Each year as the spring air begins to warm, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) hosts an event that’s become as much a harbinger of the season as the first crocuses pushing through the thawing earth. It’s the March Mayhem Challenge, and in 2024, it once again proved to be a cornerstone event for staff wellness and camaraderie.

From March 4 to March 31, DFAS employees formed trios to compete in an innovative fitness challenge designed to boost physical activity and foster healthier lifestyle choices. Embracing the spirit of March’s famous basketball tournaments, teams scored activity points for their exercise efforts, turning the heat up on both the competition and their workouts.

Game On: Fitness with a Competitive Twist

In this friendly contest, participants engaged in various fitness activities, each assigned a point value analogous to basketball scoring. High-intensity exercises like running and HIIT commanded more points, akin to sinking three-pointers, while low-impact activities such as yoga and walking were also in play, ensuring inclusivity and access for all fitness levels.

Teams then went head-to-head in virtual “basketball games,” where their weekly activity totals determined who would advance in bracket-style play. The aim was clear: accumulate the highest total activity points to clinch the championship title.

The Final Scoreboard and Victory Celebrations

The collective efforts were staggering, with the average daily minutes of exercise per participant reaching over 63 minutes. This commitment to health and fitness was palpable as teams diligently tracked and logged their workouts, with walking, general exercise, and running leading the charge.

The top-scoring team, aptly named ‘Mix Nuts’, demonstrated extraordinary dedication, logging a championship-winning 35,561 minutes of physical activity. Their victory was a testament to persistence and teamwork, qualities that DFAS holds in high regard.

The reward? Beyond the health benefits and bragging rights, top teams were awarded a sleek Qcen Stainless Steel Juicer Machine—a fitting prize to continue the momentum of health and well-being.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

The March Mayhem Challenge underscores the DFAS commitment to its employees’ health, showcasing that a little competition can go a long way in building healthier habits. As the organization reflects on the success of this year’s challenge, plans are already in motion to make next year’s event even more impactful.

As teams disbanded and the minutiae of daily work resumed, one thing remained clear: the DFAS March Mayhem Challenge was more than a game. It was a collective journey towards better health—a journey that, for many, has only just begun.