Activity-Based Fitness Games on Cadoo
Beyond step challenges, Cadoo offers competitive fitness games for running, walking, cycling, and swimming. These activity-based games let you wager on your workouts and earn real money by completing distance or duration goals. If you are a runner training for a race, a cyclist logging miles, or a swimmer hitting the pool regularly, Cadoo gives you an extra incentive to stay consistent.
How Activity-Based Games Work
Activity games on Cadoo challenge you to complete a specific amount of running, walking, cycling, or swimming over a set period. Unlike step challenges, these games measure actual workout activities recorded by your fitness tracker.
Game Types Available
- Running Games — Set distance or duration goals for outdoor or treadmill runs
- Walking Games — Track walking distance using your connected fitness tracker
- Cycling Games — Log cycling miles from outdoor rides, indoor trainers, or spin bikes
- Swimming Games — Record pool or open water swim sessions with compatible trackers
How Progress Is Measured
Cadoo tracks your activity using two primary metrics:
- Distance — Total kilometers or miles covered during your activity sessions
- Duration — Total time spent actively exercising
Your fitness tracker records these metrics during each workout, syncs them to the cloud, and Cadoo pulls the data automatically through Terra to update your game progress.
Tracker Requirement: Terra Only
This is an important distinction from step challenges. Activity-based games (running, walking, cycling, swimming) require a connected Terra fitness tracker. They do not support Device Health (Apple Health or Google Fit) as a data source.
Why Terra Trackers Are Required
Activity-based games need detailed workout data that goes beyond simple step counts. Terra trackers provide:
- Precise GPS distance tracking for outdoor activities
- Activity type classification (running vs. walking vs. cycling)
- Workout start and end timestamps
- Heart rate and performance data
- Swimming lap and stroke detection
Phone-based health platforms do not provide the same level of workout detail, which is why a dedicated tracker is required for these game types.
Supported Trackers for Activity Games
Any tracker connected through Terra works for activity-based games:
- Garmin (Forerunner, Fenix, Venu series)
- Fitbit (Charge, Versa, Sense)
- Strava (syncs from any Strava-connected device)
- Whoop
- Polar (Vantage, Grit X, Ignite)
- Suunto
- Peloton (bike and tread)
- Training Peaks
- Wahoo (ELEMNT, TICKR)
The One-Tracker-Per-Game Rule
When you join an activity game on Cadoo, you must select one specific tracker for that game. All activity data for that game will come exclusively from your chosen tracker.
Why This Rule Exists
- Fair play — Prevents players from double-counting activities across multiple devices
- Consistency — Ensures all measurements use the same calibration and sensors
- Verification — Makes it easier to verify that recorded activities are legitimate
What This Means for You
If you own both a Garmin watch and a Fitbit, you need to pick one for each game. You cannot combine data from both. Choose the tracker you wear most consistently during your target activity.
How to Join an Activity Game
- Connect a tracker in Cadoo settings if you have not already (see our tracker connection guide)
- Browse available games and filter by activity type (running, cycling, swimming, or walking)
- Review game details including the activity goal, duration, and wager amount
- Select your tracker from your connected devices
- Join the game and start logging activities
Tips for Activity-Based Games
Choose Games That Match Your Training
If you are already running three times a week, join a running game that matches your typical weekly mileage. Do not overcommit to a distance goal that requires doubling your current training volume.
Log Activities Promptly
After each workout, make sure your tracker syncs with its companion app. Open Cadoo to verify your activity has been recorded. Delays in syncing can cause temporary gaps in your progress tracking.
Check Activity Type Detection
Make sure your tracker correctly categorizes your activity. If you go for a run, start a run activity on your watch rather than relying on auto-detection. This ensures Cadoo receives the correct activity type for your game.
Plan for Rest Days
Activity games measure total distance or time over the game period. You do not need to work out every single day. Plan your sessions strategically and front-load activity when you have more time.
Get Started with Activity Games
Connect your fitness tracker, find a game that matches your sport, and start earning money from the workouts you are already doing. Download Cadoo from the App Store or Google Play to get started.
