American Birkebeiner

Jay’s Note: The goal of the monthly fitness articles is for you to develop a comprehensive fitness program. Previously we have talked about posture, spine stabilization and flexibility, three important components of fitness. Another great addition to your Spine Stabilization program is the “Roll-Up (Sit-Up)” To progress your flexibility program “Testing and Improving Your Flexibility” add the “Towel Stretch”. The spine stabilization exercises can be done 3 times per week. Stretch throughout the day. As always be aware of your posture and its importance in proper exercise technique and fitness, “Balance the Tray”.

Our bodies take on the physical shape of the positions we are in the most. During our workday prolonged standing, sitting, and other work positions cause poor posture, strength loss and reduced flexibility. This leads to muscle imbalance, one of the main causes of work related injuries. In 2007 the average cost of a work related injury was $4,500 with strains and sprains being the leading cause of injury. Injuries cost!

The person injured is also adversely affected. Participation in their favorite activities are stopped or decreased. Injuries hurt and rehabilitation is expensive. Income may also be reduced or lost. Injuries cost!

Employee safety is positively influenced by the promotion of fitness in the workplace. Safety programs should include a fitness component that teach employees how to properly warm-up and stretch. Fit employees are better able to tolerate the demands of their work reducing the risk of injury.

Companies can also benefit through the promotion of employee fitness participation outside the workplace. Encouraging employee participation in fitness events such as the Nordic Pole Hike, Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek and the new BirkieTour as well as other community fitness events are excellent ways for companies to get their employees involved in improving fitness.

Maintaining fitness is an individual responsibility as well as a company responsibility. Providing workplace safety programs is a must for a fit workforce. Also encouraging employee participation and sponsoring fitness events is a worthy investment that goes far beyond just displaying a logo. Investing in fitness will lead to having healthy employees, increased productivity, reduced work related injuries and a healthy bottom line.