Westminster ‘Fit for Office’ challenge breaks records as MPs champion physical activity

Politicians across Westminster are celebrating the importance of physical activity by joining ‘Fit for Office’, a challenge that encourages them to be more active and lead by example on national wellbeing.

Organised by ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, and supported by Myzone, the challenge runs throughout the month of March.

Record-breaking participation in Fit for Office Challenge

This year, a record 207 entrants have signed up to take part, from 50 Parliamentary offices. Last year’s challenge saw 146 participants take up the challenge.

Each participant has been provided with a Myzone MZ-Switch heart rate monitor, or will use their personal Apple or Android smart watches to track their activity via MZ-Open. Throughout the challenge, they’ll earn Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) for every minute of exercise.

The MEPs achieved by each participant will be aggregated for each office, and recorded on a live leaderboard, with the winning office and the individual MP crowned Westminster’s Physical Activity Champions at the end of the challenge.

Last year’s champion reflects on the impact of staying active

Last year’s challenge saw the office of Andrew Lewer, Conservative MP, named winners by earning 18,076 MEPs. Alex Davies-Jones, Labour MP, was the highest-scoring MP, accumulating 10,674 MEPs.

Speaking of last year’s challenge, Alex said: “I was so proud to take part in (and win!) ukactive’s ‘Fit for Office’ last year. It did wonders for my mental health, helped me have a daily activity goal and pushed me to explore some old favourite walks in Pontypridd.”

Why MPs are leading the charge for national wellbeing

“With a new Government in place, we’re seeing many new MPs, Peers and staffers taking on the Fit for Office challenge, with a record number of entrants, explains Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive.

“This friendly competition provides a perfect opportunity for those in Government to demonstrate their commitment to physical activity but is also a timely reminder of the value it can bring to their own lives and its importance among the communities they serve.

“Our nation’s health is a growing concern and we hope that this challenge will help our politicians to appreciate the significance of inspiring more people to be active and the benefits this will have not only on our wellbeing but also for the NHS and the economy.”

Myzone and ukactive highlight the importance of effort over ability

“This challenge shines a light on how important it is to incorporate moderate physical activity into daily life,” says Jay Worthy, Myzone’s Group CEO.

“Myzone rewards effort rather than ability alone, meaning everyone is able to compete on an even playing field. This challenge will not be won by the fittest individuals or teams, it will be won by those who put in the most effort across the month of the challenge.

“By engaging politicians and encouraging them to personally experience the many benefits of being active we make a compelling case for the critical role physical activity plays in maintaining both physical and mental health, helping to inspire all of us to lead healthier, more active lives.”

Find out how you can engage your local MP to take part in the ‘Fit for Office’ challenge on the ukactive website.