Physical fitness programming for health promotion at the worksite

Exercise enthusiasts and health professionals have recommended that physical fitness programs be implemented in the occupational setting. Such programs are promoted on the basis of expected benefits to both the employee and employer. The potential for benefit to the employee seems substantial, since a sizable body of knowledge links regular exercise to improved functional capacity and reduced risk for development of certain chronic diseases. The available literature provides some direct evidence that exercise programs can improve the health status of employee groups. Specifically, programs may generate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular health and promote long-term adherence to exercise. The physiological goals can be attained with programs that provide 20-30 min of moderately intense "aerobic" activity 3 or more days per week. Several factors are known to affect adherence of employees to company-sponsored fitness programs. Of particular importance are program leadership, motivational schema, program activities, convenience of participation, and social support. It is recommended that, where feasible, supervisors of employee fitness programs (a) secure professional leadership, (b) provide on-site or other facilities that maximize convenience, (c) allow participation across the widest possible time span, (d) provide programs offering a wide range of activities, (e) attend carefully to evaluation, recognition, and other motivational concerns, and (f) incorporate a comprehensive health promotion perspective.