NHS NW London staff will participate in the Meta-Age Sit-to-Stand Challenge from 1 to 18 September 2024 to support National Fitness Day.
The Sit-to-Stand Challenge is a simple, everyday routine designed to improve posture, core strength, and mobility.
Fitness coach and author Wayne Lèal, the creator of Meta-Age, reimagined it to transcend work activity and yield positive effects on mental well-being.
Staff are being encouraged to stand up and sit down without using their hands throughout the beginning of September in the run-up to National Fitness Day.
Whilst this movement may seem simple and straightforward, the challenge is to embed this behaviour into colleagues’ everyday habits, helping staff exercise their muscles and sharpen their focus throughout the working week.
Within our organisation, we have made staff physical and mental health a priority, whether it be promoting support services such as Keeping Well or signposting to apps and digital services that provide wellbeing information and advice.
Promoting healthy habits can often be difficult during busy periods of work. The Sit-to-Stand Challenge is a simple way to build good habits into your working day, and Wayne’s positive words have already made a big impact in motivating our staff to take part.”
Rob Hurd, Chief Executive of NHS NW “Back pain is responsible for an estimated twelve million lost workdays annually in the UK, and the Sit-to-Stand Challenge addresses this problem head-on. It can help reduce the likelihood of back pain and related issues by strengthening the muscles supporting the spine and improving posture. It could significantly reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds annually. I want NHS staff to live with better health awareness and inspire others to do the same.”
Wayne Lèal, creator of Meta-Age:
On Lèal’s website, he says most of us, without thinking about it, do the simple yet transforming ‘Sit to Stand’ exercise roughly 45 times a day.
Like the motions of Tai Chi, slow and elegant ‘Sit to Stand’ lowers velocity and increases balance.
One easy habit you may easily include into your daily schedule is sitting to standing smoother and more steadily.
He also said the ‘Sit to Stand’ workout addresses more than just physical power. It’s about building optimism, confidence, and a good attitude.
Mastery of this movement can result in more remarkable success and autonomy by increasing physical independence and functional ability. This immediately affects mental health, which motivates you to aim for a better mind and body.
According to Dr Michele Olson, an exercise physiologist, ‘Movement patterns like the Sit-to-Stand are critical for maintaining independence as we age.
They help preserve mobility, essential for mental health and overall quality of life.’ This exercise empowers you to take control of your future health and well-being, ensuring you can maintain your independence as you age.
Physical Benefits: Physically, the Sit-to-Stand exercise targets key muscle groups—quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core—vital for lower body strength and stability.
Strengthening these areas improves balance, coordination, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and making everyday activities easier.
Dr Stuart McGill, a professor of spine biomechanics, notes that “The Sit-to-Stand exercise is fundamental for maintaining spine stability and reducing lower back pain, as it engages core muscles essential for posture and daily movement.”
Before starting any new exercise routine, including the Sit-to-Stand, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any existing health conditions.
Though simple, the Sit-to-Stand exercise is a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental health. Its accessibility and significant benefits make it a staple in any fitness routine, empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.
To learn more about the challenge, watch the recent video we filmed with Wayne and some of our executive team, who demonstrated the movement. More information about the Sit-to-Stand Challenge is also available on the Meta-Age website.
For more information and press inquiries, please get in touch with Nick Evans at NHS North West London at [email protected] or 07584 270 400.