This past spring, the staff at the Five Hills Health Region challenged the Prairie South School Division staff for a Walking Pedometer Challenge. From April 11th to May 31, 2011 any staff who wanted to participate would wear a pedometer and track their steps. At the end of the challenge, participants would hand in their pedometers to their challenge coordinators to tally their group score.
Each groups' recorded tally was added and divided by the number of participants for an average that was compared to the daily recommended goal of 10,000 steps. The group that won the challenge was Five Hills Health Region with an average of 9976 steps. The Prairie South School Division was not far behind with a recorded average of 9592 steps.
According to Jocelyn Campbell, Health Promotions Coordinator with Five Hills Health Region, "the pedometer challenge was good because it encouraged staff to walk more to increase their step numbers. It was also easy because walking is so accessible and makes physical activity an easy choice for everyone."
Although no prizes were offered, it's the bragging rights that count. So while Five Hills Health Region staff can gloat for awhile longer, they are busy planning another challenge event that will help keep all staff moving!
For further information on the 10,000 steps walking program, visit http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html
Did you know?
According to Canada's New Physical Activity Guidelines, adults (18-64) should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. More physical activity provides greater health benefits. It's also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups, at least 2 days per week.