Make a Date with Fitness

June 3, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Corporate Wellness Programs

We schedule doctor’s appointments, clients, meetings, and the like into our day … why not do the same with exercise?

People are more likely to stick to a workout routine when they’ve carved out a time slot specifically for it.

Making a conscious effort to give exercise high priority in their life will keep them on track to meeting their fitness goals.

Whether your employees’ workouts are aimed at weight loss, heart health, disease prevention, or overall well-being, their success is also a success for the company, as you strive toward the ultimate goal of workplace wellness.

Things to consider:

Keep in mind that an exercise schedule should serve simply as a guideline; flexibility is also a key to success.

If you have a busy day coming up and you usually work out in the evenings, plan ahead. Go to bed a little earlier than usual the night before and set your alarm to allow time for a brisk walk around the block before your morning shower.

A jam-packed schedule doesn’t have to preclude physical activity, even if you end up wiped out and ready to crawl into bed by the end of the day: Squeeze in 10 minutes of jogging here, five minutes of stair-climbing there, a desk-stretching routine between meetings, a quick round with the free weights before dinner. Before you know it you’ve accomplished the equivalent of a regular workout without missing a beat.

Keeping up with your daily dose of physical activity will help keep you motivated even when life and work obligations conspire to occupy most of your time. Track your goals, reward your successes, and make an action plan for when your enthusiasm for exercise flags.