Have
you ever noticed how refreshed you feel after a good workout?
That's because physical activity goes beyond improving your
physical health. Regular activity enhances mood, performance
and improves concentration. It's clear: a healthy body leads
to a healthy mind.
Because most adults spend half their waking hours at work, finding
ways to include physical activity during the workday is the most practical
way for many adults to become more active. Workplaces can do a variety
of things to foster a working environment that incorporates regular
physical activity throughout the year. Promoting physical activity
doesn't have to be complicated, expensive or time consuming. A little
creativity can go a long way!
The latest Health Canada Population Health Survey (1996/1997) shows
that people who are inactive at work are also inactive at home. Research
also indicates that there may be increased costs for organizations
that have physically inactive employees. Some of these costs include:
increased employee benefit costs, reduced productivity, and increased
absenteeism.
Workplaces that encourage regular physical activity report:
Increased productivity and morale
Reduced injury rates
Better employee relations
Improved job satisfaction and team spirit
Improved employee health and fitness
Exercise Your Options
It's never too late to incorporate regular physical activity into
the workday. Many worksites have found innovative ways to promote
physical activity. Here are a few activities organized by workplaces
this year:
Take the Stairs Campaign
Coffee and lunch time walks
Fit breaks
Running clubs
Exercise Workshops
Physical Activity Picnic
Office "mini-putt"
Workplace Dances
Yoga Classes
Seasonal Sports Challenge
Physical activity can provide a creative outlet for everyone. Share
with your colleagues the benefits of regular physical activity. Choose
a physical activity all can enjoy and watch as new relationships and
health habits are cultivated.
Stay Active Year Round
The workplace is an ideal setting to promote physical activity to
adults. Business leaders have a unique opportunity to create a culture
at work that supports "active living" which can benefit both their
business and the people working within. As a leader within your workplace,
you can raise awareness about the importance of physical activity
through communication channels such as e-mail or posters. Create a
buzz among staff by organizing an event like a company walk or a fund-raising
physical activity challenge. Make changes in your workplace that make
access to physical activity opportunities possible throughout the
year e.g. install shower facilities or support gym memberships.
Contact Us
An effective physical activity program requires a leader to champion
the initiative. You can be that leader and role model for your colleagues
year round. Toronto Public Health staff would be pleased to provide
you with new ideas for promoting physical activity in your workplace
through our free "Get Active" information package (PDF file size 226KB). For more
information on physical activity call Toronto Health Connection
during regular business hours at 416-338-7600.
