Move a Muscle for Better Health

Are you sitting down?

You may want to stand up and encourage your employees to do the same after you read this: New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who sit for prolonged periods of time—or anyone at a desk job—have a higher risk for disease than people who simply move their muscles more.

And we’re not talking about running a marathon: Small lifestyle choices like taking the stairs into work, or parking further from the entrance, can help ward against disease.

For example, a woman’s risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a precursor to diabetes and heart disease, rises 26% for every hour in front of the computer without movement.

And to no surprise, a sedentary desk life has been linked to obesity, cancer, and mental issues including depression. All of which cost companies more in health care expenses, and lost productivity.

To help get your people moving, remind them of the simple daily choices they can make to better their health:

Take the stairs to meetings, and to and from the building.

Walk to lunch.

Print documents to the farthest printer.

Set a timer for every 30 minutes. Once it rings, walk a lap and talk to your boss or co-worker verses sending an e-mail.

Choose to drink bottled water from the least convenient vending machine.

If circumstances allow, ride a bike to work.

Simple changes can add up over time. One of the easiest ways to promote exercise in the workplace is walking. It’s low-impact, almost all employees can do it, and it’s relatively free. Another great way to get employees moving: Provide incentives. Here are a few ideas for prizes:

A diet and exercise journal

Walking poles

Pedometers

New walking shoes

A spa treatment

An at-home fitness program

An iPod, or another music source like free iTunes

Tickets to a sporting event

A healthy, catered lunch for the staff