More than 3,561 workers from businesses across England took part in this year's Shake Up September', a unique sporting challenge which aims to encourage employees to bring physical activity into the workplace.
Employees were urged to try as many sports as they could in September, inspired by the GB stars of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio. The programme is run by Workplace Challenge to help combat health issues caused by a lack of exercise.
An estimated 40 per cent of people do not exercise enough and for many it comes down to time, with up to 60% of our waking hours spent at work. Research shows office workers in particular are putting their health at risk by sitting for hours on end without exercise.
Workers from Durham to Dover took part in the challenge, logging activity to earn points on a national challenge leaderboard. The top performer in England was Diane Stokes from Hinckley and Rugby Building Society in the East Midlands who logged an incredible 31 unique activities in 30 days to claim a prize.
County Sports Partnerships across England also ran local events and activities, as well as offering a host of online offers with local businesses and National Governing Bodies covering a wide range of sports.
Lee Mason, Chief Executive of the County Sports Partnership Network, which runs Workplace Challenge, said: "This is the second year we have run Shake Up September and we were delighted with the response. More than employees across businesses logged activities, ranging from sailing and walking, to weightlifting and dancing.
"The sheer breadth of activities has been fantastic, and it's clear to see that many people took inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio by taking part in sports such as cycling, badminton, running and more. Hopefully this legacy will continue for many years to come as we know lots of people tried new activities that they have never done before.
"It's been a lot of fun of course but there is also a serious message behind all of this. Campaigns like Shake Up September and our Lunchbreak Manifesto, which aims to encourage people to get active on their lunch break, are designed to help and encourage people to introduce physical activity in and around the working day.
"Not enough people are exercising and it is having a serious effect on our health, which is why we want businesses to encourage their employees to find time to get active."
Siggy Simon from DECATHLON, who took part in the Shake Up September Challenge, said: "It's been great fun. Most of the time it didn't feel like exercise because there was such a competitive spirit amongst everyone who took part in the company, but when you look back at what you've achieved in the month it's fantastic.
"Like many of my colleagues I know I am guilty of not getting away from the desk enough so anything that can help me get active is a good thing."
Shake Up September has finished but organisations and employees can still sign up for the Workplace Challenge for free, where they can log physical activity on the leaderboard and discover great activities to get active in the local community. Visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk for full details.
For the results and prize winners please see www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/prizes