Movement is essential. Our bodies were made to move, not sit all day! That is why regular physical activity is a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. It helps keep weight in check, reduce the risk of many life-threatening diseases, and boosts overall happiness and wellbeing.
If you want a healthy workforce, encouraging physical activity is a necessity. Some of your employees might go to the gym after work, but the sad truth is, if they spend eight hours of the day sitting at their desk, they’re still not moving enough to receive the health benefits of exercise. With most Americans living a sedentary lifestyle, it’s no shock that many of your employees aren’t exercising enough.
Working full-time makes physical activity difficult for your employees – but it doesn’t have to be this way! By making some simple changes around the office, promoting healthy habits, and creating an active design for your workplace, you can make a difference that will not only improve your employees’ work performance, but improve their lives as well.
Read on to learn how regular physical activity will positively affect both your employees’ health and their work performance:
Heart health. Regular exercise promotes heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and raising good cholesterol levels (HDL). Exercise helps strengthen the heart, allowing it to work harder and longer. New blood vessels will also form from regular physical activity, which decreases blood pressure.
Cognitive health. Exercise boosts brain power! It promotes brain cell growth, improves learning capabilities, sharpens memory, and helps maintain coordination. Even better, regular exercise helps prevent early brain aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
Mental and emotional health. Regular exercise has been shown to prevent and even treat mild to moderate cases of depression and anxiety. Because of the mood boosting and feel-good chemicals exercise triggers the brain to produce, those who are physically active experience less stress and a happier mindset.
More energy. One of the best ways to battle fatigue is to workout. Exercise improves circulation and strengthens the heart muscle – providing an instant rush of energy.
Weight management. Exercise is commonly used for weight management and weight loss benefits. When paired with a healthy diet, exercise will boost weight loss and tone the body. Those who exercise regularly have a much lower risk of obesity.
Disease prevention. An active lifestyle significantly lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic pains and arthritis, and certain types of cancer. An active life just might mean a longer, more enjoyable life.
Improved immune system. According to MedlinePlus, regular exercise helps flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways – reducing the risk of the common cold, flu, and other illnesses.
So, how do the perks of regular physical activity translate into work performance?
Productive employees. Employees who lead an active lifestyle are likely to be more productive. Because exercise increases the blood flow to the brain, employees will get a boost of energy and alertness. This can also sharpen their concentration and decision-making skills.
Less absenteeism. Physical activity strengthens your employees’ immune systems – making them less susceptible to whatever bug is going around the office. Employees that workout regularly are also generally healthier than their sedentary counterparts. This means less sick days, less medical appointments, and overall reduced absenteeism.
Happy employees. Exercise makes your employees happy! Breaking a sweat has been known to improve moods and reduce stress. Employees who are physically active will receive a rush of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine – promoting a feeling wellbeing and happiness.
What’s even better than helping your employees move more?
Helping them move more, eat well, and live whole! In addition to eating well and moving more, you want your employees to live a happy, holistically enriching life. Many lifestyle factors play a role in your employees’ overall health and wellness such as stress, financial health, mental health, and more.
For the next six weeks, our blogs and social media posts will be dedicated to helping your employees "live whole", in addition to eating well and moving more. Follow along with #LiveWhole for great resources and tips to encourage positivity and holistic wellness at your workplace.
What other advantages do physically active employees bring to the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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