Great Ideas
Here are some ideas that worksites can do to encourage regular physical activity:
- Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk.
- Stand while talking on the telephone.
- Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone or email.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.
- Start an in motion Walking Club
- Walk when you can. Park an extra block form your destination or at the rear of the parking lot. Look for the longest rather than the shortest route.
- Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.
- Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools while on business trips.
- Take along a jump rope in your suitcase when you travel.
- Participate in or start a recreation league at your workplace.
- Form a team and train for an event that supports a charity or cause
- Schedule your exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.
- Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.
- Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch.
- Wake up to work by stretching as a group first thing in the morning.
- Post motivational posters in your stairwell.
- Only have a short lunch break - schedule 'Lunch 'n Learn' sessions.
- Post stretching exercise posters by the photocopier, printer and fax machine.
- Post 'stretching @your desk' exercises on your workplace's intranet site.
- Use in motion posters.
- Provide information relating to physical activity, healthy eating and mental wellness on staff bulletin boards.
- Organize a physical activity challenge between departments within your workplace or between your workplace and others within the area.
- Have a "Sneaker Day".
- Post information on upcoming events such Manitoba Marathon and all their run categories; Terry Fox Run; Heart and Stroke Workplace Physical Activity Challenge; CIBC Run for the Cure, Dragon Boat Racing, etc.
- Locate a nearby fitness or recreation facility to take a program. Be active before or after work to avoid rush hour traffic, or drop by for a noon hour session.
- Use a boardroom as an activity area and bring in a certified fitness leader to lead a program
- Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your office. Be ready for activity at any time.
