13 Jun No more excuses: the rise in streaming online fitness programs
What do these programs mean for your corporate wellness program, and how can you use them?
Online fitness programs are transforming the fitness industry. Available via the web, through YouTube or subscription membership websites, these programs beam expert personal trainers straight to your loungeroom (or spare room or bedroom or to your phone in the park or wherever you exercise).
Any person can now choose from thousands of high quality online exercise classes, with new variations uploaded every day.
Fitness blender. Daily Burn. Yogaglo. Booya, iBodyFit, even drumming inspired workouts with POUND – the choice is immense.. And then you have the personality programs: Jillian Michaels, Kayla Itsines, Michelle Bridges.
Some are totally free, others require a small subscription, making the daily fee very low, considering most give you unlimited access.
What does it mean for your employees?
Overall, it means there’s no more excuses: lack of access, lack of time and lack of funds are no longer a valid reason not to workout. Most of the mainstream programs even have options for people nursing an injury.
It also means it’s possible to do quality workouts wherever they are, including work breaks. All that’s needed is a space to workout, an internet connection, and some safety reminders about warming up and not overdoing it.
How to use online streaming in your workplace wellness program
For you, as a workplace wellness coordinator, these programs offer an easy and effective way to boost up your program. Here are three ways to use these online programs:
1. Tell your employees about them. Many people don’t know these streaming options exist. Include links in your intranet or internal newsletter. Start talking about them, with managers, employees and your peers.
2. Provide safety advice, while still being encouraging. Create a factsheet with warm up tips, and remind people to go easy when starting a new exercise routine, to get a checkup with their GP before starting anything new.
3. Focus on Tuesdays. Google data reveals the top day for watching fitness videos on YouTube is Tuesdays. So amplify this trend by holding an online class on Tuesdays, either before work, lunch or afterwork. You just need to set aside a room, set up a web-enabled screen and let your employees follow the trainer. Make sure they sign an indemnity form before hand, if you haven’t covered this already.
Word of warning: Check the Terms and Conditions of the program you’re using – some don’t allow group viewing, especially if they’re based on personal subscription.
Chat to us for more advice on engaging and energising your employees. Email ask@healthworks.com.au or call 1300 90 10 90.
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