With the holiday season upon us, I’m sure more than a few of you are considered what your new year’s resolutions will be. This year, don’t consider the tried and true resolution of losing those extra 10 pounds just because you want to fit into that pair of skinny jeans – make the commitment to working out more often because it will help you be happier at work!
A study conducted in the UK published in the Journal Of Occupational & Organizational Psychology looked at 300 office employees who fell into two categories – they were either a member of the corporate health and fitness club or they were not. While it was of little surprise to find that those who were members tended to be in better physical health than non-members, the benefits of membership went beyond physical fitness. Members were also prone to have better psychological moods, lower anxiety levels, were absent fewer days from work, and showed higher levels of job satisfaction.
Now is the best time to stop making excuses about why you can’t make exercise a part of your life and look for ways to enable your success. Here are some ideas:
- Get a Fitbit and challenge yourself to hit 10,000 steps or a half hour of exercise a day.
- Join Gympact and earn money for going to the gym! Define your own rules and your own stakes.
- Register for a 5K and train for it using an app like Active’s couch to 5K. This takes about a half hour 3 times a week. Most 5K have runners and walkers of all skill levels, so don’t be intimidated by the idea of running against more experienced racers! Set your goal at finishing.
And for you employers, take note: Incentivize fitness! Whether it’s a gym on your premises, health club discounts, or monetary rewards for employees who work out 3 days a week, it is in your best interest to encourage fitness among your staff and the rewards go far beyond health care savings!
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Related Reading
Daley, A. J., & Parfitt, G. (1996). Good health–is it worth it? Mood states, physical well-being, job satisfaction and absenteeism in members and non-members of a British corporate health and fitness club. Journal Of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 69(2), 121-134.
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