Louth people urged to join Every Step Counts Challenge

Irish Life in partnership with the GAA has kicked off the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge 2023.

Irish Life has launched the nation’s largest steps challenge for a third year to encourage a healthier Ireland.

The 2022 Irish Life Health of the Nation research found that people in Ireland are exercising less and feeling more isolated.

The Every Step Counts Challenge aims to address this by bringing local communities together while supporting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Information evening on €25 million in funding available to businesses in Louth’s coastal communities

Race night in Dundalk Stadium in aid of SOSAD

Taking place from today, 11 January to 15 February, Every Step Counts, will encourage GAA Club members and non-members to get stepping towards a goal of 4,000km per club, with the chance of winning one of three sports vouchers from the €5,000 prize fund available in each province.

As many as 205 Leinster clubs participated inEvery Step Counts challenge last year.

In 2022, 78% of participating clubs increased their overall Health Score, with Leinster clubs increasing their scores by an average of 26.2 points

Participants from previous steps challenges claimed exercising in groups encouraged them to continue their exercise for longer and also promoted a sense of community and accountability.

The five-week challenge will help participants who increase their steps by 2,000 per day to improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing dementia and dying from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Commenting on the upcoming challenge, Professor Niall Moyna, School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, said: “The fact that in 2022 we saw 28,600 people engaging from almost 700 clubs over five weeks, is phenomenal.

“The overall impact walking and steps challenges have had on public health long-term is incalculable – a recent study saw that each additional 2,000 steps per day – up to 10,000 – was associated with 8-11% fewer deaths and a decreased risk of both heart disease and cancer.

“That is why challenges such as Every Step Counts are so important, they bring people together with a common goal, ensuring a greater chance of success and also a sense of accomplishment, community and support.”

Challenges like Every Step Counts, available through Irish Life’s MyLife app offer the perfect way to keep participants engaged with their activity, accountable to their goals, rewarded and connected with their teams through an app.