NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion Department invites residents of the islands, aged 13 years and over, to join the Walk on Hebrides step count challenge this spring, where they can track progress along a virtual route of the Outer Hebrides! This follows on from the success of last year’s Walk 500 Miles step count challenge where 300 people across the Outer Hebrides set out to walk 500 miles during the summer while enjoying the outdoors, catching-up with friends and family, improving fitness and general health and wellbeing – and they had fun!
Jane Bain, who was the first to complete the challenge last year, said “The Walk 500 Miles challenge was a good incentive to get everyone up and walking about more. It was also a good conversation piece – whether friendly banter in competition or advice and tips to help each other reach the daily goals. It also gave me a new item for my 50 new things to do before I turn 50!”
The spring challenge is free and runs for 6 weeks, starting on Tuesday 1st May 2018. Registration for the challenge opens on Tuesday 10th April 2018 at 1pm; closing at midnight on 30th April. The first 50 people registered will receive a free Walk on Hebrides resources pack!
Individuals and teams of two can enter the challenge, logging steps and tracking progress with the Big Team Challenge website and app. The challenge follows a virtual route of the Outer Hebrides; starting on Barra, travelling north and finishing in Ness, Isle of Lewis. Individuals should aim for 9,500 steps per day. The ‘team of two’ option may be most suitable for people who currently undertake no activity, low activity or with low mobility where they each aim for 4,750 steps per day and combine their steps to reach the total.
Karen Peteranna, NHS Western Isles Health Improvement Practitioner, said “Walking is a simple way to increase your physical activity. It’s an all round great activity for all ages and fitness levels, which can improve your health, help you lose weight, make you feel good and it’s free!
“If you already do other activities, we can help you convert these into ‘steps’ to add to your steps total for the day. This could include swimming, housework, gardening, attending a dance class … whatever it is, we can make it count.”
To register visit: walkonhebrides.bigteamchallenge.com
For further information:
For further information on the challenge, telephone (Lewis & Harris) 01851 76 2016 or (Uists & Barra) 01870 602 588. Alternatively you can email: mailto:wi.walkonheb@nhs.net