taking part
The Walktober Challenge is a fun online tool that that keeps track of your walking.
The Challenge is open to anyone. Join as an individual or as part of a team. Teams can be workplaces, families, groups, sporting clubs, friends, anyone!
Once you've set up your team, you can invite other team members to join.
During the Challenge, individuals login to the Challenge website and record their walks (minutes or steps). This is quick and easy, simply choosing from a few options.
All you need to do is walk – anytime, anywhere – for 15 minutes or more.
The Challenge website keeps track of an individual's walking trips and are automatically added to the teams results.
Keep your eye on the Challenge website leader boards to see how your workplace team is doing and how it compares with others in the competition.
The website also shows the benefits of being active ... getting fit, staying healthy, and being kind to the environment. You can see the contribution your individual trips make, as well as the impact of your workplace and the Walktober Challenge overall.
Here are some resources to help you promote the Walktober Challenge:
resources for workplaces
Resources to help you promote and organise the Walktober Challenge at your workplace.
Physical Activity Toolkit: Healthy People = Healthy Profits
The Physical Activity Toolkit provides practical guidance in promoting physical activity in companies as part of an integrated health and wellbeing programme. This is a unique resource created by employers for employers.
Business in the Community www.bitc.org.uk/
Work Well: Promoting physical activity at work - A guide for employers
This booklet outlines to employers the benefits of promoting physical activity at work, how workplaces can be active places through simple activities and changes, what information and facilities can benefit employees, the business benefits of a workplace travel plan, and key steps for action.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) Northern Ireland http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
How to Choose Well at Work: An Employer’s Guide
Healthy U @ work campaign was initiated by the Government of Alberta to assist other ministries and employers in initiating a workplace health program, supporting its employees to become more physically active and make healthy eating choices.
Healthy U @ Work; Government of Alberta www.healthyalberta.com
Links to other websites
Sustrans
http://www.activetravel.org.uk
Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Their vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Every day we are working on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all. Active travel in the workplace: Planning for an active workforce, Sustrans.
Would you like to start a walking group at your workplace?
Heart Foundation Walking is a network of free community-based walking groups with volunteer Walk Organisers. The Heart Foundation is setting up walking groups all across Australia in partnership with local workplaces and communities. If you would like to start a walking group in your work place or local community, or to find out where existing groups are, visit: www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking or call 1300 36 27 87.