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You don't spend Spark Points. You just earn them.
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| Is there anything else to spend points on beside a t-shirt?
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No, you can't do it again, but you can't undo it either. Say for instance, you did five days in advance and on day three you were sick or out of town for a couple days. Even if you go back in and take the exercises out, the points will stay, even though you erased the exercises.
The only way you get a t-shirt is to find one on your wheel in place of one of the numbers and then have the wheel land on that space. You can buy them now from the Spark People store as well.
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| It doesn't matter if you do days ahead for exercises because when you get to those days, you can't do it again - pretty sure. I haven't tried that. I like to be honest with myself and use this as a tool. How many points gets you a t-shirt?
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Nesdon,
What you say is true to an extent, but I also know that when I only get a one, it motivates me to go elsewhere to try to catch up. That's especially important when the elsewhere I go is more exercise, more posts or more reading... all of which benefit both myself and others. It also has been the reason I logged on at all a few times. I also have worked harder on days I've hit big numbers, trying to set a new record. I think the wheel is a two edged sword. I also like it because my wife won a t-shirt on it, which she gave to me.
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| I'm very new, but the fact that there is a little wheel of fortune you can spin and earn as many points as a weeks worth of exercise kinda undermines the meaning for me. Makes them seem kinda random.
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| Wish I knew. I agree with everyone - think it's mostly motivational and competitive, which I do like. Who knows, maybe I'll get a tee shirt.
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| I think that the spark points are a tool,to see how hard we are going to work ourselfs.I think that's something that keeps us interested in wanting to do it everyday. It's like giving ourselfs a pat on the back so to speak.
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Our spark team uses them as a competitive tool which we can all look at....it is working for us!
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They're nothing more than a way of keeping score. They let you compare how well you did today compared to yesterday. If they don't do anything for you, ignore them. The Points page is also a good to-do list that helps you make sure you've done everything you should each day. If you don't get it and the program still works for you, then it's nothing to worry about. Just keep on having fun!
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SPACE-WOMAN
8/29/06 5:49 A
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Greetings,
Is it me or what?? I don't get it with the points. I know I am accumulating points but what are those points for? Piling on points is not a source of motivation for me unless there is something I am missing and I don't get it. Can someone please explain what are those points for?
SW
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EARWENPIXIE
8/28/06 11:06 P
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| I'm very competitive as well, I love seeing my points go up and I do everything I can to see that it happens. I find myself doing extra minutes just to get those points - so you do get something by having them go up - WEIGHT LOSS! What could be better?
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CHICAGOGIRL64
8/28/06 2:38 A
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| I was just thinking to myself today on my 1 hour walk "HEY if I walk this route twice then I can get the max 24 points instead of just 12!" lol. I'm glad to see now I'm not the only one motivated by something as silly as these points! I'm naturally a competitive person and this brings out the best of my lifestyle change!
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I find the SparkPoints motivational also. They are rewarded for a number of different activities, and if you start trying to earn points, you will notice that they are inter-related.
I use them to compete against myself and against the friend who got me to join. If I don't track my food, get my sleep, exercise, stay in calorie range, etc., she will be ahead. The Sparkwheel is a nice wild card. If I get a high number, I feel that I can slack off a little that day. When I get a 1, I work extra hard.
My daughter was asking why I was trying to get points if they didn't count for anything.
I pointed out that they DO count. This is my way of daily analyzing my healthy habits. There are a couple of areas (like cardio) where I routinely have 0 for the day. I am reminded daily when I look at the SparkPoints page that I need to work on that area.
The reason for DAILY logins, is to force you to examine your progress, sucesses, and weaknesses on a DAILY basis. I don't see how posting what you think you are going to do or eat next week is helpful.
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| I really like the sparkpoints. They keep me motivated. I guess it is a competitive challenge. I often wonder, though, how some people can log over 100 everyday.
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CLAYSLINGER
8/26/06 7:51 P
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I have to agree with what others have posted.....
the points are a motivation for me,
a checklist,
fun,
a challenge (to do something I do usually do - like make a recipe)
I e-mailed someone once who had like 2,000 points on the 4th of the month and I asked "how the heck.....?"
She said she just logged in all her exercise, food and other goals for the entire month. I thought - good for you but what if you suddenly get sick or you have an unexpected trip and suddenly you can't eat what you planned or do the exercise you had logged. I wondered if she bothered to change that information.
