Paths for All's popular Step Count Challenge is returning

Workmates are being invited to make the most of the outdoors – and the easing of lockdown restrictions – by signing up for a team walking challenge.

Teams of five can register for this spring’s Step Count Challenge, a fun initiative for workplaces from walking charity Paths for All which aims to bring colleagues together to have fun outdoors by motivating each other to walk more.

Starting on Monday, 3 May, teams from across the country will be logging their steps and reaping the physical and mental benefits of walking as part of a team.

Paths for All say the eight-week long challenge is a great way to embrace the outdoors this spring and reconnect people who have been missing those they work with.

Frances Bain, walking for health manager at Paths for All, said: “Covid restrictions have meant that many people have not seen their colleagues face-to-face for a long, long time, while others may not have spoken to some people they work with because they haven’t been in their office or workplace.

“Bringing workmates together to have fun by encouraging each other to get outside and walk more is what the Step Count Challenge is all about. It can be done virtually using online tools and team chats, or, thanks to the easing of lockdown restrictions, team members can go for a physically-distanced walk together. So if you’ve been missing people you work with and the banter that goes with it, this challenge is just the thing.

“It all comes at a time when the weather is getting warmer and brighter, when a walk in the fresh air, either alone or with a friend, can bring an almost immediate boost to your health and wellbeing.

“We’ll be supporting all our registered teams throughout the challenge with tips, blogs, goals and prizes, so sign up today and let us help you feel happier and healthier this spring.”

The Step Count Challenge runs twice a year and is open to all workplaces in Scotland. Everyone taking part is in with a chance of winning hundreds of pounds worth of prizes including Fitbits as well as gifts and hampers from specialist Scottish brands.

During the challenge, team members can sync fitness trackers to the Step Count Challenge’s website, see their progress against other teams on a nationwide leader board, and chat to each other via the platform. Those who do want to meet for a walk can do so thanks to recent changes in Scottish Government guidelines.

Six people from six households can now meet outdoors, and travel to other parts of the country for outdoor socialising and exercise is also allowed.

This time last year, over 4,200 people took part in the spring Step Count Challenge, collectively taking more than 1.1 billion steps. A post-challenge survey found that over 90% of participants felt the motivation of the challenge and the support of their team meant they could cope better with Covid-19.

To register your team of five for £30 for this spring’s challenge, visit the challenge website.