Staying fit at the workplace: give inactivity a day off

Company sport programs are the incentive everyone needs. By now, everyone should be aware that exercise and regular training counteract the drawbacks of working at a screen or putting all the strain on one side of your body. Buying any old training equipment or making staff jog around the factory is yesterday; today, staying fit on the job is a whole lot more fun! All those who find themselves working in the home office more often will be happy to hear that light and practical fitness equipment is easy to have sent straight to their homes.

How do I set up a fitness area in the company?

Any fitness training worthy of the name consists of three elements: bodyweight workouts or strength training, cardio fitness and relaxation exercises of the sort that yoga and Pilates offer. You can set up a training area in your company based on these three pillars:

Space for fitness equipment and open areas for free relaxation or fitness exercises

A slightly shock absorbent floor that is easy on the joints

Large mirrors or mirrored areas to allow posture and the correct technique to be checked

Well thought-out ventilation/heating concept (no draughts, some ventilation)

Glare-free, pleasant lights – uniform illumination without shadows being cast

Changing room and washroom facilities next door or integrated

You'll also need to post the appropriate rules of conduct for employees who use the fitness equipment, and you should also think about a concept for hygiene and cleaning.

Which fitness equipment is suitable for company sport?

Don't make it too complicated or too trendy, or concentrate on one thing only. Fitness equipment suitable for workplace sports should be easy to learn to use, work out the whole body, and present a relatively low risk of injury. At the same time, you should consider the average age of your workforce. Outstanding choices are:

Treadmills and elliptical trainers

Rowing machines

Ergometers

Company bicycles (they also make a contribution to daily exercise at the company)

Small items of equipment such as barbells and a weight bench are a good addition to the company gym, but do keep in mind that cable-operated weight stations are generally safer. Exercise accessories are more of a personal purchase for hygienic reasons, but the company can still provide them as an incentive. This applies to exercise or yoga mats, for example.

What are the advantages for employers who offer company sport programs?

Apart from employees who have more energy, are more relaxed, and are less prone to illness, employers also benefit from a company fitness program in other areas:

Strengthening the employer brand and attractiveness for new recruits

Strengthening the team spirit and creating a space for creative brainstorming

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