About two years ago, the company I work for implemented a corporate wellness program.
At first, I wasn’t interested.
I didn’t want to arrive early, stay late or sacrifice my lunch hour to head to the gym, even if the membership was free. However, my job is extremely sedentary. I sit in an office chair and work at a computer for forty hours a week. The inactivity causes some health problems. I noticed that I’d gained weight, lost range of motion and was suffering from aches, pains, insomnia and headaches. My mood and outlook had deteriorated. I kept hearing my coworkers talking about working out at the gym. They had nothing but good things to say about the facility and the amenities. I finally decided to at least go look around. Because of the corporate wellness program, I have free access to the fitness machines, group fitness classes, massage therapy, the swimming pool, hot tubs, steam rooms and even tanning beds. When I stepped inside and saw the wide range of equipment and opportunities, I got excited. I started by signing up for a spin class that met after work hours three days per week. Although I thought the exertion level of that class was going to kill me, I felt great afterward. This inspired me to join a class, start weight training, swim laps in the pool and take advantage of the stress-relief of a massage. Visiting the gym regularly has been life-changing for me. I have gained a new perspective on the importance of physical activity, proper diet and taking care of myself.