Physical Activity in the Workplace
Why promote physical activity in the workplace?
Participating in physical activity keeps people more alert, reduces stress, motivates and boosts staff morale, and improves overall well-being. Physical activity can improve both the physical and mental health of everyone in the workplace.
Individual health benefits include reduced risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, Type 2 Diabetes and obesity. Regular exercise strengthens muscles, bones and joints.
Physical activity in the workplace
Next step?
For workplaces that would like to encourage and promote physical activity among their staff but do not know where to start, visit the website or contact your local Regional Sports Trust (RST) for ideas and events.
Below are some suggestions of activities that have been done in workplaces previously, including: - Stretching & Lifting techniques
- Yoga/Pilates classes
- Fitness trainer (before/lunch/after work)
- Golf Putting, Hop Scotch (ideal in long hallways/corridors or asphalt area)
- Lunch/break time sports (utilise your grounds)
- Walking/running groups (before/lunch/after work)
- Fitness circuit set up (people can do an activity during their break)
- Tug of War Challenge
- Pedometer Programme
- Stair Climb Challenge.
Other physical activity ideas outside of the workplace: - Discounted staff Gym memberships (try the local gym/fitness centre)
- Local physical activity events (e.g. Fun runs/walks, Round the Bays)
- ARPHS' Feetbeat annual team walking event
- Work-based indoor sports teams (or other seasonal sports)
- Local clubs.
Regional Sports Trusts in Auckland:
- Harbour Sport - North Harbour & Rodney Areas
www.harboursport.co.nz
Sports Trusts for other regions can be found on the SPARC website
www.sparc.co.nz
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