Midshire staff put their best feet forward for fitness

Staff at office technology provider Midshire have walked almost eight million steps as part of a Life Leisure fitness drive.

The ActiLIFE programme uses a combination of technology and coaching to help participants who are not as active as they would like to be in taking positive steps to achieve a more active and healthy lifestyle.

The programme encourages everyone to look at all aspects of their lifestyle, from general activity levels, diet and hydration to different types of exercise.

Promoting simple changes, such as a quick lunchtime walk, rather than sitting in an office chair can help to improve general fitness.

More than 20 Midshire employees took part in the scheme, walking a grand total of 7,948,976 steps during the 12-week programme.

IT support technician Jordan Walker completed the most steps with 828,556, more than 150,000 ahead of senior account manager David Warren in second place

The number of steps taken was monitored using a small ‘pebble’ like device clipped onto a shoe or belt that monitored the number of steps completed every day.

The device was linked to the ActiLIFE web portal where participants could monitor their own activity but also compare their steps against colleagues.

Those who enrolled were initially assessed by ActiLIFE co-ordinator Claire Duffy, who completed a full body analysis and personal profile.

Life Leisure’s Michelle Childs said: “By offering an alternative to the traditional gym environment, ActiLIFE helps produce healthier lifestyles in the long-term.

“With the ability to keep a track of their progress through the online portal and regular visits, it encourages people to keep up their hard word and adopt these changes into their lifestyle long term, rather than a quick fix approach.”

Midshire managing director Julian Stafford was keen to adopt the scheme and said: “It’s really important to look after our people, because they look after our customers.

“The ActiLIFE programme has definitely had a positive effect on staff, with everyone thinking more carefully about their activity levels and diet.

“The team approach really appealed to our employees. The competitive edge added another element of fun for each department and the staff as a whole.

“I would definitely recommend it to other office based organisations wanting to help motivate staff towards a healthier lifestyle.”

If you are interested in taking part in the ActiLIFE programme, please contact Michelle Childs on 0161 482 0900 or email michelle.childs@lifeleisure.net.