Do you exercise at work on your breaks? If not, you might want to give it a try! Research has suggested that working out with colleagues can improve health and motivation. If you want to get in shape, try doing it while you’re on the clock. It doesn’t hurt to try!
In this article, we’ll review some findings on the benefits of exercise at work. It might surprise you that the results showed that it can be even more beneficial than a home workout. The study involved 200 female healthcare workers, five 10-minute exercise sessions, and groups working out at home or at work. Here is the article for citation and additional reading.
Info for this article found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658806/
Exercise at Work: The Research
Of course, we shouldn’t use only one research study to base our opinions, but this is pretty exciting. Researchers used healthcare workers from 3 Danish hospitals and 18 different departments to study the effects of exercise on the “Work Ability Index.” Since healthcare workers tend to be at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders, the study aimed to help reduce the chance of injuries. Here are the sections measured in the Work Ability Index:
- Current Work Ability vs. Lifetime Best
- Work Ability vs. Demands of Job
- Number of Current Diseases
- Estimated Work Impairment from Diseases
- Sick/Absent in Past Year
- Self Prognosis of Work Ability in 2 Years
- Mental Resources
Essentially, they were looking for factors that increased worker ability -which will ultimately lead to fewer injuries, better work-life, and a potential enhancement of mentality.
One group performed exercise at work with kettlebells and resistance bands and the opportunity to meet with coaches on occasion.
While the other group exercised at home with elastic bands and several posters that showed how to progress in their workout.
After the 10 week intervention, the groups were compared.
Here are some interesting findings:
- The “exercise at work” group increased their worker index score
- The exercise group seemed to work out more (2.2 vs 1 session per week)
- Worker index of the home group actually decreased
- Work ability vs. job demand was one of the biggest differences between the groups
The evidence suggests that exercise at work can actually help healthcare workers.
Tips and Suggestions for Exercising at Work
We can reduce musculoskeletal disorders and change of injuries by working out with our colleagues. So, let’s get together and experience the benefits of exercise at work!
Find Some Partners
Working out will others will definitely keep you motivated to continue. So, find some colleagues that can take a break at the same time, and start a routine together!
Plan a Routine
In this article, we reviewed some good exercises at work for healthcare workers. If you aren’t sure what to do, stick to the basics. Here are some ideas:
- Body Squats
- Abs Exercise at Work (like planks)
- Lunges
- Bodyweight Romanian Deadlift
- Good Mornings
- Lateral Raises
Basically, anything that will increase strength in your back, legs, and upper body. This will help to reduce injuries.
Ask About Wellness
Since many employers have wellness programs, you can ask about yours. You may be excited to find out that your workplace has a lot to offer. Ask about health coaches, gym membership discounts, and anything else that you could benefit from.
Thank you for reading! When you start implementing a workout routine into your workplace, you will see great benefits. Essentially, your co-workers will have enhanced physical AND mental health. It’s not so bad when everyone is happier and healthier.
Good Luck!