Corporate Fitness : Update

As I wrote about last year, I work with a company in Chatsworth - Fiserv - two times per week on their fitness and nutrition. The goal has been to gradually make the group as a whole make healthier choices, exercise regularly, and now to lower their health care costs. It is working! Last year they had lower health care expenses, among other benefits as well.

Here are some pictures from the 2009 Fiserv Winter Ball -

Home Gym Setup Essentials

Creating an effective home gym on a budget is not completely impossible. There are many tools out there that are relatively cheap, easy to transport, and highly effective.
There are a few Must haves - I'll try to provide Links when possible -
1. TRX PRO From Fitness Anywhere

2. 65 CM Ball - a Ball and TRX are probably the best tools for core training available and they are relatively inexpensive for the value they provide.

3. Dumbbells - 5lb and up usually in 5 lb increments -

4. Rubber Tubes -HEAVY, MEDIUM, LIGHT. These are great ! They can typically take the place of a weight stacked gym for most peoples needs. You can hook them up to any door frame with the attachment they provide and do many exercises such as rows, triceps push downs, biceps curls, shoulder press, internal/external rotation (good for rotator cuff), etc...

5. Foam Roll - Great for Self Myofacial Release stretching. Perfect for Sciatica problems, back issues, IT Band Stretching and upper back posture.

6. I think an indo board is a great idea as well - I personally like the Rasta Color the best.

7. A Step Stretch is a good idea too. Great to keep the Gastroc's moving and preventing Knee problems, back problems, plantar fasciitis.

8. Perfect Pushups/Pullups - They actually do work! I couldn't believe it myself, but it does work!

9. A Pullup bar is also a good idea not only for pullups, but to stretch as well.

Of course a cardio piece is recommended depending on what you like to do, and what kind of time you have available. I personally try to get on my bike outdoors as much as possible or run for my cardio - but, I live in Southern California where that is possible on most days. Treadmills are great, spinning bikes are excellent, and ellipticals are a good idea especially to prevent any joint pain.
Here is our gym

Here are some pics from a really sweet home gym of one of my clients' -

Corporate Fitness Training

For the past 3 years, I have been doing a corporate fitness program with a Fiserv Data Center in Chatsworth, CA. As a trainer, it has been an interesting challenge. I know that research tells us structured fitness programs within organizations has proven to have multiple benefits such as -

1. Reduced Health Care costs
2. Less Sick Days
3. More Productive Employees
4. Better Employee Morale
5. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
6. Less Employee Turnover
7. Better Quality of Life for Employees

I have personally seen many of these benefits face to face with Fiserv, including just this year for the first time, a decrease in Health Care costs. I have also seen people lose weight, inches, and improve their fitness to absolutely fantastic levels. I have personally see women go from doing 3 to 5 pushups on their knees, to 20 pushups on their toes! All members are getting strong, improving their posture, circulation, cardiovascular systems, balance, and core strength. Most members are also improving their eating habits, primarily due to our education, constant asking, and a new general culture of healthy habits. Even people who are not involved in the fitness program are benefiting from everyone making a conscious effort to eat better and take better care of themselves. Luncheons now have healthy options for eating as opposed to fried foods, pizza, etc... we are now promoting salads, grilled chicken breast, and other healthy options.

It has been very rewarding for me to see these positive changes in a group as a whole. I attached a testimonial letter from one employee who is participating in the program. In the future, I hope to see more employees participate in the program, and possibly take on another company. Any thoughts?
Jon
FITNESS ON THE RUN