Running from 19 October 2022 to 16 November 2022, the Parliamentary Physical Activity Challenge is being organised by ukactive and supported by global fitness tracking provider, Myzone.

MPs, Peers and their staff will use MZ-Switch heart rate monitors to measure their activity levels through the month, with the technology tracking ‘effort’ levels using a points system, rather than focusing on volume or distance – making it proportionate and inclusive for all.

Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) are earned by exercising in your target heart rate zones over a period – the more effort you put into each of your workouts, the more MEPs you earn.

By registering with the Myzone app, MPs, Peers and their teams will be able to see if they are meeting the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for physical activity – at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.

Individuals and teams in Parliament will be able to track their progress thanks to a weekly leader board which ranks participants by the average MEPs scored, meaning they can engage in friendly competition within Parliament.

At the conclusion of the challenge, ukactive will provide a final leader board showing those with the highest scores.

The challenge is backed by the Parliamentary authorities and is designed to raise awareness among Parliamentarians of the importance of physical activity for their own physical and mental wellbeing, and that of their constituents. In addition, the role of activity in boosting workplace wellbeing is also shown to help improve productivity.

The initiative has already been endorsed by Parliamentarians, including Kim Leadbeater MP, and Crossbench Peer, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, both of whom have a passion for sport and physical activity.

 “I am very proud to be an ambassador for the Parliamentary Physical Activity Challenge. It is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the importance of physical activity not just for the physical and mental wellbeing of those of us in Parliament, important though that is, but also within the communities we represent,” said Kim Leadbeater MP.

“This challenge will allow all Parliamentarians and their teams, regardless of their current activity levels, to demonstrate how physical activity can support all of us in our work. I would encourage as many of my colleagues as possible to get active for their own health and to promote wellbeing across the country.”