SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council has taken up the 10,000 Steps program and staff members have been so enthusiastic with their walking that their combined steps would take them to Western Australia and back seven times.
Council’s Human Resources manager Brook March said over 150 employees registered to be part of the 10,000 Steps challenge.
“This QLD Health program aims to increase the day-to-day activity of people by encouraging them to use a step-counting pedometer to accumulate “incidental“ physical activity as part of their everyday living,” Brook said.
“Council has a huge diversity of employees – some would mainly be seated at a desk, some working in parks and gardens and some out in the field however all benefit from having regular exercise each day.
“We have found the program to be very motivating with staff members trying to increase their steps and taking other opportunities to improve their health.
“A healthy and active workforce is a productive one, and we’re pleased to see such good results.
“Our program runs for six weeks, but we believe the benefits will last much longer than this,” she said.
Council’s senior Information Technology officer Steve Brown said the 10,000 Steps challenge was a great motivational tool for incorporating more exercise into everyday life.
“Because you are measuring your steps, it gives you an awareness about your general activity. I will definitely continue after the challenge is over as the program showed you don’t have to make a huge lifestyle adjustment to make a difference to your general health.
“Another advantage is the team structure – we can encourage each other, support each other and also challenge each other,” he said.
