Robison visited an Asda store in Dumbarton, the first company in Scotland to pledge its support to the programme, and declared the Scottish Government was determined to make the country a more active nation.

"The Scottish Government is committed to increasing physical activity and we want to make Scotland a more active country by encouraging people to make physical activity a part of their everyday lives," said Robison.

"It is well known that regular activity provides a great range of health benefits and makes people feel happier, less stressed and can add years of quality life.

"The benefit of the 'Fit in 14' campaign is that we don't expect people to run a marathon or join a gym; however small measures like taking the stairs instead of the lift, or going for a walk during lunch break are great steps forward towards a healthier lifestyle.

"Furthermore, having a physically active workforce can also lead to 27 per cent fewer sick days, an average saving of £135 [$225/€164] per employee.

"It also reduces workforce injuries and accidents by 25 per cent."

The Fit in 14 campaign forms part of Scotland's first ever national Physical Activity Implementation Plan, A More Active Scotland – Building a Legacy from the Commonwealth Games, which is published today.

The new 10-year plan aims to build on Glasgow's hosting of the Commonwealth Games this summer in an effort to create a lasting legacy and a healthier nation.

It has been developed in consultation with NHS Health Scotland and other key partners and focuses on five key areas: environment, workplace settings, NHS and social care, education settings and sport & active recreation.

Shona Robison gets into the spirit of the Fit in 14 campaign in Dumbarton
©Scottish Government



According to Scottish Government figures, lack of physical activity causes around 2,500 premature deaths a year, is the second biggest cause of mortality and costs the National Health Service around £91 million ($152 million/€110 million) annually.

"Our first ever Physical Activity Implementation Plan has key milestones and objectives identified for the next 10 years, and seeks to encourage Scots to enjoy more active and healthier lives," added Robison.

Organisations of all sizes across Scotland are being encouraged to get involved in the Fit in 14 campaign.

Asda is one of the first to get involved and says it is putting physical activity on its health agenda and will work with Fit in 14 to develop a plan to encourage staff to improve their fitness.

"At Asda, we know that our people are one of our greatest assets and we are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of more than 20,000 colleagues in Scotland," said head of people at Asda Feroz Pater.

"With a big year of sport ahead, including the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, 2014 is a perfect opportunity to encourage our colleagues and customers to make physical activity part of their daily life."

For more information on the Fit in 14 campaign, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
January 2013: Scotland "must grasp the opportunity" offered by Glasgow 2014 urges Committee
October 2011: New programme launched to use Glasgow 2014 to inspire physical activity in Scotland