AUSactive’s Fit for Office challenge gets underway

AUSactive’s Fit for Office challenge - an exercise campaign involving 26 Federal politicians and 120 of their staff - is now underway.

Commencing yesterday and running until 22nd October, the four-week exercise challenge aims to promote the importance of regular exercise around the nation, with politicians and their staff getting on board to encourage higher levels of physical activity across the nation.

The campaign is being staged against a backdrop of Australia crisis of physical inactivity with the latest report from the Australian Health and Welfare Institute (AIHW) showings physical inactivity accounts for $2.4 billion in health spending annually, putting a huge burden on the health system which is why we need to take urgent action.

To get involved, from 25th September to 22nd October, anyone wishing to participate can use their Myzone (or alternative) tracking device to show that you have reached World Health Organization Guidelines for Physical Activity - 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity) per week, and where possible, two or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities.

An initiative from AUSactive, and backed by MyZone, the aim of the campaign is to inspire all Australians to be more physically active and spark the conversation about the importance of exercise.

Modelled on successful US and UK campaigns, MPs have been provided with a Myzone heart rate monitor that can be worn on the chest, wrist or upper arm to log their physical activity before, during and after the workday.

Participants will be able to follow a live leaderboard to monitor their progress against each other.

In November, the winners will be awarded for the most active MP, the most active staff member, the office staff with the highest points and most office staff participants to reach the World Health Organisation Guidelines for Physical Activity- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity) per week.

Click here for more information.

Image: AUSactive board members Emmett Williams and Edwina Griffin join Federal politicians Dr Helen Haines, Allegra Spender, Senator David Pocock, Dr Andrew Leigh, Melissa McIntosh, Senator Dorinda Cox and Senator Anne Ruston at the launch of Fit for Office at Parliament House in Canberra last month.