For me the daily logging in and tracking is what keeps me on the straight and narrow. Right now I am home and can check in 2 or 3 times a day (or more). When school starts and I go back to work, that won't happen.
Okay - long post, sorry. HEY! we should get extra points for writing more! (just kidding)
Penni
 my spark point fairy doing her job
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ELCARRIER2005
8/26/06 12:41 P
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I love my Spark points and am glad I can get more all the time.
I did win a T-shirt once and think I might buy another one they are nice and I want this web sight to stay around for a long time, the articles help alot.
ELizabeth
THe Spark points are just for fun and to show you how well you are doing.
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AMYWILLSUCCEED
8/26/06 11:56 A
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I was asking myself that same question? I am having fun doing this and I find it movitational but do you get anything for having the highest points or a certain amount of points in a certain time?
Amy
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ELLENIRENE
8/22/06 7:17 A
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| You earn spark points when you log in, when you track your food, exercise, when you post a message or use the search engine. It is just a motivational thing. It keeps me "going" and interested in the whole "diet" thing. It is just a little "fun thing" that keeps your interst high. Its fun to see what number your wheel will land on.
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SUGABABY60
8/22/06 4:45 A
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Funny i never really understand the whole spark points thing. I've just recently joined. What is the point of the spark points - it's good to earn them but what do they actually mean?
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LYNNSBEARS
8/22/06 3:11 A
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It's hard to eat and type at the same time so it keeps me away from food....mostly
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| I just wish I had found this website sooner....great site with wonderful information and support.
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| the SparkPoints are a really good idea. i love guessing what i'll get each day plus i enjoy working for the points knowing i have read and gained some useful info that will benefit me so if their want to cheat it's only themselves there cheating on.
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If playing on the game areas keeps you interested and free from boredom and thus eating, I'm all for racking up those points anyway you can to keep the interest going.
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MOMMYOANNA
8/21/06 5:09 P
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| It is funny how addicting it becomes to rack in those points, LOL
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LYNNSBEARS
8/19/06 3:37 P
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| There is a message board called SparkPeople Game Room where you can rack up points by replying to other's messages. Sparkpeople supply the resource so I don't thik it is cheating, it is actually quite fun, I was playing movie..actor..movie.. actor and was having great fun. Stop in yourselves and see.
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You put your finger on a sad spot in our society. We all think it will never happen to us. We just stuff ourselves and sit until something goes wrong enough to scare some sense into us and then it's sometimes too late. I always make it a point to congratulate any new kids I spot on the intro forum when I see they are young and still in pretty good shape.
If we could only get the message out that nobody is exempt from the horrible effects of obesity, especially as you grow older, folks might have an easier time in old age and a quality life would last a lot longer. That certainly is a function of all Spark People... to spread the word. Our best public relations tool is our own good example.
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Hi Everyone; I see spark points as a motivation and it keeps my interest and motivation sparked to honestly get my points. If I didn't have the message boards, and being able to converse with other members I know I would not be able to stick this diet and changing my lifestyle to healthy living and eating. I see the way my husband just drained his life away and I don't want to follow suit. He is now disabled, has a weak heart even after a quad bypass, has suffered a few strokes that have left him unable to use his left arm, and he can walk but shuffles with his left leg. He would not listen to me and my constant nagging about eating healthy. He is also diabetic, and has congestive heart failure still. His left lund is partially collapsed and he has fluid build up on the rest of his lung, both right and left.
I am doing this because I have no desire to be unhealthy anymore.
Margaret
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If people aren't earning their points fairly than I feel that the only one their hurting is themselves. This is suppose to be a motivational tool and not a see who gets the most points game.
Just concentrate on getting your points. That is what really counts!
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HEALTHY4JESUS
8/17/06 1:57 P
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| I just love watching my points go up and I wondered how people would get their points so high so fast. I didn't know they were just cheating like that sheesh. People. They always want want want.
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ELLENIRENE
8/17/06 10:50 A
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Can you see why we don't really "buy" things with our points? Someone could be just sitting at their computer racking up points in order to buy things.
It is a motivational factor, only. It sure has helped me. It keeps me motivated and interested in coming back to the site day after day. I like to see my points increase, I don't care if I never get to use them. They are a great factor in getting me to lose the weight I have and to stay with the program.
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I'm still pretty new to spark pages and I enjoy trying to earn points but I think it's a bummer that there are people out there who don't really earn their points fairly. I guess there are people like that in every area of life.
