Call to get involved in the Step Challenge

20th April 2018

PLEASE NOTE: This article is over 1 year old and may not contain the most up-to-date information.

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

The aim of the free 12 – week programme is to encourage people to make positive changes to their lifestyle by getting active through taking more steps every day which they can monitor using their free step pedometer.

To help participants reach their goals, weekly organised walks led by fully qualified walk leaders will be delivered on Wednesdays at Ecclessville Centre, Fintona 9.30am – 10.30am and Beragh Red Knights, Beragh, 6pm – 7pm

Please note, places on the programme are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. First 10 participants to register for the event will be presented with a “Choose To Live Better” hooded top on the first session of each programme.

Speaking about the upcoming programme, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Stephen McCann, said;

“Taking the first steps to getting active is often the hardest. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to be involved in the Step Challenge, in partnership with the PHA, to help 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 also 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 further information and advice, visit www.choosetolivebetter.com

For further information regarding the Step Challenge and to register please contact Billie-Jo Irwin, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, 0300 303 1777, email billie-jo.irwin@fermanaghomagh.com.