Tauranga-based workers are being urged to sit less and move more as the Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle returns for 2019.

Hosted by Sport Bay of the Plenty, the annual free event encourages workplace teams to take on a series of physical and mental challenges over three 50 minute lunchbreaks.

Local businesses and organisations can enter teams of three into the Challenge which runs over three consecutive Thursday lunchtimes starting May 2.

Teams go head-to-head in games designed to challenge brains and brawn – all with a heavy dose of laughter.

Sport Bay of Plenty recreation advisor Philip Seed says participants don't need to be sporty to enter as the focus is on fun, team building and meeting new people, but be prepared to work up a sweat as teams will be constantly moving over the whole 50 minutes.

'Physical activity during the day can improve your mood, boost productivity and enhance your focus,” Phillip says.

'Despite the benefits, many workers still spend eight hours a day seated– we drive to work, we sit at a desk, we drive home.

'The Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle is a free, fun and fast way to challenge some of those habits. Plus it's a great way to spend your lunchbreak, chat to your co-workers and meet new people from other local organisations.”

The event has been extremely popular in the past two years, with 40 teams from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui taking on the challenge each year.

The 2019 event is already half full, so teams should register quickly to avoid missing out.

The Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle is at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Eleventh Avenue on Thursdays May 2, 9 and 16.

To register visit sportbop.co.nz/clm-lunchbreak-battle. Registrations close 5pm, Tuesday 30 April.