We all know sitting at our desk for too long is bad for us, but according to Ian Tan, founder of hip, no-nonsense circuit gym Ritual, the consequences can be a lot worse than just a stiff neck. Says Tan, “We aren’t designed to sit for hours a day. We are designed to move. What comes are a slew of bodily aches on areas like the lower back, neck and shoulders. Combine this with poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, and stress from work and personal life, you’re asking for some serious health problems in the future.”
Because of this, an increasing number of companies are seeking out Tan and others like him for help getting their employees on a healthier track.
Of course, there are costs involved: hiring a trainer, arranging for classes and some working hours traded for exercise. But money needn’t be a bar, thanks to initiatives like the Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Grant that helps organizations fund fitness and health programs. All Singapore-registered companies with at least five paid employees can get up to $10,000 for sports programs, covering up to 50% of the total cost.
Global tech company Tigerspike is one of the organizations who see the benefits of fitter, healthier staff. They offer their teams Bootcamps every week at Hong Lim Park, led by trainer Saudi Tan from Fuelfit, who incorporates various fitness components include cardiovascular, strength, power, balance and flexibility training in the sessions. “Bootcamp was first introduced in our Sydney headquarters and is now a global tradition for our seven offices,” says account executive Cheng Ying Han. “Everyone loves it and it’s a great way to bond a team while doing something beneficial for the mind and body. Fuelfit’s price point, exercise style and enthusiasm are all the reasons why we chose them as our long-term fitness partner.”
Some organizations opt for classes within their workplace to encourage attendance. “We provide mat Pilates classes in a meeting room for a specific department at Advance Holdings,” says Dr. Deborah Wong of Breathe Pilates. “As with all groups, the first 10 sessions focus on getting them to do the essential level exercises well. In the studio, classes can be segregated into different levels but with office groups there are people of various levels and abilities, so accommodations and progressions have to be planned ahead.”
And others eschew providing fitness programs in favor of giving employees a gym or fitness allowance: “One of our corporate clients, a tech company, provides staff a gym and fitness studio reimbursement of up to $200 a month, with a list of participating studios for them to choose from. Employees often join the same studio as a department. After all, we all need a workout buddy and someone to pull us out of the office chair and get into our workout wear. Working out as a team also helps to cultivate bonding outside of the workplace,” says Beh Hwee Sze, director of Upside Motion.
Whatever their chosen method, the motivation behind companies setting up corporate fitness programs for their employees is pretty clear. “Health is wealth. Training as a team provides brain stimulation, improves productivity, and boosts morale. And there’ll be less MCs!” says Ben Salter, fitness manager at Pure Fitness.
Can’t get out of the office? Do these exercises right at your desk.
