Thurso move more challenge

People in the the Thurso area are being challenged to move more in a new initiative to improve wellbeing and connect with the community.

The Thurso Move More Challenge has been launched this month by Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) and is encouraging individuals to get more active while spring beckons.

Residents are being urged to join the Thurso Move More Challenge exclusive club which has no set challenges. Those taking part do not need to worry about covering a certain number of steps or run any distance.

For some moving more might mean, due to Covid-19 restrictions, ill health or feeling the need to shield, that their options are confined to indoors and the challenge will be sharing ways to increase movement from the comfort of home with gentle exercises.

Others who sign up to the challenge will be encouraged to get out for a daily walk, run, cycle or even an outdoor swim. All categories of moving more count, the aim is to increase wellbeing and feel connected within the community.

TCDT community development officer Zoe Mackenzie explained: “As we emerge from this lockdown period and spring is arriving we’re encouraging people to move more to improve their wellbeing. There are no set challenges of walking or running a number of miles or doing a certain number of steps. You don’t even need to go outside if you are not able to.

"Moving around however you do it is linked to our general wellbeing and how better to do it than challenging yourself to increase that movement while also connecting with the community.”

Those who sign up to the challenge will gain access to an exclusive member’s area of the trust website where hints and tips will be given, new walking routes, simple exercises and celebrations of those taking part will be recorded.

They will also receive a Thurso Move More challenge badge and reflective arm bands so those taking part can recognise each other out and about. This will allow them to connect with a smile and a wave, as well as help them to share buddy walks and activities as restrictions ease.

To sign up to the initiative visit the trust’s website at www.thursocdt.co.uk/thursomovemore

Those joining will be asked to take part in a survey giving an indication of previous activity before the challenge commenced on April 1.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.