Workers in Merseyside are being encouraged to be more active by taking part in the ‘150 Minute Challenge’ in the New Year, with prizes up for grabs for those taking part.
The challenge is being run through local workplaces to encourage workers to be more active at work, as research shows that 59% of men and 54% of women spend more than five hours a day desk-bound or sitting down in their working day.
January is set to be an ideal time for people to set themselves a new challenge and set the tone for the rest of the year – last year, 63% of us made a New Year’s resolution, with losing weight and getting fitter at the top of the wish list. Completing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can help people feel more energetic and can help to shed some of those Christmas pounds.
Taking part in the 150 Minute Challenge is simple to do, with any physical activity counting towards the milestone, whether it is completed inside or outside of work time. Going for a dinner time walk, cycling to work once a week, swimming lengths at the local pool or joining a gym or sports club are just some of the options that people can do to achieve their 150 minutes.
Anyone taking part in the challenge will receive a prize draw entry for every week that they complete 150 minutes of physical activity in the months of January and February. Prizes include an exercise bike, sports tickets, free exercise sessions and gift vouchers.
Danny Woodworth, Physical Activity and Sport Officer at Merseyside Sports Partnership, said, “The 150 Minute Challenge is a simple and realistic target for people of all ages and abilities to achieve. Joining in with the challenge at work is a fun and social way to help you and your colleagues encourage each to reach the milestone.”
Anyone interested in joining the 150 Minute Challenge can register their FREE Workplace Challenge account at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk and then start logging physical activity through the website or app.
British Heart Foundation – Physical Activity statistics (2015)
YouGov research (2015)
