mayathon - Be active, stay well, support a friend.

Be active, stay well and support a friend

During the current crisis it's never been more important for everyone to stay physically active, mentally well and to support our friends so we are delighted to be involved in the mayathon challenge.

What’s the challenge?

To complete an unbroken streak of 26 minutes of exercise a day for 26 days, virtually with a friend, family or colleague, starting on the 1st May. It can be any activity and any intensity - it's not about how far or how fast. The aim is be active, stay well and support a friend while we're at home. The number 26 is because it's the number of miles in a marathon – it's our own version. The finish line is the 26th May.

Use the free mayathon app to help you buddy-up, log your activity (and see your buddy's!), track your mood, and easily access free playlists and work-out videos.

Get Berkshire Active have worked with mayathon and local health partners, the NHS Frimley ICS (covering Berkshire East, and bits of Hampshire and Surrey) and the NHS BOB ICS (covering Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West) to help design the social media campaign for may.  The aim is for it to be used by Active Partnerships,Trusts, CCGs, LAs and other associated health partners across the country.  Below is materials that can be used for a social media campaign through Facebook and Twitter from 28th April to 26th May and promoting the free mayathon app.

• mayathon Campaign Materials

Why?

Being active can boost our mood, relieve stress, and reduce anxiety. By doing this challenge virtually with a friend we can support each other and keep connected. Plus, while we're spending much more time at home, being active can add routine and structure into our day.

Reaching the target 26 minutes of exercise each day means you'll be meeting the national physical activity guidelines to do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (for adults, aged 19+).

Who?

Everyone!

How?

Your 26 minutes of exercise each day could be any activity, any intensity. That includes stair-climbing, gardening, video workouts and more. If you need ideas, take a look at these free resources and follow #StayInWorkOut.

Use the free mayathon app. And join the online mayathon community Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #mayathonbuddy.

If you're not currently active, build up any activity slowly and gradually and consider splitting your 26 minutes into smaller chunks. Information about exercising safely (including COVID-19 specific information) and guidelines can be found here. If you're unsure, you should consult a healthcare professional.

mayathon Free App will track your progress and ask you how you're feeling. Alternatively you could use our calendar to track your activities and mood daily.