Massey encourages participation in health challenge

Massey University will take part in the 2021 Australasian University Health Challenge (AUHC) with the support of staff and the students’ associations. 

The challenge will run from September 6 until October 17. Participants join their university team and count and log their steps to contribute to the team’s total. Staff and students at Massey are being encouraged to sign up to the challenge under the Massey team. 

AUHC is run by the organisation 10,000 Steps in Australia and, including Massey’s participation, involves about 13 university teams across New Zealand and Australia. 

According to Massey, the aim of the event and the University’s participation is to encourage behavioural changes that increase staff and students’ daily levels of activity. 

“Being physically active is crucial for everyone’s health and wellbeing, especially during periods of lockdown and social restrictions. Australian universities took out the top three spots last year, so it would be great to see a New Zealand university represented on the podium,” they said. 

Any physical activity still counts towards total steps, including cycling, swimming, or playing sport. Participants don’t need to worry about being embarrassed as only the team totals are displayed, no individuals step counts. 

A Massey spokesperson said last year Massey finished at the middle of the table and they are looking to do better this year. The only prize up for grabs in the main competition is bragging rights, but Massey is offering its own spot prizes for participants. 

“We’ll be running a few weekly challenges for Massey participants with some small prizes from our own prize cupboards (drink bottles, t-shirts etc).  The real win will be seeing more of our staff and students improve their wellbeing through physical activity,” they said. 

One student did tell Massive that “encouraging people to walk lots in lockdown is...an interesting move. Like sure, a bit of fresh air is good, but for those in Level 4 Auckland, I’m not sure it’s like the BEST move. I’m not sure!” Another student thought that it was “good. Like it’s good to get people out of the house to help with mental and physical health. I’m all for it.”  

Those who wish to take part can sign up on the 10,000 Steps website and join the Massey University team. Or join another university’s team, who are we to stop you?