ESSA partners with 10,000 Steps to encourage people to participate in the After Work Walk

16 November 2020


While it can be difficult to find the time to exercise, especially for those working a full-time job, there are many small things that can be done to help increase daily steps. Whether it is walking home from work, walking to a bus stop that is further along the street or parking the car further away than usual.

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has now launched its After Work Walk campaign with 10,000 Steps to encourage corporate workers who are more likely to spend their day sitting to increase their daily steps and be made aware of the benefits that walking can have on an individual’s physical and mental health.

“With more people returning back into the office due to COVID-19, it is our mission to remind them to continue to exercise and highlight the importance of fitting exercise into their busy lifestyles where they can, such as with an after work walk,” says ESSA CEO, Anita Hobson-Powell.

60 per cent of Australian adults do less than the recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical exercise each day. Sitting at a desk all day can increase the risk of chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, as well as having a negative effect on mental health.

“There are numerous benefits that walking can have on the mind and body such as improving circulation, mood, sleep and muscles, all which contribute to the short- and long-term health of an individual. We see it as our mission and responsibility at ESSA to ensure Australians are staying active, and one way they can do this is by participating in the After Work Walk,” adds Anita.

The After Work Walk campaign will run from the 16th – 20th of November and will include several blogs posts on the Exercise Right website, an informational video from an ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist and a series of infographics on social media.

We will also be holding a competition through Exercise Right Instagram and Facebook pages where participants will get the chance to win a Garmin watch by sharing photos of their daily walk with the hashtag #afterworkwalk as an incentive to take part in the campaign.

Professor Corneel Vandelanotte, who leads the 10,000 Steps program at CQUniversity, says there is overwhelming evidence for the effectiveness of step-counting walking programs that either use mechanical pedometers or more advanced activity trackers.

“Self-monitoring physical activity is one of the most powerful behaviour change drivers, and the motivation to be active is further enhanced by the social support and friendly competition that is generated through participating in a 10,000 Steps challenge with workmates,” adds Corneel.

The After Work Walk campaign aims to encourage people that find themselves sitting for most of the day to discover the benefits of walking by participating in the competition and getting involved with the campaign.

Visit the After Work Walk web page for more information and sign up to the 10,000 Steps program.




All media enquiries can be directed to [email protected].