Working
Out at Work
by Deborah Southard
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Ever
feel like the demanding pressures your hectic work schedule
places on you leave no time to fit in a bit of exercise? You
work too early in the morning to make it to the gym, and by
the end of the workday all you want to do is kick your feet
up and relax, not push the limits of your endurance further.
Fortunately, many companies are taking notice of this dilemma
and doing something about it. How?
Most
provide discounted memberships to a local gym. The company
usually pays for part of the membership and the employee
makes up the difference. This way, the employee can work
out at any time they wish. Unfortunately, unless the office
is located directly next door to the gym, this does not allow
the employee to work out at the most convenient and desired
time - the lunch hour.
On-Site
Fitness Facilities
The
popularity of the lunch hour workout has led a few companies
to provide on-site gym facilities as part of a wellness program.
These facilities can range anywhere from a small exercise
room equipped with cardiovascular and strength training machines
to a full-scale gym staffed with personal trainers and daily
classes. Inspire Insurance Solutions, for example,
offers a small gym, complete with shower room. Lorena Ochoa
uses the facility every day. She has designed an intense
30-45 minute workout that fits her own particular needs.
Plus she fits in a quick five-minute body shower heading back
to her desk.
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If your company offers
exercise facilities and you're not using them -- shame
on you!
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Qualcomm,
Inc. provides a full-scale gym to its employees. "Each facility
is complete with a full range of cardiovascular and strength
training equipment geared towards the needs of the average
exerciser. We offer a variety of group exercise classes and
personal trainers," says Dave Beadle, Health/Fitness Director
for Qualcomm.
Happy and Productive
The
fitness center is part of QC HEART, Qualcomm's health and
wellness program. While access to the fitness center is provided
at no cost, the employees pay the fees for personal trainers
and instructors. Beadle finds that employees are happier
and more productive. There are many lunch hour classes offered,
such as Yoga, Cardio-Kickboxing and Step. "Lunch-time is
very popular, but we also have many employees exercising in
the evening after work, in the early morning before work,
and throughout the day," he adds.
Beadle
also points out that the classes are designed for all fitness
levels and stresses that "participation in moderately intense
activity for ten minutes, at least three times a day will
result in better health."
If
your company offers such a facility, count your blessings
-- and make use of them. Even if your company does not have
a full-scale facility, ask what is available. Many companies
at least offer gym memberships at discounted prices. That
may not be as convenient as the on-site fitness center, but
if you're interested in a healthier lifestyle, it may be your
best alternative.
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