. The thing is.. I don't have to pull my kids legs to get active. They love playing fitness games on the Wii. They love going to the Kids Club at 24 Hour Fitness. They love riding their bikes and running outside. Recently, my daughter asked if I could wake her up at 5:00am so she can go running with me before school. She's 7, folks. SEVEN. I, myself, have a hard time waking up at 5:00am to go running.

The point is, kids are active anyway, why not encourage them in a way that gives them rewards and encourages them with a visual sense of accomplishment? I discovered the GeoPalz Activity Tracker, a few weeks ago and, honestly, think it's the most innovative tool to help children stay active. The more they exercise and get moving, the more prizes and awards they earn.


About GeoPalz:

The GeoPalz activity tracker is the first decorative pedometer and online game that tracks your child’s physical activity throughout the day. It encourages kids to get on their feet and get active, helping to prevent inactivity and childhood obesity. The cool and unique thing about GeoPalz? Kids walk to win! For every mile the child achieves with GeoPalz, it counts as one pedpoint when the GeoPalz is registered online. The child can manually enter his or her steps online and once the points start to add up, he or she can use the points to redeem fun, activity-focused prizes, such as baseballs, jump ropes, Frisbees and gift cards to popular stores like Target.

Momma Findings:


GeoPalz reached out to me to see if I'd like to try their innovative pedometer for kids. The funny story about that, is I was just, recently, sent a regular pedometer from another company for a health campaign for adults. My 3-yr-old was enamored by this pedometer that kept track of his steps, that he hasn't taken it off! Throughout the day he'll shout things like, "Mom! I already reached 100 steps!" or "Did you know I already walked a mile around the house?" I kept thinking I really should reward this kid for his effort here.

Then GeoPalz contacted me a week later. Coincidence? I think not. So, I'm going to break it down for you quite simply. What are GeoPalz and why is it different from any other pedometer?

Get a GeoPal:

In this version GeoPalz is a simple 2-D pedometer that tracks users steps throughout the day. Future versions will include activity trackers that do not require manual logins. Every 3 months new GeoPalz will be available. When you buy GeoPalz, they will be your virtual guides on the site, give tips, advice and instructions!

GeoPalz comes in all different kids of characters ranging from Sporty, to Cutsey, to Edgy and more! They are rolling out different designs every year, so you'll never be limited with what kind of design to buy as a gift. We received a Skelanimal, which my son thought was SOO cool, but my daughter is eyeing the butterfly.


Where do I log my child's steps?

GeoPalz has set up a reward system online through their website www.geopalz.com. With parents help, kids can create a profile of their own using the special code on the back of the pedometer. You'll then, be instructed to name your GeoPal or keep the one it has. Our little Skull guy's name is Diego. We liked it. We thought it was cool. As you log your steps, you then travel through the virtual world of GeoPalz.


How does my child earn rewards?

Every mile your child logs is one pedpoint. Once you add up your points, you can then redeem them for real LIVE prizes sent straight to your house like: Target Gift Cards, Soccer Balls, Hackey Sacks, and more! Not only do your children receive prizes in the mail, but they also receive awards online like certificates to print out and hang on their wall. Visual accomplishment folks. Kids needs that.

Momma Improvements:

I, seriously, think this is a really cool way to encourage children to run and play outside, however, I do have one suggestion, not necessarily an improvement. Suggestion: I thought it would be great to challenge active children a little more, by unlocking challenges after a few miles. Each child could be given a challenge and if they accomplish it within that time frame, maybe they get 10 extra points. I'd love to see an extra incentive for kids who are working hard already.

Another point I'd like to touch in here is the limitation of children ages younger than five. My son is 3-yrs-old and he's ALL about running and exercising, but when you create your profile, the system does not allow you to choose an age younger than five. Why is that? Healthy risks? Whatever the case, I think younger children should definitely be included.


Final Findings:

At the end of the day, I'm really impressed with GeoPalz. I mean, who would have thought to give kids rewards for exercising? I mean, I give them rewards for grades and being responsible at home, but exercising? It's a great way to fight obesity and keep your family healthy and active.

Buy It:

You purchase a GeoPalz Activity Tracker online at GeoPalz.com or Amazon for the suggested retail price of $19.99. DEAL ALERT: Purchase GeoPalz on Amazon for $13.99!



Disclosure: This post made possible by GeoPalz, who provided me with a sample product to facilitate this review. Opinions, stated here, are always my own and never wavered by products received nor compensated unless, otherwise, stated. In short? If I don't like it, I won't say I do. If a company pays to sponsor a post, I'll be the first to tell ya.

I'm an Amazon Affiliated Site. If you purchase anything through Amazon links found here I receive a small (when I say small I mean a VERY small) percentage of that purchase.

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