49 workplaces from around Northland enthusiastically took part in the recent annual Active Workplaces Step Challenge.

Teams of four, collectively accumulated their steps each day, with the challenge being is to complete the highest number of team steps within the month of March. Bonus points were up for grabs if photos were taken of the team being physically active.

“The Step Challenge creates a fun incentive to increase activity, as well as promoting social interaction within the workplace” says Sharon Adams, Sport Northland’s Active Workplace Coordinator and organiser of the challenge.

Team captains submitted their total step numbers each week and also provided some highlights of how they are infusing more activity into their days.   

Kaitaia Hospital – Team Full Capacity:

“Team Full Capacity had fun formally and informally keeping active this week. We caught up as a team for a walk at lunchtime and individually did some walks on the beach, with our dogs, mixed martial arts and even my partner got in on the act, booking me in to do some concreting! (he is loving helping me keep active Lol). We discussed how we are becoming more active in our everyday work and home lives such as taking the stairs rather than lift, getting together for walks, walking to the mail box rather than collecting it when passing in the car and walking with our kids and pets. Having fun as we keep active”

PAK n SAVE - PAK n PACE/Stickman Hot Steppers/Team Stickman/The Stickman Chicks (4 teams):

“At PAK n SAVE we offer free group training at Activ8 Northland twice a week as part of our Active Workplace and Health & Wellbeing programme. We’ve had some of the team attending the group training for around 18 months now. We’re also currently into season 2 of the Biggest Loser. We have 26 team members participating in the Biggest Loser this year and all team members that are participating in the step challenge are part of it too”.

Ministry of Justice - Parihaka Princesses

“Monday: We climbed Parihaka (a maunga here in Whangarei). Tuesday: AH REED bush track to Otuihau waterfall. Wednesday: Laurissa and I ran our own workout class at Raumanga Reserve

Thursday: (Rest day) however we walked the Hatea Loop. Friday: Intense kick boxing training. 

Loving the step challenge, here’s to smashing week two 😊”

Follow us on the Active Workplace Facebook page for more photos and stories https://www.facebook.com/Active-Workplaces