Fitting in Physical Activity at Work
There are lots of benefits to regular activity – and all it takes is 10 minutes, 3 times a day. If you get minutes in on your way to work or even while you’re there, it'll be easier to fit the minimum recommended 30 minutes a day into your busy schedule. You’ll also have more energy and a more positive outlook – and you’ll be more productive, too.
To be more active at work, consider some of these suggestions:
Active Transport
- Get off the bus or park your car a few blocks away and walk the extra distance.
- Try to ride your bike to work a few times a week - or rollerblade (with helmet and appropriate safety gear).
- If you travel for work, book a hotel with a fitness facility and pool.
Active Office
- Take the stairs – it’s amazing how much activity they add to your day.
- Walk over to a co-worker’s desk to speak to them in person versus e-mailing or phoning them.
- Walk to the coffee shop on your break and chat with a colleague along the way.
- Combine business with pleasure and conduct meetings on the go.
- At lunch, be active with your colleagues while you ride stationary bikes or go for a power walk or jog.
- Stretch and move around at least once an hour. Click here for a great chair stretching program.
- As a team, join community challenges like Run for the Cure, a corporate challenge and/or Bike to Work Week.
- If you like sports, play in a recreation league at lunch.
Benefits of Being Active at Work
- Improved productivity and morale
- Improved job satisfaction and team spirit
- Reduced stress and back injuries
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover
- Reduced workplace injuries
- Reduced workers’ compensation claims and costs
Links:
Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living (PDF)
Active living at work — Public Health Agency of Canada
Bike to Work Week Society
Stairway to Health
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
Alberta Centre for Active Living: Workplace Physical Activity Framework
Canadian Health Network: Workplace Health
Lifestyle Information Network
Healthy U @ Work
The Canadian Council for Health and Active Living at Work
