BarnesCare provides an excellent solution for this challenge -- workplace group exercise. By engaging people at work, employers can provide the perfect opportunity for workers to get moving in a social setting that has the additional benefit of camaraderie and support.
Group exercise classes offer numerous health benefits. Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise affects your heart, lungs and blood flow. Aerobic exercise helps control weight and aids in the prevention and reduction of many common illnesses and diseases.
BarnesCare partners with the BJC WellAware Center, a full-service fitness facility, to deliver workplace group exercise programs. Each 45-minute session is led by a certified group instructor and is structured to accommodate a wide variety of fitness levels. The following classes are offered in the workplace.
Low-Impact Aerobics
Low-impact aerobic exercise typically consists of rhythmic movements involving large muscle groups. In this exercise, at least one foot is in constant contact with the floor, which relieves strain on the muscle and connective tissues. There is a much lower occurrence of overuse injuries with low-impact aerobics. Therefore, low-impact aerobics are suitable for people on all levels of the fitness spectrum -- from those who haven’t exercised for some time to pregnant women, obese people and seniors.
Yoga
When some people think of yoga, they imagine having to stretch like a gymnast, which makes them worry that they're too old, unfit, or "tight" to do yoga. The truth is, you're never too old to improve flexibility, strength and posture, or to reduce stress levels and improve your concentration.
Yoga stretches not only your muscles, but all soft tissues of your body. The simple act of stretching releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use, which causes stiffness, tension, pain and fatigue. Yoga also increases range of motion in joints and promotes balance, flexibility and stress reduction. The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity throughout your body.
Anyone can do yoga, no matter how young or old you are, and whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete. Size and fitness level do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose. The idea is to explore your limits, not strive for pretzel-like perfection.
Zumba
Zumba is a dance fitness method based on salsa and other Latin dance moves, performed to Latin and world music beats, and choreographed to allow people of any fitness or dance experience level to enjoy a fantastic workout. If you think you'd like an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and party-like fun, Zumba makes an excellent choice of a group fitness method to support your fitness goals.
Zumba is both a dance class and a fitness class. Classes are intended to provide a high calorie burn through aerobic activity incorporated with interval training. Aside from its heart health benefits, Zumba provides a workout for the whole body. From head and shoulder rolls that loosen up the neck and warm up the upper body, to footwork that strengthens and stretches calves and ankles, this fitness method touches on nearly every muscle and joint. Hips and abs receive particular attention in the Latin dance style and even those who are just learning the dance steps will find themselves waking up the day after a Zumba class with a definitive post-workout feeling. With the classes choreographed to provide intervals of intensity in both pace of music and type of movements, class members' energy expenditure is maximized for fat-burning benefits.
To find out more about implementing a BJC group exercise program in your workplace contact us, or call a BJC Corporate Health Consultant at 314.747.5859.