The Hidden Benefits of Corporate-Sponsored Exercise
There are lots of benefits to exercise, which have been reiterated in the press, on social media, and on TV since Jack LaLanne first brought it into homes in the 1950s. However, when exercise is brought into the workplace, whether in a group setting or individual, some of the most important benefits aren’t that easy to see. Some of these positive aspects benefit the employees, but they can also benefit the company as well.
What it Means for Employees: Strength in Numbers
While many people prefer to exercise or workout alone, studies show that working out in groups or with a partner fostered more consistent participation and better results. In a study conducted by the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University, couples who worked out together had higher attendance rates and a drop-out rate of only 6.3 percent compared to 43 percent for married participants that worked out alone. Having someone to encourage you and be an accountability partner can go a long way to keeping you on target with your exercise goals.
In addition to accountability, finding fellow employees that are interested in the same activities and in sharing the same drive for improvement can lead to lasting friendships and a more positive workplace. People who like their fellow employees are more eager to come to work and are more positive once they get there.
What it Means for Companies: Teamwork
Having a more fit and healthy workforce has some obvious benefits. You should see reduced absenteeism and overtime, a reduction in costs for health insurance benefits. However, these are not the only good things to come from corporate personal trainers and exercise programs.
By uniting employees towards a common goal, you build teams and foster a teamwork mentality. This also produces the Kohler Effect, which shows that people will work harder as part of a team than they will when working at the same task by themselves. Some believe this is because no one wants to be the weakest link in the teamwork chain, or because they know the team is counting on them. Whichever the reason, having a shared goal brings out the best in individuals. When you create an environment that promotes a team mentality through exercise, that thinking carries over to the job. Individuals will feel more like they are part of a group dynamic and work harder to make sure that group succeeds in whatever task is set before them.
The addition of corporate personal trainers and a sponsored exercise program can provide many benefits to you and your employees. Some obvious and some not so obvious. From a fitter workforce to employees who work harder for their team, these benefits may not always be easy to measure, but they are very real.
Corporate-Sponsored Exercise Programs in Kansas City
If you are a Kansas City business looking to help enrich the lives and physical health of your employees, the fitness experts at AYC Health & Fitness are here to help. Call AYC Health & Fitness today at 913-642-4437 or click to book a consultation to find out how our corporate-sponsored exercise programs can benefit your employees!