Shake Up September Workplace Challenge

Active Devon is encouraging employees across Devon to try a new sport or activity this month, as Shake Up September from Workplace Challenge aims to get the nation’s workplaces more active.

Workplace Challenge, the free, online activity programme which combines cutting edge technology with sport and physical activity opportunities, is inviting employees in Devon  to join the national Shake Up September challenge by trying at least one new activity or sport – and then taking part as much as possible throughout the month.

Participants can log their activity via mobile or tablet using the Workplace Challenge app, or via desktop using the personalised Workplace Challenge dashboard, earning themselves and their workplace valuable Workplace Challenge activity points.

The Shake Up September champions will be the individual and workplace who record the most activity points throughout the month, whilst the ultimate aim is to increase overall activity levels within England’s workplaces.

Whilst it is medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as a 30% lower risk of early death, it is widely acknowledged that the nation’s working population is not active enough for a healthy lifestyle. In Devon studies have shown that 43% of people (412k in all) do less than the recommended level of physical activity for health through moderate physical activity of any kind.

Shake Up September is giving working people who struggle to meet recommended activity guidelines an attainable and fun challenge to try something new and to take small, but positive steps towards a healthier, more physically active lifestyle.

Shake Up September requires people to choose just one new sport or activity from a list of almost 150 options – and then to take part as much as they can. People wishing to take the challenge a step further can choose to try as many new sports as they wish, but the minimum challenge of trying just one new sport or activity means that anyone can set their sights on becoming more active this September.

Workplace Challenge is partnering with Active Devon and local activity providers to help promote and deliver activity in the workplace. To date, more than 6,400 businesses nationwide have registered for Workplace Challenge, with more than 35,000 employees across the country already reaping the rewards of participation.

Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper said: “We know that people have busy lives and it can be difficult to prioritise being active. The Shake Up September Challenge is a great chance for people to dust off their trainers and get involved, be it with a new sport or reconnect with a sport from their youth. By getting involved in this free scheme people can not only enjoy learning a new skill, but also reap the health and wellbeing benefits too.”

“With holidays out of the way, now is the ideal opportunity to make time for yourself” said Scott Kendall, Workplace Challenge programme lead at Active Devon. “Active Devon will be providing specialist, local advice and support to employers, and encouraging new employees to sign up and give it a try. Getting more active at work or through active travel is an ideal solution to a busy lifestyle. We hope that more employees will join the 270 individuals from over 50 Devon workplaces who are already reaping the benefits of the Workplace Challenge".

To take part in the Shake Up September national activity challenge and join the other 35,000 working people who are already enjoying the benefits of Workplace Challenge, just register at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk, choose the activity you want to try and start logging your points.

Contact Active Devon for more information about getting active www.activedevon.org