Get active on the way to work – and win!

If one of your New Year resolutions is to get healthy and fit – Greater Wellington’s Active a2b programme may be just the ticket.

The programme, designed for commuters, is all about making the most of your journey to work by getting some exercise on the way.

“Summer and the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to change your journey to work routine a little. If you always take the car, try walking or cycling all or some of the way or walk to the bus stop or train station,” says Claire Pascoe, Active a2b Coordinator.

The programme, which began last year, offers personalised support and mentoring to people who want to get more active but need a bit of motivation.

“If, for example, you’d like to try cycling to work, but have not been on a bike for years, we can match you up with a bike buddy who will accompany you on your first few trips and keep in touch to see how you’re going. This was a very popular part of the programme last year. The focus is very much on giving people practical support to make those lifestyle changes and people seemed to really appreciate it.”

Last year’s programme was only for people who worked in Wellington CBD but this year it’s open to the entire region. “We’ve contacted about 80 workplaces in the region, which employ about 45,000 people in total,” says Claire.

“Registrations for Active a2b open today (5 January). There are a range of goodies for participants including discounts on walking and cycling gear from a range of outdoor and sports stores, calendars to help you track your progress and prizes for sharing your successes.

“As well as bike buddies and mentors, cycling workshops will be held offering lots of practical tips and advice. Also, Shoe Clinic is offering interactive evening workshops for people who want to get the most benefits from walking. You can plot your favourite active travel commute online and go in the draw to win shopping vouchers.

You can register, and get more information, at www.gw.govt.nz/activea2b

“But the best thing that you’ll receive from Active a2b is a greater feeling of wellbeing and more energy than you knew you had.”

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