11 September 2009, 09/197
Businesses get ‘Fit for Free’
Businesses are signing up to a brand new initiative to encourage
their staff to get fit and reduce sickness absence levels.
West Lancashire Borough Council has started a ‘Fit for Free’
scheme to promote health and fitness in the workplace, which will
hopefully have a positive impact on the number of days that
employees are off ill.
Participants who get involved are offered free health screening
tests and the chance to get involved in group exercise sessions
such as aerobics, circuit training and walking. All these
activities are fitted within the working day, either at lunchtimes
or after work so that it can easily become part of everyday
life.
Already the West Lancashire Investment Centre has taken
advantage of this new scheme. A total of 54 staff recently had
health checks and 20 decided to go on and participate in the group
exercise classes, which were set up at the site on Whitemoss,
Skelmersdale for 6 weeks.
At the end of the 6 weeks those who took part were given a
second health screening to see if their health and fitness levels
had improved. All participants’ felt the benefits and all had
either improved their lung function, grip strength or lost
weight.
They were also given a free day pass to use at any one of the 5
West Lancashire Community Leisure Centres or at Sporting Edge at
Edge Hill, with the chance of receiving a discounted membership if
they chose to join once of the participating centres.
Cllr Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: "Taking up exercise is a great way to stay fit and healthy
and I’m sure that businesses can see the benefits of promoting such
activities because it can have a positive impact on reducing
sickness levels. We are keen to encourage the working population to
adopt healthier lifestyles and this scheme is a great opportunity
for staff to have a free opportunity to see how easy it is to make
exercise part of your working day.
"Those who took part from the West Lancashire Investment Centre
were delighted with the results of the scheme and some are keen to
join a gym now, which is great news. As a result, a number of other
businesses have signed up to take part in the scheme."
The Fit for Free scheme is set to run for three years.
Businesses who want to find out more can contact Rebecca Wiseman,
Workplace Sport and Physical Activity Officer, on 01695 555570 or
for more information, visit Sports Development.
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