KNOWSLEY BUDDYBOOST CHALLENGE

 

Buddyboost is launching on 1 July to help workers in Knowsley to take the first step in feeling the benefits of being more active.  Anybody can join in with the challenge - it doesn't matter how old you are or how unfit you might feel - and you don't have to join a gym!

The Knowsley buddyboost challenge is encouraging council employees and those in organisations and companies across the borough to do just 26 minutes of activity a day for 26 days in a row, starting on the 1st July.  It doesn't matter how far or fast you go – you could do walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, online classes – it all counts! 

However – you don't have to do this challenge alone – the buddyboost app allows you to buddy up with up to five other people so that you can support each other across the finish line.  In fact, people who have used the app before do 40% more activity if they are in a buddy group than those who do it alone.  Once you complete your daily activity, you log it via the buddyboost app and this then nudges your buddy group to encourage them to do the same each day too.

If you're wondering why 26 minutes, most people are able to build in 26 minutes of activity into their day, which all adds up to the 150 minutes of weekly activity as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer.

You don't even have to do it all in one go either, as you can pause the countdown timer on the app and start again when you're ready.

The campaign is being promoted through workplaces, as we can spend up to 60% of our waking week at work and often it is when we are least active - such as sitting down at a desk or driving all day.  A lot of people have also been less active whilst working from home over the last 15 months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Robert Tansey, co-founder of the buddyboost challenge said, "Taking part in the buddyboost challenge with a group of colleagues from your workplace can be a great way to increase your energy, feel less stressed and boost your confidence.  You can use the app to share your progress and photos, including the ups, the downs and the buzz that comes with completing the challenge."

Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley Council, said, "Being more active is something that can help us all to feel good, both mentally and physically.  This challenge is designed to help people on their way to living a more active lifestyle.  We are actively encouraging Knowsley based workplaces to get involved in the challenge, particularly due to the impacts of lockdowns, which has resulted in an increase in sedentary behaviour and isolation.  Now that restrictions are lifting, there's no better time to support our workforce to gain the benefits joining in and being active."

Join employees from across Knowsley by downloading the free buddyboost app on your phone today and select the Knowsley challenge (or enter organisation code SUMMER26) – visit https://public.buddyboost.co.uk or download via your app store.

 We've complied a handy FAQ guide which should answer any questions you may have about the Knowsley buddyboost challenge.