Staff lead by example in 30 day fitness challenge
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust are promoting Work Out at Work and have developed a 30-day fitness challenge which staff from a range of disciplines will be taking part in to improve their own health and wellbeing.
The challenge was created by the Trust’s Physiotherapy team to help local healthcare workers get fitter over a 30 day period. Using five different exercises – squats, star jumps, press-ups, the plank and sit-ups - the challenge is designed to work every major muscle group in the body. To ensure staff are experiencing the full benefits from the exercises and performing them safely the Physiotherapy team have also produced an accompanying video to demonstrate the correct form. The video provides exercise variations which, when combined with the different tiers, means the challenge can be tailored to benefit people with a range of fitness levels.
A wide variety of SWFT staff members have already committed to leading a more active life over the next 30 days including Chief Executive Glen Burley and Director of Nursing Helen Lancaster. Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington, has also signed up to the challenge to benefit from increased exercise. Statistics released by the Department of Health show that completing 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week can have a significant positive affect on adult health and wellbeing; the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes is reduced by 40% and Cardiovascular Disease by 35%.
Helen Lancaster said: “Workout at Work highlights the important role that physiotherapy plays in healthcare so I’m pleased that so many of my colleagues have got involved. It’s important for our staff to look after their own health and wellbeing so they are well and able to care for our patients. The 30-day challenge created by our Physiotherapy team is brilliant because it’s a fun way to increase your activity regardless of the type of work you do, something that is more relevant than ever due to our jobs becoming increasingly sedentary.”
The challenge was launched on 1 August as part of Workout at Work Day. The annual event promotes physical and mental wellbeing in the work environment, inspiring employees to develop healthier work habits so sickness absence is reduced. Organised by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the campaign also aims to highlight the difference physiotherapy can make in keeping people fit for work.
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