Find out why you should set up group exercises at work and how to go about it.
Exercising on your own can be a struggle for some, for many reasons, whether that be lack of motivation or structure.
Why should you exercise in a group at work?
Well, exercising in a group reduces stress, helps you meet new people and like-minded individuals. All this with less pressure than a 1-2-1 session. Not only will it improve your physical health, but it will also improve your mental health as well.
You can use it for social interaction and work-based networking. Being part of a group exercise activity can help you meet new people and grow your contacts. It is great if you want to know more people at work or if you work alone to meet other businesspeople.
Meeting and speaking with people of all different areas of business and life, means you can make connections and friends with people you won’t have had the chance to talk to on the street, all whilst taking care of your body.
So, if you’re a new business or an established business take part in a group fitness activity and see how many new people you meet, avenues you have never looked down, how many new connections you make, how you can help each other. All whilst creating long-lasting friendships, trust and connections.
Does social exercise work?
Studies have shown an increase of 12.6% in mental health, a 24.8% increase in physical health, a 26% increase in emotional health and stress levels decreased by 26.6% over a 12-week course of exercise.
Exercising with other people at work can not only benefit you in every way but make you more productive at work by stimulating the brain, self-motivation, self-confidence. It can reduce stress too. All of which, contribute to a better quality of life.
What are the benefits of group exercises at work?
If you are struggling with mental health or physical health it can be helpful to start in a small group session. A few days a week can offer huge benefits in many ways.
- Struggling with sleep can really affect your mental and physical health and guess what? Exercise improves sleep too. It’s proven that exercising twice a week can improve sleep by 30%, helping you mentally, physically and emotionally!
- It also lessens feelings of loneliness and isolation. Having a regular group activity can help you feel less lonely, even if you don’t share your problems, studies show a familiar face can help reduce the feeling of loneliness by 25%. Having people to confide in, that make you smile and help you through any problems can make issues easier to get through.
How do I set up group exercises at work?
So where do you start? If there are already group sessions at work, choose a small-group session that is accessible to you, and TURN UP! Don’t be scared, everyone is there to do the same thing… improve their quality of life.
If there isn’t one already, set it up yourself with another colleague. Choose something that you would both enjoy or are already doing alone. Speak to your line manager and explain the benefits. It doesn’t have to be during work time. Sometimes group activity at the beginning or the end of the working day is great.
If you want any help, please contact us. We are happy to give away free advice to get you on the right track.
If you work for yourself then book into a local business-orientated physical activity session, such as one of our business bootcamps. Not in your area? We can set one up for you.
Here are 10 sociable exercise activities to try at work:
- Business Bootcamp – One of our personal trainers conducts a small group, one-to-few personal training sessions.
- Deskecise – The most fun you can have at your workstation.
- Desk Therapy – A fantastic way to improve posture stretch and chat.
- Walking clubs – Easy to organise and even better with one of our mindfulness experts.
- Running clubs – Remember to include all levels.
- Yoga – Always make sure you use a qualified instructor.
- On-site gym – This takes a bit more commitment, but we can help you set one up at work.
- Thai chi – Great for relaxation too. Ideal if you have an outside space.
- Dance class – From salsa to swing, we can help you.
- Sporting skills – I.e., Football, golf, rugby. Remember to consider your workforce. Think does the activity match the interests of the employees.
If you need any further help or advice, please contact us. We are happy to help.