[Physical activity as a component of a health promotion program in the workplace]

In the developed countries targeted physical exercises performed under medical supervisions have become an integral part of health promotion programmes at work places. In Poland this type of activity has been just started. One of the main reasons for that is lack of professional literature and practical experience among occupational physicians. In this work the authors made an attempt to discuss generally organisational principles helpful in efforts to achieve more effective prevention and to promote health. It is somewhat a methodological guide which highlights the goals as well as related directions and tasks to be completed if a programme of physical activity designed by a physician is to be implemented. The authors also stress the role of individual involvement in developing such programmes and the necessity of providing appropriate conditions for voluntary participation in their implementation.