Race to Finish Step Challenge with Wellworks July 24, 2023 – September 3, 2023
Walk an average of 7,500 steps per day throughout the six-week challenge to earn credit towards completion of a wellness activity.
Check your progress at the Wellworks For You Mobile App!
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On average, Americans who work full-time spend nearly eight hours a day at their work site. As your employer, we want to help promote physical activity not only at home but in the workplace as well. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Moving more and sitting less have tremendous benefits for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity or current fitness level. As you start your physical activity journey, remember to consult with your doctor.
What are some benefits of being physically active?
- Adults
- Improves sleep quality
- Helps reduce blood pressure, feelings of anxiety and depression, and the risk of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
- Lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and cancer
- Reduces the risk of weight gain
- Improves bone health
- Helps with balancing coordination and the risk of falling
- Children
- Improves attention and memory
- Builds strong muscles, endurance and aerobic fitness
- Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
- Improves bone health
- Reduces risk of depression and high blood pressure
- Helps regulate body weight and reduce body fat
- Reduces the risk of several chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Physical Activity Recommendations
- Preschool-aged children (3-5 years)
- Physical activity every day, throughout the day
- Active play though a variety of enjoyable physical activities
- Children & adolescents (6-17 years)
- 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily
- A variety of enjoyable physical activities
- As part of the 60 minutes, on at least three days a week, children and adolescents need:
- Vigorous activity, such as running or playing soccer
- Activity that strengthens muscles, such as climbing or doing push-ups
- Activity that strengthens bones, such as doing gymnastics or jumping rope
- Adults (18-64 years)
- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking
- At least two days a week of activities that strengthens muscles
- Activities to improve balance, such as standing on one foot
- Pregnant & Postpartum Women
- At least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, such as brisk walking
- Adults with chronic conditions & disabilities
- Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week
- Get at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups
For more information around physical activity, click the links below:
- CDC
- Physical activity for different groups
- State and local programs
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
- Physical activity breaks for the workplace