Looking to get active this autumn but not sure where to start? Take on the Liverpool challenge!
A new team-based step challenge has been launched to help workers in Liverpool to take the first step in feeling the benefits of being more active. Anybody can join in with the challenge – it doesn’t matter how old you are or how unfit you might feel. The challenge runs from Monday 13th September to Sunday 3rd October.
As part of a team of up to 10 colleagues, you’ll take on a virtual A to Z landmark tour of Liverpool, ticking off famous Liverpool parks and buildings as your team adds up your daily step totals in an attempt to beat the 202 mile target over a 21 day period – starting on Monday 13th September. Embarking on your virtual journey across Liverpool you’ll start at Aintree Racecourse and go through some of the city’s beautiful green spaces such as Croxteth Hall Park, Stanley Park, Sefton Park and the Mystery. Every single step that you do inside and outside of work counts towards your team’s total, and there are some great prizes to be won too!
The campaign is being promoted through workplaces, as we can spend up to 60% of our waking week at work and often it is when we are least active – such as sitting down at a desk or driving all day. A lot of people have also been less active whilst working from home over the last 16 months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Danny Woodworth from MSP (delivering the Liverpool Active Workplaces programme) said, “Taking part in the Step Challenge with a group of colleagues from your workplace can be a great way to increase your energy, feel less stressed and boost your confidence. Getting involved is quick and simple, and everyone who takes part will have a chance of winning some great prizes!”
Liverpool Active Workplaces and the Liverpool Step Challenge is a key part of the Liverpool Active City Strategy, which is resourced through a partnership between Liverpool City Council, NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group and strategic stakeholders with the aim of inspiring people who live or work in the city to be more physically active. The strategy sets out the vision for Liverpool to be the most active core city in England by 2026.
The challenge is also supported by Liverpool’s Fit For Me campaign (www.FitForMe.info), which aims to inspire everyone in the city to become more active – in an effort to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group and Liverpool City Council have launched the campaign in a bid to tackle inactivity, urging people to ‘join in, feel good’ highlights how little things can make a massive difference to overall health and wellbeing. Small changes can result in people having more energy and feeling less tired and stressed. Activity also boosts confidence, as well as helping to protect against serious illnesses such as heart disease and dementia.
Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health from Liverpool City Council, said, “Being more active is something that can help us all to feel good, both mentally and physically. This challenge is designed to help people on their way to living a more active lifestyle. We are actively encouraging Liverpool based workplaces to get involved in the challenge, particularly due to the impacts of lockdowns, which has resulted in an increase in sedentary behaviour and isolation. There’s no better time to support our workforce by everybody spending more time outdoors and reconnecting.”
And the good news for those taking part in the Liverpool Legal Walk on 21 September, all the steps you take on the fundraiser Walk will count towards your team’s total!
Join thousands of employees from across Liverpool taking part in this challenge by registering your team for free today at www.merseysidesport.com/lpoolstep