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Key worker launches free online fitness classes for NHS staff

A key worker is celebrating the launch of a bespoke online fitness platform to boost the wellbeing of NHS colleagues.

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Julie Davis promotes her exercise app for NHS colleagues

#DoingOurBit started as a passion project for trainee personal trainer Julie Davis, who also works as the deputy chief operating officer at the Clinical Research Network West Midlands.

As the physical and emotional impact of treating Covid-19 patients took its toll on her colleagues she began sourcing free workouts and relaxation sessions to help her them cope.

The initiative caught the eye of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust which wanted to offer the workouts to its staff of nearly 10,000.

Study Active and Active IQ introduced her to sports, leisure and lifestyle platform fibodo to host her ambitious idea.

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Julie said: “I am very aware that throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, long shifts combined with stress have meant many of my colleagues haven’t had time to exercise or relax.

“DoingOurBit aims to put that right by offering a wide range of workouts suitable for people of all fitness levels. Not only that but the wonderfully generous way in which the PTs have come together to thank and support the NHS makes this unique and special.”

Julie is keen to get people in Wolverhampton moving, where 28 per cent are classed as obese, compared to the national average of 24.4 per cent.

Anthony Franklin, CEO of fibodo, added: "Our team worked round the clock to create the bespoke pages and ensure ease of accessibility for users on an easy to use platform.

“The passion and enthusiasm of the whole project team was a massive incentive to get involved and we are delighted to be doing our bit, giving thousands of people the opportunity to access the best in fitness training."

NHS staff can access #DoingOurBit by registering with their nhs email address at https://www.fit4thefight.org/nhs-members-area