Workplaces gear up for the Step Count Challenge

23/10/2019
Autumn Step Count Challenges …. The ladies get to work

EMPLOYEES from across Scotland are being encouraged to get involved in the Step Count Challenge, Paths for All’s fun online walking challenge for workplaces.

The 2019 Autumn Step Count Challenge, which begins on Monday, invites teams of five to get more active during the working day and record their steps and activity over a four-week period.

Teams can battle it out to get to the top of the leaderboard during the challenge, with prizes, incentives and motivational tips being given along the way.

The Step Count Challenge runs twice a year – in the spring and in the autumn – and is open to workplaces of all shapes and sizes across Scotland. The challenge aims to get people walking and more active during the working day, breaking up long periods of sedentary behaviour.

Last year, over 420 teams took part including staff from local authorities, universities, charities, hospitals, schools and private businesses.


Get your blood pumping with a quick jog up the stairs instead of using the lift. Every little action helps

Ian Findlay, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “For a healthy lifestyle, walking should be part of everyday life – and this means incorporating it into our daily working routines. Walking to work, walking meetings, walking on your lunch break or even just taking the stairs instead of the lift can all make a huge difference.

“Individuals are set manageable goals, with weekly targets being gradually increased. Steadily introducing more walking into your everyday routine should make it easier to make this important change.

“Those who took part last year reported the challenge had helped to build team morale in the workplace and had made improvements to both physical and mental health.”

At the end of the challenge, the Step Count Champion is revealed – someone who has made a big change to their own physical activity or who has motivated their team to become more active.

Participants are asked to nominate their Step Count Champion along the way.

Groups can register for £30 each – and more than one team per workplace can get involved. Prizes are also on offer throughout the challenge. Super steppers from last year’s challenge walked away with Fitbits, Hunter wellies, food hampers and gift cards.

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