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The NHS Couch to 5K app is celebrating its 10-year anniversary having been downloaded more than eight million times.<\/b><\/p>\n
The app, which is a collaboration between the BBC and the Department of Health and Social Care is a free, beginner-friendly running plan and aims to help people go from being non-runners to be able to complete 5km.<\/p>\n
As well as eight million downloads, the app has also supported more than one billion minutes of movement since its launch in 2016.<\/p>\n
To mark the anniversary, a series of special programmes across the BBC are taking place – including a Traitors special of the\u202fBBC Sport Couch to 5K Podcast.<\/p>\n
“NHS Couch to 5K has been a real success story and to achieve supporting over one billion minutes of movement over a decade from runners across the UK is truly incredible,” said the BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips. <\/p>\n
“We all know the physical and mental benefits of taking up regular exercise.”<\/p>\n
The NHS says regular running has been shown to reduce the risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease, type two diabetes and stroke, as well as helping to maintain a healthier weight and improve mood and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Here are ways to download the NHS Couch to 5K app:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n