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As we approach a major U.S. holiday week, we recognize that this provides a good opportunity for a workplace wellness reset: How to encourage members to make physical activity an every day activity.

As the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) claims: “Everybody, regardless of age, shape, size and ability needs to become more active every day. We should all be moving more. Did you know that an active life is essential for physical and mental health and wellbeing?”

Indeed, regular fitness is central to managing chronic disease and staying healthy.

BNF continues: “Regular physical activity can help decrease our risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, and conditions like obesity, hypertension and depression. Being active at every age increases quality of life and everyone’s chances of remaining healthy and independent.”

“We know that, at both work and home, technology encourages us to sit for long periods. We are also more likely to use motorised transport rather than walking or cycling, or use lifts instead of stairs.”

“For activity to be effective for our health and wellbeing it does not mean we have to take part in vigorous activity. According to guidelines from the UK Chief Medical Officers, we should aim to take part in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. However, over one in four women and one in five men do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, so are classified as ‘inactive’. In fact, physical inactivity is the fourth largest cause of disease and disability in the UK.”

The post offers guidance on how to integrate fitness into one's schedule.

“Your 150 minutes could be made up of 5 x 30 minute sessions during the week.”

• “Thirty minutes of moderate aerobic activity could be met by going for a brisk walk, a swim, or gardening.”
• “The recommendations can also be met through doing more, shorter sessions of at least 10 minutes each. Short activities can add up –just a couple of ten minute brisk walks a day can get you well on your way to meeting the recommendations.”
• “Involve friends and family to make activities more fun, sociable and enjoyable. Go jogging with a friend and support and motivate each other, take the children swimming or join an exercise class.”