September 5, 2016; Volume 31, Number 6
By Lisbeth Calandrino
Several months ago, I finally broke down and bought a Fitbit. I have been thinking about it for years but kept asking myself, “Why do I need one?” I’m good with my exercise, love the gym and find it a great place to socialize. I kept seeing lots of wrists with exercise bands, so I decided to get one. They also started showing up at Weight Watchers, my other hangout. People kept saying I didn’t know what I was missing. My doctor had also asked how many hours I slept at night; I didn’t know, but I found out my Fitbit did.
So I decided to get the Blaze. It’s the one with the large face and big band. It wasn’t cheap, but I passed on the one that was on sale for $15.
The Fitbit isn’t just a toy for us gym types. It helps you measure what’s important for your health and also gives you about 45 minutes of exercises that you can do without going to the gym. It’s divided into 15- to 20-minute segments so it will give you a break from your desk or whatever else you’re doing. Essentially, it keeps you moving and can clear out your brain.
Are you the type that sits at your office until it’s time to go home? I’m sure you’ve heard that sitting for hours is as bad as smoking. It’s frightening. We all need to get up and move. Despite the warnings, many people still sit for hours and don’t get to the gym.
So what does this have to do with running a business? Well, if you’re sick and worn out, how effective do you expect to be at work? Your health also impacts your relationships with co-workers. You might not realize that your employees depend on you for support and encouragement, and you can’t be there for them if you are not at your best.
Following are five reasons why staying fit will improve your performance at work.
1.Getting your employees out of their chairs will raise their endorphin levels. Endorphins can reduce pain as well as introduce a level of energy. Exercise, anger and a good cry are three things that can clear your head.
2.Relieving your stress also clears the frontal lobe of your brain. This is where decisions are made and if it’s not working properly, you’re likely to make some very bad ones. Clear it out and you will be able to make better decisions. It’s not a good idea to make important decisions when we’re angry and stressed, and yet we do it all the time.
3.It’s suggested that you walk 10,000 steps a day, which is about four miles. Once you get into the swing of things it will become second nature.
4.The Fitbit program allows you to contact friends and race against them. Here’s an idea: How about holding competitions among your staff?
5.One of the other outcomes can be weight loss, lowering of blood pressure and a general feeling of better health. Getting to the gym isn’t always easy. As an employer, it’s up to you to find different ways to motivate your staff to keep them interested and keep them excited about your business.
If buying everyone a Fitbit can improve morale and your business overall, why not make it happen? Think about giving everyone the gift of good health.