News
How to Be More Active During the Working Day
The final event in Italy for the Active Businesses project took place on 17th December on the Zoom meeting platform. The event titled "Let's stay active in the workplace and also at home!" was led by trainer and dance therapist Soad Ibrahim from the CESIE team. Due to...
Conferenza finale di Active Businesses. Presentati i risultati del progetto
The final conference for the Active Businesses project took place online on 20th November on the Zoom meeting platform.
4 ° incontro del progetto “Active Businesses” a Plymouth. Indagine completa sulla promozione della salute e dell’attività fisica nelle imprese
Dopo i lavori effettuati e il rafforzamento della partnership, i coordinatori del progetto di tutti i paesi coinvolti e i manager esperti si sono incontrati nuovamente a Plymouth il 19 e 20 settembre 2019. I partecipanti sono arrivati da Italia, Turchia, Slovenia e...
Terzo meeting del progetto “ACTIVE BUSINESSES” in Italia. Promuovere l’attività fisica nel settore imprenditoriale e industriale
Tra il 24-25 gennaio 2019 i rappresentanti di ciascuna organizzazione proveniente da Slovenia, Polonia, Inghilterra, Turchia e Italia sono stati ospitati dal CESIE, a Palermo. È stato immediatamente messa in evidenza l'importanza dell'incontro poiché in seguito...
“Active Businesses”, promuovere l’attività fisica nel settore imprenditoriale e industriale, secondo meeting in Polonia
Tra il 30 e il 31 agosto 2018 a Łódź si è tenuto il secondo meeting internazionale sul progetto "Active Businesses", che sarà coordinato dall'APGA, in Slovenia. All'incontro hanno partecipato rappresentanti delle organizzazioni partner del progetto provenienti da...
Testimonials from participants of the PA Programme
Tested exercises in the workplace
Most of them, but especially Head movement and Spine movement.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
I’ve always been guilty of sitting at my desk all day and not moving, so when this programme was offered I could not wait to sign up.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
The main benefit was to be more active each day and it made me realise how much I sit down all day and don’t move. I’m not sure if I’m fitter but I feel happier and more motivated at work.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
The Active Businesses programme was managed so professional with Great instructors from Europa Sport Academy, it was easy to learn exercises, I think any company could benefit from a programme like this.
Tested exercises in the workplace
All that were provided by the instructors in the workplace.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
I’ve never thought about exercising in the workplace so this was all new to me. I was excited to get involved and learn more about the programme.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
The main benefits included breaking down my working day, thinking more about moving. One surprising benefit was I realised how little I drink each day and how better I feel when I am correctly hydrated, without the Active Businesses Programme I don’t this I would have ever realised this.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
Active Businesses makes you think about your health and wellbeing. The exercises are of low intensity but really benefited me, I would recommend for everyone to try this type of programme.
Tested exercises in the workplace
Most workstation exercises.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
I was skeptical to running a programme like this due to the potential disruption to the workforce, but I was wrong. With the desk-based exercises there was minimal impact and the staff involved really benefited from our perceived investment in their physical and mental wellbeing. Staff were initially concerned about the level of athletics’ they would need but as soon as the instructors demonstrated the level of activity require the staff quickly became interested in the programme.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
I believe this type of programme would have to run for a number of years to see the real benefits to the company but in the short-term staff certainly felt more motivated and involved in the company which can only been seen as a benefit. The active businesses physical activity programme has made us think as a company about how we can support employees who want to have a more active lifestyle.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
I would recommend programme’s like this a it helps people to become more active and think about their working lifestyle. As a company director I could see the benefits of the programme on our employees, not in terms of fitness but their increase involvement in the company and it encouraged better communication and team work within the company.
Tested exercises in the workplace
All exercises and went running after work a few times.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
This was a new experience for me and initially I was a bit embarrassed doing the exercises in front of people, but in fact it was good fun and the team bonded more over these exercises.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
These exercises really made me think about my health and how important it is to be active in the workplace and in my own personal time.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
Being active helps your mind and body, just a small session each day makes me feel more positive and motivated. The Active Businesses programme will benefit any organization.
Tested exercises in the workplace
I think it was great to do some exercises at work. In the beginning it was a bit strange to do this together with my colleagues however in the end it was a great start of the day.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
I think there was not really enough time to feel the long-term benefits. However, for the days that I participated to the training, it was a good start of the day. I would say that I was more productive and motivated afterwards, as doing some exercises emptied my head.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
I believe this type of programme would have to run for a number of years to see the real benefits to the company but in the short-term staff certainly felt more motivated and involved in the company which can only been seen as a benefit. The active businesses physical activity programme has made us think as a company about how we can support employees who want to have a more active lifestyle.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
Yes! I think that dedicating some time to doing exercises in the office is a good thing. Not only does it create a moment of team-building and shared experiences, but it also helps to calm down people that normally are hesitant to take breaks due to the full working schedule. In the end, it only takes 10 minutes but it helps to relax.
Tested exercises in the workplace
During the period from the beginning of the program until the pandemic crisis, exercises for seated employees, demonstrated by the trainers, were performed 3 days a week to increase flexibility and endurance. Exercises were very useful for those who worked by sitting constantly.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
When I first started the program, I thought, “Would it be useful for us?” As time passed, and after the exercises with my colleagues, we realized that we started the day more energetic. It was an experience we have never experienced before. Now I pay more attention to exercise and nutrition. I feel the effect of the program visibly.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
Change in the working environment can occur in the long term, but there have been positive developments in our communication with colleagues in the process. I started to be more active during the day. Our motivation and productivity in our working environment increased more. The stress caused by the work decreased.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
I strongly recommend them to be involved. Exercising before the program was not among my priorities. Now I exercise more. I have changed my eating habits. I have had the opportunity to spend a little time with my colleagues and get to know them in a different environment.
Tested exercises in the workplace
All desk / workstation based exercises
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
At first we worried about the disruption to the working environment and how the intensity of the exercises would impact on the working day. But after meeting the sport instructors we were quickly satisfied there would be little impact and it would be good for employees to participate.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
The results and feedback from the employees were amazing, they valued our investment in them and it brought the team closer together.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
Yes I would, I think companies need to embrace programme’s like this, being active in the workplace clearly has an impact on employee motivation and performance.
Tested exercises in the workplace
Desk exercises
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
Staff were initially skeptical but they liked the idea of a bit of extra downtime, but to their credit they gave there all and really appreciated the professional help of the sport coaches.
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
Staff said they felt healthier but mainly they said how this programme has made them think more about what they eat, drink and how active they are in there general life.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
I would recommend programme’s like this but it must involve trained sports coaches who can motivate staff and get the best out of the exercises.
Tested exercises in the workplace
Each of the presented strengthening exercises is useful for workers, especially those working in a sitting position.
What was your first reaction when you started the PA Programme
It was a completely new experience for me. I quickly got involved in the exercise program, started exercising a lot more at home and outdoors, changed my diet, and now I am seeing the first clearly noticeable effects 🙂
What were the main benefits and overall impact on yourself and your working environment that you noticed?
The co-workers were very eager to take part in the exercises and talked about the positive effects. It’s hard to say how much more motivated and productive they were. I was and still, I am because the program itself made me make many good changes.
Would you recommend other companies and their staff to incorporate physical activities in the workplace and why?
Definitely yes! Especially in offices where people spend most of their time sitting in front of their computer. An hour or two a week devoted to physical activity while working can help not only to feel better physically but also mentally, and for some, it may be the first step in changing your lifestyle. And such employees are certainly more effective 🙂