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| I see SparkPoints as a personal motivator. It shows how much you are actively taking part in losing weight. There are different ways to help you find your way around this site to make the most out of it. SparkPoints makes sure that you are utilizing all of the different areas to ensure success. It really is personal. Have fun, spin the wheel and look around. I am and I love it!
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If you worry about the cheaters and the frauds, you'll get gray hair and your teeth will rot out. Fuhgettabowdit.
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SKINNYSUNI
8/16/06 5:22 P
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| well, that explains it. i was wondering how people found the time to post that often. i'm a SAHM and i don't have the time. if you're only posting one letter per post...seems useless. Where is the motivation there?
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YOGAFAIRIE
8/16/06 5:06 P
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| I love spark points, I don't try to earn more with posts that say nothing. They *so* motivate me to exercise, I'll get MORE spark points. It never occured to me to buy something with them... now I feel silly that I didn't think about that... LOL... I was so caught up in just earning them.
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| If I'm not mistaken, I think you can post foods eaten in advance.
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HEATHER121
8/16/06 3:33 P
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There are some people that post 20 - 100 entries every day. Some people just put the letters of the alphabet up, each letter is a new post.
They just say random things, and rack up 100 a day (which also gets them more points).
This is the only thing that I don't like about the postings. I think they should have some sort of value to others.
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SKINNYSUNI
8/16/06 1:22 P
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| I want to know how people get so many SparkPoints in such a short period of time since there are caps every day. Do people just post alot?
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MISSMISSY
8/16/06 12:00 P
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Last month I finally won the competition that my hubby and I have for spark points. He has won every other month, but at least I won for July!!
I like the SparkPoints as motivation, too, it is fun to see how many I can honestly earn each day!
Missy
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I love the points. They really motivate me to go through the checklist and max out what I can do. Whoever thought up that little addition to the site was brilliant! Helps me be competitive with myself.
And I'm at about 60points/pound! 
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BIKINIBOUND!!
8/15/06 10:25 P
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I agree with you. Although I would love to be able to 'purchase' or perhaps auction for items with my points, I won't complain..as I, too, am happy to be able to join/use Spark for free. Granted, I am not as 'good' with it as I should be, but I have learned, and I am more aware of my behavior even if I'm not tracking everything everyday. I did pay for South Beach, and lost out very much since I was not there everyday.
Since I joined on here..I have had the oppportunity to win a t-shirt one time only..and then, I landed 1 block away! Have not seen any water bottles.
Good luck to all on your weight loss journey..
Debbi
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The Spark People web site is a gift all by itself.
We are so lucky to have it.
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| I think the points are great they keep you motivated and on track.
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ELLENIRENE
8/14/06 6:48 P
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| yes, they are fun and it's one of the things that keeps us going. I won a t-shirt once, too
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Its fun to "win" points even if they can't be spent on anything. It is still motivational for me.
Stacy
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I won a T-shirt on the wheel today! Just wanted everyone to know that they ARE there.
Sparkpoints may not buy us anything here at the website, but since my dh and I have a competition every month and he has won every month, he has won a trip to DC and half a GPS!!
I love spark points!!!
Missy
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Thank you for saying that Niteman (about the points = weight loss)
I am going to start looking at them that way... and having fun knowing that as I collect points, I am losing weight and getting heathier!
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| I would like to keep the spark page free. I don't need to "buy" anything with my ponts. It is a great motivator.
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ARTCCHICK18
7/8/06 10:02 A
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| I think that we should keep this site free and just look at the points that we earn as a motivator to help us meet or fitness and nutrition goals.
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If you want to start paying for the use of the web site, I'll bet they could arrange some kind of awards for the points. In fact, I'll bet the more you're willing to pay, the nicer your prizes will be.
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| I agree, I LOVE the points; I'm always trying to make sure I get every point I can each day. It would be nice if they were redeemable for stuff; but it wouldn't change how I think of them.
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ELLENIRENE
7/3/06 10:04 P
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| I won one of the t-shirts on the wheel. Nice t shirt.
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| I love Spark Points. My husband is now asking me to wait to spin when heīs in the room so he can cheer for me! Thatīs a huge change. We have never been "in this together" - ever. Until recently, losing weight has been easy for him - now we are pretty much in the same boat and he is struggling to maintain his weight. His favorite diet is starvation - he limits himself to the extreme to get it off and then canīt keep it off. I have a long way to go and getting it off is a challenge, as I know from past experience that keeping it off will be. SP has given me hope that I can do it! I know that heīs getting the spark because I have!
