Businesses, sporting clubs, schools, community groups and individuals are all invited to take part in challenge, which kicks off at the beginning of next month in conjunction with Premiers Active April; a government initiative that challenges all Victorians to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day during April.
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Director Community Kaye Thomson says the Pedometer Challenge is a great way for people to see how much physical activity they are engaging in on a daily basis.
“Each participant will receive a pedometer after they register and this will count their number of steps each day,” Ms Thomson said.
For adults, the recommended amount of physical activity is 30 minutes of moderate exercise or 10,000 steps a day and Ms Thomson says some participants may be surprised to find they are doing much less than this.
“Especially people with office jobs, if they are not making an effort to include exercise in their day, can struggle to meet the goal of 10,000 steps. But whether participants find they’re doing more or less than they expected, the challenge is to then see how much they can improve upon their regular amount.”
A sobering fact is that inactivity is the second most modifiable risk factor contributing to disease, morbidity and mortality in Australia. On the other hand, the benefits of physical activity are numerous and include:
- Improved social connectedness
- Boosted energy levels and improved mood
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Reduced stress and tension
- Improved sleep and circulation
- Increased job satisfaction and productivity
Organisations and groups can enter as many teams as they like, with four to six people in each. A person from every team is then assigned as the leader who coordinates the team activities and enters the weekly results.
Prizes will be awarded to the highest steppers with random draw prizes also up for grabs throughout the challenge.
Registrations must be made before Monday 27 March 2017 by visiting getmoovingshepparton.com.au
Pedometers can then be collected from Aquamoves during the centre’s opening hours between Thursday 30 March and Sunday 2 April 2017.
If you would like more information, contact Council’s Active Living Department on (03) 5832 9431.
Activities in the Park provides an opportunity for Greater Shepparton residents and visitors to participate in free and low cost activities outdoors in the many parks, playgrounds and outdoor pools across Greater Shepparton.
