Incorporating walking into your wellness program

Several small and large companies have started wellness programs to help their employees get in shape to reduce their health care costs. Wellness programs are designed to improve the overall health of a company and to increase production costs. It makes sense to invest in exercise as it can help to increase lung capacity and keep the heart healthy.

Smokers and overweight employees need to get in at least 30 minutes of walking each day. The Surgeon General actually recommends that everyone should walk about 15,000 steps each day or about 3 miles. When people are able to get in some walking, they strengthen their overall health.

Since most careers of adult Americans cause people to sit in front of a computer, we are all at risk for medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Creating a wellness program at work can be the key to healthier employees and lower health care costs for employers. Walking, yoga classes, and on-site exercise facilities are just one way employers are encouraging their employees to get out of the office and start focusing on their health.

Employees who walk at least 30 minutes a day find their stamina at their desk increases, they are able to focus more acutely and they tend to feel better. Just walking alone can save their employer hours of sick leave and lowered productivity due to sickness. A good walking program at work can be an excellent source of cardiovascular health, as it promotes weight loss, increases circulation, reduces stress, boosts energy levels and rewards the walker with an extra two hours of life for every 30 minutes walked.

Walking also helps to reduce stress, a common problem in the workplace. When employees are under stress, they tend to use more sick leave and they also impact their co-workers with their bad attitudes and flustered personality. This can cause the overall production of your office to decrease and the employee morale will also decrease. Each year employers lose about 22 million hours in sick leave and lost production costs. You can combat this by creating time for your employees to relax. Encourage your employees to use one of their brisk to go outside and go for a brisk walk. You may even consider starting your staff meetings with a short yoga exercise before you dive into the deep concerns of the company. Small breaks that focus on relaxation can really help people calm down and reduce the stress in their lives.

Walking really is a great exercise for the body and it's easy to do. The benefits of walking include increased energy, stronger bones and muscles, enhanced mental well-being, improved immune system, better balance and coordination, reduced stress, and better weight maintenance. Studies show that low intensity activities can be just as effective in preventing medical problems as high intensity workout programs. Walking is a fun way to spend time with co-workers and it encourages a team-like atmosphere when everyone participates. Walking is great for small groups that need a change in environment to work on their problems. People can get outside and get the Vitamin D they need to rejuvenate their bodies. Even walking on a treadmill can improve your concentration and focus during the day. You may even consider holding a staff meeting in the gym and discuss matters while everyone is walking briskly.

When employers participate in the wellness programs with their employees, it encourages a team-like atmosphere and everyone will work together to improve their health. Always encourage your employees to participate in the wellness program because it is one of the best things they can do for their health.