National Walking Month

In line with May being National walking month we are introducing a step challenge from 21st May - 27th May 2018. The challenge will consist of accumulating 10,000 steps every day for the week.

There are a number of ways to track this and if you wish to take part there are a few suggestions below:

• Free Mobile apps - StepsApp Pedometer, Steps - Activity tracker and many more. Some smart phones even have this feature built into your phone.  
• Smart Watches - FitBit, Apple Watch, Garmin etc - These are much more costly, however if you already own one then you have easy access to your step count.
• Pedometer - These can be picked up for very reasonable prices on a number of sites online.

There are many health benefits to keeping activity levels up throughout the day such as; reducing stress, weight management, healthier heart, increasing metabolism, mood improvement, increased energy to name only a few.

Why not give the challenge a go, below are a few tips to try and increase your step count throughout your average day:

• Park the car 5 minutes away from work.
• Take the stairs every time.
• Set a timer every hour to get out of your seat even if it is only to walk to the printer/photocopier etc.
• Avail of the campus lunch-time walking groups.
• Evening walks with the family or pet Use further away facilities, restrooms, printers, water fountains etc
• Get up during the commercials of your evening tv shows.

To take part in the challenge all you need to do is:

Provide evidence by, screenshots from your phone or data from your watch or pedometer, for each individual day. Gather them all up across the week and email them through to mindyourself@serc.ac.uk before the 30th of May and the winner will be the person with the highest daily average step count for the week.

The prize for the winner on each Campus is a meal voucher for our Healthy Eating week in 11-15 June 2018 to be used in the College restaurants.

Join in the Fun Everyone and get out next week with your Walking Group in the Campuses.