The 'Step into Action' challenge details

How many people are in each team?

Ideally we would like people to enter as a team of five participants - this is partly because the challenges are designed so the combined total of all five team members equates to the total number of steps in each challenge but it would also be great if people were able to take the opportunity to go for walks with colleagues during their lunch breaks.

What if we don't have a team of five?

Don't worry, you can still work towards the individual daily totals each week in smaller groups or on your own if you prefer.

Do you 'know your numbers?'

In addition to the walking challenge, why not come and find out your 'numbers'. The OHS office will be offering health checks for participants focusing on:

  • Height
  • Weight
  • Pulse
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Body Fat
  • Urinalysis
  • Hip to Waist ratio

These can be monitored before, during and at the end of challenge to see what improvements you have made.

When does the challenge start?

The challenge officially starts on 30 April 2012 although those participating in the challenge will be able to pick up their pedometers from the 23 April 2012.

How long will it last?

The initial part of the challenge will last for four weeks - but there is an extra-special month-long challenge after this for those who fancy giving it a try.

How will the challenge help?

We have devised a set of virtual challenges from walking the route of the Great North Run to walking the top ten tallest volcanoes, to help keep you interested and motivated throughout the challenge.

Each week the challenge gets a little harder in that they ask you walk a bit further so that by the end of the challenge you will be walking 10,000 steps a day.

Where can I walk whilst at work?

Both campuses have the advantage of having open space around them for walking. However, if you needed some help, the OHS office has put together 12 different walks, six around each campus - ranging from 20 minutes to 40 + minutes.

Everyone taking part in the event will be given a booklet with a whole range of information including these local walks.

Can I include steps I take outside of work?

Yes! The intention of the challenge is to get you walking more both in and out of work.

Keeping track of the steps

In your booklets there will be a record you can keep with your daily number of steps. We will also issue you with a separate record card to record your steps.

At the end of the week, submit your individual total to us and we will keep track of how everyone is doing and get the rest of the University up to speed on how the event is going.

At the end of the first month

For all teams that complete the four week challenge, their names will go into a hat and then a winner will be pulled out at random. The winner will get a months free gym membership at the University gym for them and all their team members.

Spread the word!

Additional information and promotional materials for the Challenge can be found in the Downloads section to help spread the word.

What next?

If you are interested in taking part please get in touch with the OHS office via OHS@northampton.ac.uk

More information about walking for health can be found at on the NHS website.

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