This one-day Apple Watch challenge could earn you a secret (non-virtual) reward

Apple has declared April 24 Global Close Your Rings Day – a name that sounds like a top-secret spy op but is, in fact, a well-meaning nudge to get Apple Watch users off the couch and into their trainers.

The mission, should you choose to accept it? Close all three Activity rings on your Apple Watch by moving, exercising, and standing, and you’ll earn yourself… drumroll… a limited-edition digital sticker pack and an animated badge. I know. The excitement is palpable.

But wait, there's more: Apple will also be handing out actual physical pins at Apple Stores around the world – inspired by the ring-shaped award – for those who participate.

Supplies are limited, so if you've ever dreamed of queueing up to get a pin for standing up a few times, now’s your moment.

To earn your goodies, just do something you love, push yourself a little (hitting the gym counts), or try something new (goat yoga? no judgement here).

Just make sure you share it with the hashtag #CloseYourRings so Apple knows you’ve joined the movement.

It’s not just about the stickers – although we do love a sticker. According to a fresh study from the Apple Heart and Movement Study (featuring data from over 140,000 participants), regularly closing your rings is linked with better sleep, improved heart health, and feeling mentally sharper. Science says it’s good for you. Apple says it’s shiny and animated.

And if you need a little help hitting those goals, why not check out our Apple Watch Series 10 review or see why we’re excited about Training Load on watchOS? And if none of that works, just remember: stickers. Ten of them. Animated. For your Messages app.

Get up. Get moving. Get those rings closed. And get that glorious digital validation.