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SUZANNAHBIRD
6/27/06 5:57 P
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Breetha, That is the way to do it - and you don't have to worry about hurting his ego when your winning...
It is the little challenges we set up for ourselves that keep us going.
SuzannahBird
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I have a competition with my husband for spark points. He just doesn't know it- hence, I'm winning.
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I also agree that the points are a great way to stay on track and as a short of checklist.
They've definitely been a part of my daily motivation.
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I agree. I've been poo-pooed for saying that I think the points are a big part of the success of this site, but I stand by it. I think that we all need recognition for what we do in some way, no matter how small. I also find the Spark Points page to be an excellent to do list with motivation built in.
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SUZANNAHBIRD
6/17/06 4:31 P
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| We all want points fot good behavior...just like kindergarden kids, only grown up. It is credit for being good, regardless if we can't spend it, we want credit. I find it interresting how much those points count. We all just want/need a pat on the back. Perhaps many of us got here because we needed that one thing, someone to give us credit for trying...
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TURTLEGRANNY,
Don't be in any hurry. After you've been here about five or six months, you'll run out of articles to read altogether except the new ones that come out, which is not three a day.
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TURTLEGRANNY
6/15/06 4:48 P
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I was surprised but I am motivated by earning the points too. And many boards and challenges uses the points as part of their challenge, so it isn't for nothing.
I just wondered why they limit the points for reading the articles to only 3 a day (articles, 9 points). I want to read more, but sometimes I feel I am loosing points so I don't. There is so much information here and more all the time. Just a thought.
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SPARK_COACH_JEN
6/15/06 3:45 P
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Niteman,
Don't worry, shirts will still show up periodically on the wheel.
Coach Jen
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| I find the sparks points a way of meeting goals and keeping up with our end of the bargain. This is a free site to help us....going in and earning the points just means we are utilizing the site for maximum potential...to educate us, to support each other, to find tools for us to support ourselves...we couldn't ask for more as we all struggle to meet our WGs and receive encouragement from others. But the encouragement is only there if we share our bad days and our good. Kat
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My wife is a Community Team Member and she says that after the fifteenth they're stopping the free t-shirts for team members because there are getting to be too many of them and the shipping is getting too high, so maybe that means no more free t-shirts at all. OTH, you can buy them now, so it's a way to support a site that is otherwise totally free and does so much. Everybody get a shirt!
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| Thanks for clarifying it for me. I had thought there were until I read the posts below!
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I just checked the Leaderboard and there are now over 67,000 users on the Leaderboard. That means if they give away a t-shirt and a water bottle every week, you have a one in sixty seven thousand chance of winning one. I've never seen one, but my wife did, so they're there. You just don't stand much chance of seeing one.
BTW, they finally offered the t-shirts for sale, if anybody's interested. We each got one and they're nice.
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| According to the "More about SparkPoints" article on your SparkPoints page, you can indeed win small prizes sometimes--on the login wheel. I have no idea how often these prizes show up on the wheel, but I assume they are still offering this at random login intervals since the article talks about it. Prizes include SP t-shirts and water bottles.
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I find them really motivating so it doesn't really matter but it could be more clear if the wheel didn't tell you you could earn points and win prizes if there are never any prizes. Coach Jen, it doesn't sound like there ever are, which is OK but maybe misleading?
I think the whole concept of SparkPeople, the website, the resources, is tremendous. As the Executive Director of a virtual professional association I would LOVE to be able to afford a site that did half as much!
Oh, and Niteman, I TOTALLY agree with you. I am motivated to earn every point I can and through that it keeps me tuned into every aspect of SparkPeople which keeps me losing weight. Last week saw me lose the most I have ever lost in one single week in ANY program I have ever done!
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SPARK_COACH_JEN
6/9/06 5:14 P
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Niteman,
I stand corrected.
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Well, I hate to argue with a coach, but I think you get free weight loss for them. I find that I lose about one pound for every two hundred Spark Points I earn.
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SPARK_COACH_JEN
6/9/06 1:43 P
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Missy,
SparkPoints are just a tool for personal motivation- you don't redeem them for anything.
Coach Jen
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I know how to earn them but not how to spend them.
Can someone help me?
Thanks in advance,
Missy
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