Fit for Office: A campaign to boost health and well-being for politicians and their staff
AUSactive was thrilled to launch Fit for Office at Parliament House on 19 November 2024 with 37 politicians and over 180 Parliamentary staff agreeing to participate in the challenge. This year we partnered with the Parliament Gym where our staff undertook baseline tests, such as the 3-minute step test, a balance and grip strength tests on politicians and their staff. The team from Evolt also did bodyscans to give people a better picture of their health and positively talk about areas for improvement.
With a terrific turn out for the launch, former Ironman champion Guy Leech, took a bipartisan group of politicians through their paces, who all later talked about what exercise means to them and that ultimately that it is all about social connection, exercising with their mates and setting themselves up, physically and mentally for the day, whether it be going for a walk, pumping out some weights or doing Park Run.
In the fast-paced world of politics, where long hours and high-stress environments are the norm, it is easy for physical health to take the backseat. Yet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever for those in positions of leadership. That is where the Fit for Office campaign comes in.
Launched as an initiative to encourage physical activity among politicians and their staff, Fit for Office has already made a significant impact on the people participating in the campaign. By promoting regular exercise, healthy habits, and friendly competition, this campaign is helping to create a culture of well-being within political offices, with significant benefits for both individual health and the broader political environment.
What is Fit for Office?
Fit for Office is a three-week physical activity challenge designed to get politicians and their staff moving. The goal is simple: to encourage daily physical activity through both individual efforts and team-based participation. Whether it is an exercise session such as a walk, jog or run, gym session, bike ride or swimming, or simply household chores or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, the campaign aims to integrate movement into daily routines and promote an active lifestyle.
Key features
- Heart rate monitoring: Participants are provided with Myzone heart rate monitors to track their physical activity sessions, monitor insights of the intensity of their sessions, stay accountable and collect Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) through increased heart rate. The more effort put in; the more MEPs earned. This “levels the playing field” in a way that steps, distance, or minutes alone cannot, making it a more inclusive system.
- Team and individual challenges: Through collecting MEPs, the campaign fosters friendly competition by allowing teams and individuals to compete for spots on the leaderboard. There are separate categories for politicians, office groups, and staff members, adding an extra layer of fun to the challenge.
- Encouraging healthy habits: Beyond the leaderboard, Fit for Office emphasises the importance of making lasting changes to daily habits. The focus is on creating a sustainable commitment to exercise, with the goal of improving both physical and mental health.
Creating a culture of wellness in politics
One of the main goals of the Fit for Office campaign is to create a wellness culture in political environments, where health and fitness are seen as essential components of productivity and performance. By bringing physical activity into the workplace, the campaign encourages a sense of community, with colleagues supporting each other to stay active, set goals, and celebrate their achievements.
Through the campaign, political offices are not just focusing on the typical policy debates or legislative tasks–they are also recognising the importance of personal well-being as a key element of effective leadership. This is especially important in the political sector, where leaders often experience burnout and stress from the demands of their roles. Physical activity can be a powerful solution to these challenges, offering a way to manage stress, improve focus, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Success stories
As the campaign progresses, Fit for Office is already generating success stories. Participants have shared how they have incorporated small changes into their routines–whether it is taking a lunchtime walk, hitting the gym before, during or after work or simply walking more throughout the day. For many, these changes have not only improved their physical health but also boosted their overall mood and energy levels.
“It is amazing how just a few minutes movement can make such a difference. I feel more energised and focused, and it has really helped me manage the pressures of my role,” said one participant. Another shared, “I have enjoyed the competitive spirit within our team–it has been great to support each other and celebrate our progress together.”
Looking ahead
As Fit for Office enters its final week, there is a sense of excitement and pride among participants. While the competitive element has added a layer of fun, the real success of the campaign lies in the positive changes it has helped participants make in their daily habits.
With the momentum of this campaign, there is hope that physical activity and wellness will continue to be prioritised, both within political offices and in public life. By encouraging politicians and their teams to lead by example, the campaign is helping to promote healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces.
As the campaign draws to a close, participants are encouraged to continue their new habits beyond the challenge. The hope is that Fit for Office will inspire the nation to embrace more movement and make it the beginning of a lasting commitment to an active lifestyle, leading to improved health and well-being.
AUSactive is passionate about promoting physical activity as preventative health. Fit for Office fully supports the Australian Government’s 2018 commitment to the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan for Physical Activity, and we aim to help inspire 15% more Australians to become more active by 2030.
CEO Forum
AUSactive held its first CEO Forum in Canberra on 18 November 2024 where we brought together 19 industry leaders from across the country to further our government advocacy for the exercise and active health industry.
The group interacted with various parliamentarians to include the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh, The Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, Dr Mike Freelander MP, the Minister for Sport and Aged Care, The Hon Anika Wells, The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston and The Hon Andrew Wallace MP.
Other speakers included Dr Steve Robson, Former President of the AMA and current WGA Delegate who has 35 years of experience as a practicing physician, and a leading advocate for enhancing health outcomes and influencing health policy in Australia, Michele Levine, the CEO of Roy Morgan and Chair of the Life Be In It Foundation, as well as Guy Leech who went from Ironman to wellbeing & fitness advocate and has become a longevity expert.
We would like to thank everyone that attended and contributed to being part of the ‘Power of the Collective’ as a unified voice, advocating to government to highlight the value and importance of our industry to government.
