Channel your positive energy this new year by taking part in Lift Free February! You will finish the month feeling fitter and happier knowing that your efforts have helped support thousands of kiwis living with Multiple Sclerosis.

So how does it work? Easy as.

Step 1: Set your personal Lift Free February challenge.

Step 2: Create your Givealittle Fundraiser profile at givealittle.co.nz/event/liftfreefeb (click the Help Fundraise button)

Step 3: Let your family and friends know that you are participating by posting your Lift Free February challenge to social media using the Facebook and Twitter icons.

Step 4: Get stepping and keep us updated on your Lift Free February challenge at facebook.com/liftfreefeb and using #liftfreefeb on Twitter!

Some things to think about before you start:

Make sure your personal Lift Free February challenge is achievable. It needs to fit in with your work-life commitments and be tailored to your own level of fitness.

My challenge this year is to ditch the lift for the entire month of February. That means taking the stairs to the 26th floor of a building in the Auckland CBD two or three times per day! That's 390 steps one way or about 31,200 steps over the month of February!

Your challenge might be to:

- Ditch the lift and escalator on certain days

- Take the lift up to work, but take the stairs down

- Jump off the lift two or three flights below your floor and walk the rest

A word on safety:

If you do have any pre-existing medical conditions, make sure you chat to your doctor about your personal Lift Free February challenge before you begin.

Make sure that the stairs you will be using have adequate lighting and ventilation and are free from slip and trip hazards. If in doubt, speak with your building manager.

Wear appropriate shoes!

All of the donations you receive will go directly to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Auckland to fund the provision of ongoing support, education and advocacy for people with MS and their families.