Promoting Physical Activity in the Work Place


 

 Physical Activity- is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure.

Sedentary Life Style- Sitting pertaining to a condition of inaction, such as work or recreation that can be performed in the sitting posture.

Fitness/Health Facts:

  • Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.

  • It can lead to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and many more health conditions.

  • For the proper amount of physical activity, a person should walk 10,000 steps each day.

  • If you have a meeting in another building, leave 5 or 10 minutes early (or take some time afterward), and do some extra walking.

Sedentary life styles have become an issue in the world today, especially in major economic countries like the United States. Careers such as office jobs, bus and cab drivers, and most retail jobs attribute to the physical inactivity of most Americans. Daily physical activity is important to maintain a healthy life style; however, most people find it difficult to maintain or find the time to exercise. Employees who are engaged in sedentary work do suffer from musculoskeletal discomfort and pain, which has been consistent in many other researches.  Most people are willing to exercise, but need the extra support or motivation from others. There are simple workouts that could be performed at home and work to make people more active in their everyday lives.

At home: push-ups, jumping jacks, quick walks, or use a bike or treadmill if you have one.

At Work: walk to work, park farther from the building, walk to lunch, take the stairs or conduct meetings during a walk.

By incorporating these simple exercises into your daily routine, you give yourself a better chance of fighting off diseases such as Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Studies have also shown that exercise increase brain function which in turn will increase employee production in the workplace. This should motivate managers to keep their employees physically active, especially at work. In the end it is for the greater good of not only the organization or company but the employees the work for such organization.Giving people the ability to change their lives is only the first step to becoming healthier. What comes next is up to them and with their commitment we can give them the support they need to succeed in any goals they wish to accomplish.