Worksites Moving More Programs and Activities
If employees at your worksite want to be physically active but are looking for support and company of other co-workers, organizing some of the following activities may help them with their efforts to move more.
Move More - One Step at a Time Challenge
Having a steps challenge will encourage employees to take more steps during their workday. To start a challenge, begin by thinking about how you would like employees to track their steps. Some ideas include purchasing pedometers or having employees count the number of minutes they walk in a day. You can also hold a challenge that counts the number of flights of stairs employees take. Post a challenge sign-in sheet that specifies how you will be counting steps (pedometer, minutes, or flights) and include information on when the challenge will begin and end. A walking log is provided below for you to distribute to participants who sign up for the challenge, and Move More posters can be placed in the stairwells and hallways to encourage challenge participants. At the end of the challenge, reward the winner with a prize that your worksite has purchased or had donated (exercise equipment, gift certificates for healthy meals or spa packages, or gym gift certificates are great incentives). A printed certificate would be a nice prize for all participants in the challenge. Also think about mentioning the challenge participants in employee newsletters or on bulletin boards to highlight their success!
Move More On-site Classes/Fitness Room
Offering group fitness classes for your employees during, before or after work can help employees get motivated about being physically active. Employees may be more willing to try something new such as yoga, Pilates or aerobics in the company of their co-workers. Let employees know that their participation in such classes is voluntary and it is a good idea to get consent from their doctor before participating in such a program. Some worksites may even be able to offer an on-site fitness center/gym for the benefit of their employees.
Move More Lunch 'n Learn Sessions
Lunch-and-Learn sessions can offer employees information on specific topics with regards to physical activity. These can be conducted by a health professional in your local area or through a video presentation. Suitable speakers may include a personal trainer from a local fitness center, YMCA, parks and recreation department, cardiac rehabilitation, and a hospital. Health educators, health promotion coordinators, and physical activity consultant/specialists may also provide these services. Ask speakers to present for 20 minutes, leaving ample time for questions and answers (and also ensuring that those who take a 30 minute lunch will be able to take advantage of the program). Eat Smart, Move More…NC maintains a searchable database to locate health professionals in your community.
