The team at Central Finance Management Group has been walking, running, jumping, hopping and skipping this month, and making every step count as part of the 2018 STEPtember campaign.

Employees underwent a Vitality health check in August as a part of the new company Wellness Program, which helped the team to set health goals. When STEPtember came around, an overwhelming number of people put their hands up to commit to the step count, and to raise money and awareness for kids and adults with cerebral palsy.

Finishing the month with more than 7 million steps recorded, CFMG’s seven competing groups have had a great time with the challenge, and have noticed a real difference in the way they view their health.

Outgoing Head of Compliance, Jack Elias was CFMG’s top stepper and said since his goal is to be a centenarian, exercise plays a major role in the way he lives his life.

“I’ve never finished an exercise session and felt worse at the end, so I know how valuable exercise is for mental health as well as physical. Since I don’t like walking much, I’ve been taking high intensity classes at the gym and upping the time I spend on the bike and rowing machines. I can really notice the difference it has made to my endurance and I’ll definitely be keeping it up.”

With STEPtember’s figures showing that the average office worker only moves 3,000 of the recommended 10,000 steps per day, and spends 75% of their time sedentary, the challenge is a great opportunity to form new healthy habits.

Pradha Gurumahan, Solicitor, Linton Pitt Lawyers came in second place and says that STEPtember has changed her outlook on exercise:

“I’ve always been quite an active person but when it gets cold, I can get into hibernation mode. STEPtember has made me get up out of bed and exercising before and after work. It’s a great way to de-stress, gives me loads of energy, and improves my mood and sleep. After seeing how much it has benefited my physical and mental wellbeing, I’ll definitely be continuing beyond the challenge.”

Altogether the teams raised over $1000 for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and had a really great time exercising and competing for a cause.