workout@work day: Frontline magazine round-up

More than 200 health-promoting events took place to mark CSP’s fourth Workout at Work Day.

The annual event aims to improve public health, reduce sickness absence and promote the important role that physiotherapy plays in keeping people ‘fit for work’.

Members across the four nations ran a diverse array of workplace events, with activities ranging from brisk lunchtime walks, cycle challenges, exercise classes, desk-based stretch sessions and outdoor gym sessions.

Events at outdoor gyms took place in Edinburgh, Cardiff, London and Belfast – with politicians lining up to work up a sweat.

Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, joined physiotherapy staff and members of the public at an outdoor gym at the city’s Hailes Quarry Park.

And Welsh assembly member Julie Morgan took part in a workout, led by physio James Rind, at an outdoor gym at Cardiff’s Heath Park.

Meanwhile, Belfast City councillor Jim McVeigh met with Brendan McConaghy, lead physiotherapist in occupational health for Belfast Trust, and other physio staff at an outdoor gym at Dunville Park in Belfast.

Mr McConaghy and his colleagues explained the importance of physical activity to the councillor and helped him use the facilities.

Back in London Julie Billett, public health director for both Camden and Islington’s local councils, used her lunch hour to join the CSP for an exercise session at a newly-installed outdoor gym in a city park.

Staff from Central Health Physiotherapy provided support and advice on using the equipment. Clinical manager and specialist musculoskeletal physio Gemma Newell led the exercise session while managing director Natasha Price talked to local people about work-related postural issues.

Ms Billett said the event had helped her understand more about the role of physios: ‘People think you only need to go to a physio when you’ve got a problem. While that’s a really important part of what they do, physios are in hospitals and in the community. They have an important public health role.’

Jennie Edmondson, the CSP’s head of press and public relations, said: ‘This year’s Workout at Work Day was a resounding success.

It’s been fantastic to see the public, CSP members, the media and stakeholders get behind the initiative and help spread the word that there are very simple ways people can fit more exercise into their busy working lives.’ fl

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