Council launches new Step Challenge programme

5th April 2019

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Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), is encouraging people who take little or no exercise to sign up to its new Step Challenge programme.

The free 12-week programme, which aims to help people make positive changes by getting active, encourages participants to take more steps every day. They will be able to monitor their progress using a step pedometer which is issued free to all participants on the programme.

To help participants reach their goals, weekly organised walks lasting one hour will take place at each of the Council’s leisure centres in Fermanagh commencing in April 2019.

The walks will start at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown at 10am and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen at 5.30pm on Monday 15 April 2019 and Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea on Tuesday 16 April 2019 at 7.00pm. All walks will be led by fully qualified walk leaders. The first 10 participants to register for the Step Challenge programme at each venue will also receive a free hoodie.

Speaking about the forthcoming programme, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, said;

“For those who take little or no exercise, taking the first steps to getting active is quite often the hardest. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted, once again, to be working in partnership with the PHA to deliver the Step Challenge programme to help encourage residents lead a more active lifestyle with support provided by qualified walk leaders and mobile technology.”

Colette Brolly, the PHA lead for physical activity, said:

“By using a pedometer to measure the steps we take, we can see what our current step count is and track how we can improve it over time. This can be done by simply building extra activity into our everyday lives, such as going for a walk with the dog, getting off the bus one stop early, or walking instead of driving to the shops.

Research has shown that setting yourself a target and using a pedometer to track your progress can significantly increase levels of physical activity.

Walking groups can be a good way to get started and it’s also a great way to make friends who can keep you motivated. Walking is one the simplest forms of activity and being more active can reduce blood pressure and improve mental health.

Getting more active and cutting out those little extras that we don’t need to eat, can help us manage our weight and improve our health”.

For information and advice, visit www.choosetolivebetter.com.

Please note places on the programme are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For further information regarding the Step Challenge and to register please contact Chris Elliott, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, by telephoning 0300 303 1777 or visit the Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com.