“I don’t have the time” is the most common excuse for not exercising. I have heard it throughout my career, but what lies behind it? For many people, it’s their job, family obligations and the frantic lifestyle that sometimes comes with it. But I believe that your health should be important to you and finding the time is essential to your overall wellbeing.
As the Fitness Program Administrator at Herbalife Nutrition, I have the privilege to work closely with our employees on a variety of programs that support their health and wellness goals. I’m constantly looking for opportunities that encourage employees to be physically active and live healthy lifestyles.
Why It’s Important to Invest in Employee Wellness
As a global nutrition company, we strive to ensure each and every employee has access to our products and space to workout, whatever their schedule and fitness goals may be.
In addition to having gym facilities within our offices, we offer yoga, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes, core-focused trainings, courses to learn how to stretch properly, fitness challenges, among many others. We try to offer opportunities for anyone looking to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Employees who include regular physical activity in their routine tend to feel less stressed, thus are more relaxed and energized. For the company, we believe healthier employees are happier and more productive both at work and at home.
This investment in employee wellness is reflective of our company culture: we care for you, not just as an employee but as an individual. I believe it’s this human connection that makes this such a special company.
Encouraging Fitness and Personal Growth
Fitness is an important part of who an individual is, but what were employees exercising for? What did results mean for them?
That’s why I created the GROW (Get Recognized at Work) program. I wanted employees to not only be recognized for what they do in the fitness center or the number of visits per month but what they also do outside of work, which allowed us to get to know our fellow coworkers better.
One of my favorite stories from our GROW members is that of Jaime Plascencia, who works as a Project Manager on the Supply Chain Planning team. A couple of months back, he came in for a fitness evaluation and discovered he was carrying the weight of two average people his height.
He decided to commit to a fitness program and change his eating habits. As of April 2019, Jaime is down 21 pounds and wants to hit the 50 pounds goal before the end of the year. He says one of the most rewarding outcomes of his health journey – in addition to feeling more energetic – has been bonding with his coworkers. They provide support and motivation, plus, they encourage him to not miss any training.
Stories like Jaime’s inspire and motivate me because he is an example of how much becoming more active and healthier can transform someone’s life. And it reassures me in my purpose of making it easier for our employees to exercise and find a work-life balance.
Get Active Now
If you are looking to change things up, or to get back on track and start working out again, here is my advice: start small to stay strong.
Think about this journey as if you were building a house: you have to build the foundation before you can put the roof on. It takes time, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Listen to your body and know your limitations. Be patient but steady, and power through!