That's Fit

When the subject of exercise comes up this holiday when visiting members of my family, I plan on defending my position on how to "make" time to exercise during the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

It's true that the holiday season is more stressful than most, and it's very hard to find decent time to dedicate to yourself during the month of December to continue an exercise regimen.

But, if you work full-time (if you can define that!) and have family commitments and have holiday shopping and have parties to attend and have decorations to install and have kids' plays to attend and have (insert never-ending list here!), then it may be hard to find time to get your exercise going during the holiday season.

So, what happens? Most of us will make a New Year's resolution to "start exercising" or to "get in shape" starting with the new year. Statistics show that most of this is short-lived. By the start of March, many have given up on their New Year's Resolutions.
So, what to do? Make it easier to exercise at work when you have free or dead time (if that's even possible) using the below suggestions from a management point of view. If you're a manager, suggest these to your superiors. If you're an employee, suggest these to your manager. Remember -- "fit" employees make for healthier and more productive employees. In my opinion, *every* workplace should strongly suggest that all capable employees (and managers!) exercise and stay fit as a way of life -- it's a win-win situation for the employee and the company.

* If your office building has a lot of stairs or if you are on a lower floor, you might suggest walking up instead of taking the elevator.
* Try a "Walk to Work Day" for employees who live close enough.
* Provide handbooks for employees to find out more about the various options open to them.
* How about a lunch time group walk?
* Bring in a Personal Trainer to help devise a program for the group and/or individuals. They can also be brought in to measure progress.
* Subsidize memberships at a fitness club near the office.
* Group yoga is healthy, therapeutic, and team-building.
* Provide storage for bicycles and other equipment.
* Encourage regular physical activities: sponsor a company team or arrange regular activity nights.
* Allow flexible working hours to let personnel fit in exercise time before or after work.
* Install showers in the office.
* Bring in small exercise equipment that can be used throughout the day.
* Implement the Fitness Challenge, where the goals are to be the Most Improved, rather than to compete with each other.