26 June, 2026
SHARE
Carolyn Harris, MP for Neath and Swansea East, shares her experience of taking part in ukactive and Technogym’s Fit for Office challenge, which has seen a record number of Parliamentarians compete to be the most active.
Over the last eighteen months, I have halved my body weight and in doing so have found my ability and my desire to become physically fitter has increased dramatically.
Alongside gym workouts and classes, I have also tried hard to change my regular routines to support this. Where I used to jump on the bus for a short journey, I now walk. Instead of taking the lift, I now use stairs wherever possible. Small changes really do make a difference.
When the invite came round to join the Fit for Office programme again this year, I committed immediately. After a long day at work, there is often the temptation to head straight home, but having this challenge and being able to see how well our office team is performing, really motivates me to do a bit more exercise first.
I am a firm believer that being fit and healthy, really does support your emotional wellbeing too. Having struggled in the past myself, I have found a real joy in being able to experience how improving my physical fitness has also had a positive impact on my mental health.
I would encourage everyone to take on a challenge like this. Whilst it is wonderful to be able to show others your progress, there is nothing like proving to yourself that the effort really does achieve results.
About the Fit for Office challenge
The aim of the Fit for Office challenge is to encourage Parliamentarians and their staff to move more and recognise the importance of physical activity for the nation’s health, wellbeing, and growth.
262 MPs, Peers and staff, representing 70 Parliamentary offices, are taking part in this year’s challenge, which runs throughout June.
The winning office will be crowned Westminster’s Physical Activity Champions.
To find out more, email: publicaffairs@ukactive.org.uk
