Rockstars@Work: Multi-Task Your Way To Fitness

Have you ever hit a slump during the work day that you just can’t get past? Do you find it difficult to get in a work-out after putting in a full day at the office? Do you have difficulty focusing on those monotonous everyday tasks?

Have you ever hit a slump during the work day that you just can’t get past?  Do you find it difficult to get in a work-out after putting in a full day at the office?  Do you have difficulty focusing on those monotonous everyday tasks?

If you are anything like me then you may struggle with one or all of the above questions.  Can you imagine what it would be like if you could work out while you work?  Well, thanks to the presentation by CJ Dubé and Craig Dexheimer of Oberon, LLC at the RockStars @ Work Conference, your dreams can become a reality.

Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic developed a study of a “fit-friendly workplace” which was piloted with employees of Oberon, LLC. Employees were able to sign up for time slots at walking workstations.

Essentially a walking workstation is a desk connected to a treadmill.  These treadmills run no faster than 2mph, which is slow enough to be able to hold a conversation on the phone with the person on the other end being none the wiser.  At the conclusion of the six month study the 18 participants lost a total of 150lbs, with 143 of those pounds being fat.

As a member of Generation Y, I have grown up in a country where 1/3 of Americans are considered obese.  Therefore, any company that values a fit friendly workplace is a company for which I want to work.  Unfortunately, the cost of fitness doesn’t come cheap.  Walking workstations can retail nearly $4,000.  This may not be feasible for everyone so here are some ideas for making your workplace fit-friendly while staying on a budget:

1. Provide medicine balls for employees to use instead of chairs while they sit at their desks.

2. Encourage employees to hold “walking meetings” where attendees grab a post it and a pen, and literally go for a walk.

3. Create running/walking clubs at work where employees can get together over lunch and exercise.

4. Provide a break room with a ping-pong table or a basketball hoop for a game of PIG. This will provide employees with a way to incorporate some movement into their day.