Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Workplace Fitness

America is overweight. Yep, we already knew that. Larger portions and more moving away from natural foods has quite a bit to do with it. Another contributing factor in my opinion is the fact that we're working more, exercising less and sleeping less (oh you didn't know insomnia is a contributing factor to being overweight? Yep it sure is...especially when you're up in the middle of the night snacking and aren't active enough to burn off those calories you've just ingested).

Many experts, trainers and gym teachers (thrown in for novelty) will tell you that you should be exercising more. 30 minutes a day at least 3 times per week is a widely suggested minimum. With many Americans working more than a 40hour week just how are you expected to squeeze time in for a good 30minute workout? One way is to get to work a little earlier than usual and take advantage of that employee fitness center. More and more employers are realizing that a "fit" worker is a productive worker. As a result they've instituted more "wellness in the workplace" programs. After all, there's nothing like being hopped up on endorphins to start your day and close that deal come meeting/presentation time. Employers realize the benefits of this.

Another good way to get that exercise in is to do the obvious...walk. Take the stairs (start a couple days ahead if you work on the 80th floor), park as far from the entrance as you can, take your running shoes and enjoy a brisk stroll during your break time.

Most of these suggestions may not be anything new to you. The main thing here is to just get active. No more excuses. Go, go, go, go...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I joined a new gym this month and I've been going 3 times per week for 30-45 minutes each time. Because I hadn't been to the gym in a while (I let my other membership expire), I have to build myself back up to going for longer, like 3 times per week for at least an hour. But I'm glad that I'm going and at least doing the minimum.

The organization I work for doesn't have its own gym, but the office where I'm based recently purchased a Bowflex machine. I think some gyms take health insurance and apply discounts to memberships, too.

Anonymous said...

All good advice. Personally, I find getting up earlier works for me. I run or play squash before going to work and it sets me up for the day. It's tough to get up the first few days, but it gets much easier.