ENCOURAGE: Move More Sit Less app for iPhone and iPad

Improve your wellness in the workplace by reducing sitting time and introducing easy workplace activities into your day.

ENCOURAGE is designed and developed by a team consisting of expert researchers from the University of Manitoba specializing in behaviour change, chronic disease prevention, and physical activity innovation, and Tactica Interactive a digital media studio that specializes in creating high quality, innovative interactive experiences.

Did you know that Canadians spend 60% of their waking hours in the workplace? Why not try improving your health where you spend most of your time? Our health research team can help ENCOURAGE you to make small changes at work and break up your sitting time to improve your energy, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle.

A long-term, sustainable plan for your health requires more than a reminder to do push-ups or eat vegetables. ENCOURAGE incorporates evidence-based behaviour change techniques to help you reduce sedentary time during your workday. Reducing your sedentary time (a risk factor distinct from insufficient exercise) has been shown to:

• Decrease risk of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes
• Decrease risk of all-cause mortality
• Increase psychological health

People who more frequently sit for extended periods beyond 30 minutes are at a higher risk of having a future heart attack or stroke. By breaking up periods of sitting, you can reduce your risk.