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How does physical activity fit into a full-time employee’s full schedule? Often times, it doesn’t.

One possible solution to this challenge is to make physical exercise a part of the work day. Clearly, being active at work is productive for employees. But employers also advance from having fit, energetic and healthy employees who are more productive.

The challenges

Your job takes up much your time. In addition to the hours you invest actually on the job, there is the time required to get to and from work and take lunch and rest breaks during the work day. In the end, there are a limited number of hours left over for the rest of your life. This work life imbalance is especially true for Alberta, where statistics show that we work exceptionally difficult.

Many jobs today are sedentary, and many American citizens drive to work. The pressures of work may also cause us to eat lunch at our desks and skip breaks. Then, after work or on the weekends we juggle household chores, family responsibilities and social engagements.

Worksite Health Promotion Programs: Get started on a workplace exercise program

Senior Management plays a key role in creating a culture that promotes health. The leaders at your workplace influence the various policies and the informal or formal practices, and these policies and practices affect your attitude towards healthy active living.

Begin by talking to your boss about the advantages of a healthy active workplace. The best way to guarantee the success of a company physical activity program is to have the management on side and cheering you on.

Ask your leadership to consider taking these actions:

• Send a memo or message about the effect of health and healthy living that encourages employee to take an active break each day.
• Provide for flexible work hours that help employee to be more physically active. For example, they might need to take a longer lunch break to catch physical activity class, making up the time by coming to work early or remaining late.
• Make available a meeting room or other suitable office space for noon-hour yoga or workout classes, and hire a teacher to lead them, or use videos.

If your boss agrees to support a workplace fitness program, do not forget to show appreciation.

You don’t need an on-Site fitness center

Only very big companies can afford on-Site fitness facilities such as exercise equipment or squash courts. Still, most employers can take other affordable steps to support workers who wish to become more active.

By way of example:

• Arrange for discounted fees for workers at a fitness club, recreation center or YMCA facility.
• Install showers and a place to hang a towel. (Make sure the showers are cleaned regularly and that women who use them will feel secure.)
• Install bike racks or a locked enclosure that is safe, conveniently located and well lighted.
• Hold walking meetings and set up lunch-hour walking groups
• Make workers cognizant of safe and pleasant walking routes near the workplace, as well as nearby facilities that offer physical activity programs (such as walking, swimming, running, yoga, stretching).
• Find a certified instructor to teach employee about health, fitness and how to become more active.

Any size and type of workplace has the potential to encourage employees who wish to be physically active. It’s highly desirable to get management on side. Even if your boss isn’t supportive, you have the potential to still find ways to get moving more. Set up activities for groups and individuals, and encourage your co-employees to join in.