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OFFICE workers are gearing up their sedentary lifestyles and raising money for charity, as part of a wellness initiative that was launched today.
Inspired by the annual cycling event, Tour de Office was launched in 2011 to encourage an active lifestyle for desk-bound employees.
Stationary road bikes are set up in offices around Australia, with participants working in a team and cycling for 30 minutes to improve fitness and raise funds for charity.
More than 50 executives from Deloitte, Optus, Flight Centre, Motorama and McDonald's attended the launch to kick off the $150,000 fundraising goal.
Former Olympian and 2015 Tour de Office ambassador Hayley Lewis says her father lost 20kg in 18 months after leaving a sedentary job.
"I believe it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and all it takes is 30 minutes a day to get your health back on track," Lewis says.
"Tour de Office is a fantastic way for employees to get together, get active and raise much-needed funds for worthy causes.
"And it's so much fun trying to beat your workmates when you're on the bike."
A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to heart disease and some cancers, with people who sit for nine hours a day 40 per cent more likely to die within the next 15 years compared to someone who sits for less than three hours a day.
Tour de Office takes place from September 7 to 11.
Image: Hayley Lewis with Tour de Office founder Tudor Marsden-Huggins
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