The month of January is generally a busy time for fitness centers and gyms. The reasons are quite simple; new years are when many people make resolutions, and exercising and getting back into shape usually makes it to the top of the list. However, COVID-19 has really “thrown a monkey wrench in the works” as far as socializing is concerned. This also includes gyms and fitness centers since it is a gathering place for humans. Therefore, if you are planning to hit the gym, regardless of where it is located, there are some rules and safety-related issues you will need to follow. The following are some of the main ones.

Check the Rules First
Before even thinking about setting foot in a gym, try and find out if the facility is following necessary safety guidelines. It will not hurt to call them and ask whatever questions or concerns you may have in mind. If the fitness center employs fitness staff members, ask if they have been given proper safety training.
Whichever state you live in, it is a good idea to determine what the state-mandated rules are regarding attending fitness facilities or any other institution where people gather. Once you have educated yourself regarding the rules, it will make it easier for you to ask questions when calling your favorite facility.
What to Look Out For
When attending the fitness center, always wear CDC recommended masks. Wash hands as frequently as possible. If washing is not an option, then use hand sanitizers. It is better to take any beverages you like to drink, with you, instead of using the facilities water fountain or even buying from the gym. Before using the gym equipment, clean it with sanitizing wipes. After cleaning, makes sure to dispose of the wipes properly. While at the gym, it is better not to touch your face or eyes at any time.
Find out if there have been any confirmed cases that attended the facility you want to attend. If possible, find out if there were any infections in the general area of the fitness center. Not all gyms and fitness centers are located indoors; some have outdoor facilities as well. If you can find an outdoor gym, it may be worth considering attending there instead of one located indoors.          
The CDC recommends people maintain a distance of at least 6-8 feet from each other. This also includes personal trainers, even if they are wearing masks. Keep this in mind if the gym is still giving group workout sessions.  After you finish exercising, it is better not to use the facilities showers and locker rooms. The best thing to do is head back home after your work out.
Honorable Mentions
The fact is, COVID-19 is considered a new virus. Doctors and biologists are still figuring out the facts regarding this virus and pandemic. Keep in mind that healthy-looking people can carry the virus and transmit the virus. Most of the precautions you need to take are common sense items, such as washing hands frequently when going outdoors, wearing masks, not sharing food and water with people, etc. If you are not feeling well, it may be better not to go outdoors or attend a fitness center. The bottom line is to use a mixture of common sense, following rules before heading out to the gym, regardless of where it is located and how you feel.

Preserving and promoting healthy workplaces will not only benefit a business itself, but improve the lives of everyone involved.

Here are five reasons implementing health and wellness in the workplace can be beneficial:

1)      Healthier employees cost less
The less likely an employee is to take a sick day, the more likely they are to show up to work instead of calling in to use paid-time-off.  Additionally, healthier employees are more eligible for lower health insurance premiums.  The costs of health care services provided by companies will also decrease as fewer employees need the services.  The likelihood of fines and litigation is also lowered due to more physically fit and consciously aware employees.

2)      Improved productivity in the workplace
Being absent from work for a couple days or even a week due to illness causes a bump in productivity once getting back to work.  Catching up and making up for what hasn’t been done yet costs more time, energy, and even causes more stress in the workplace.  By having dependable and reliable employees, a company can ensue trust in and give more responsibility to employees will promote productivity.

3)      Less Stress and Improved Morale
Not having to make up for someone’s slack or absence at work leads to a lighter work load and less to stress about.  Having a clear state of mind leads to less worrying.  A stronger immune system causes less fatigue.  Feeling better and improved physical condition are sure ways to increase self-esteem.  Higher self-esteem and confidence will improve office morale and have everyone feeling motivated.

4)      Providing Positive Self-Worth and an Improved Company Image
Employees can easily influence one another.  Whether it’s a new pop culture story or office gossip, talk spreads quickly and influences strongly.  Why not give the employees something positive and beneficial to create conversation about?  Providing employees with health benefits, whether it be a gym membership or incentives to eat healthier at work, the collective interest level will expand and ultimately create a positive reaction to company initiatives.  Having all employees participate in a health-related activity will improve company image and create better self-worth amongst employees.

5)      Happier Customers
A lively, passionate, and dedicated employee is what every company wants for itself and the customer.  In most cases, interaction between customer and employee determines how a new customer feels towards a company.  Providing outstanding customer service is becoming a growing example of how well a company performs, and what the consumer’s image of a company is.  By having healthier and happier employees, customers will feed off of the enthusiasm and in return have a better experience with a company.

“The concept of the health promoting workplace (HPW) is becoming increasingly relevant as more private and public organizations recognize that future success in a globalizing marketplace can only be achieved with a healthy, qualified and motivated workforce.” – World Health Organization
​
Where Do You Start?
Promoting wellness in the workplace begins with selecting the right commercial fitness equipment.  There are many factors to consider including, design, features, reliability, warranties, service, etc.  Rely on fitness equipment experts like FITREV to help you choose the equipment that will best suit the needs of your employees.

Many corporations have discovered the benefits of keeping their work staff healthy.  Studies show that individuals who work out regularly show increased energy levels, increase in their overall work production, and prove to be a positive role models for other employees.

Companies looking to provide a healthy, positive workplace for their employees but have yet to take the “corporate wellness” plunge should carefully consider the commercial fitness equipment they choose for their facility.

Finding the Right Type of Fitness Equipment
Fitness equipment such as treadmills, rowing machines, stair steppers, elliptical trainers all allow for better cognitive health as well as building muscle strength.  Flexing of the muscles has a positive effect on the brain and increases cognitive thinking.  Strong cognitive thinking is not only important to the employee; employers like it too.

Durability
A corporate fitness facility is only as productive as its equipment.  If the equipment is not in good working order it will ultimately not be used.  Employees will get frustrated and find it difficult to complete their workout routine and could get discouraged.  When fitness equipment is in good working order, easy to navigate, and proves reliable, employees will exercise regularly and look forward to their next work out.

Maintenance & Repair
No one likes to call in service repairs on fitness equipment.  Most of the time maintenance is required because the wrong type of equipment was selected for the facility. The most common example is when standard home quality equipment is used in an environment where high-quality commercial equipment should be used.  High-end quality equipment can easily tolerate repeat users and abusers and continue to maintain its durability and dependability.  It’s important that you understand how your equipment will be used before deciding what type of equipment you’ll buy.
​
What Next?
Because corporate fitness facilities are so vitally important to company work production and to maintaining good health with employees, it is important to understand the fitness equipment needs to be of good quality and durable.  Consider consulting a fitness equipment expert who is knowledgeable with the corporate fitness facilities themselves, as well as the machines that will best accommodate excessive use.

How a Corporate Fitness Program can Benefit for Your Company

Standard employee costs such as sick time, workers compensation, and health care can all easily be reduced by having healthier, happier and more productive employees.

A four-year study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion by a non-for-profit health insurance company, found that a steady wellness program has the potential to lessen healthcare costs by 15%, or approximately $332 per employee, per year.

A January article in Forbes revealed different ways small businesses can cut back on health care costs with “Providing a Wellness Program” being at the top of the list. Other recommendations by Forbes focused on the health aspect of employees from not hiring cigarette smokers to having a nurse hotline. A huge focus has been launched on the well-being of business employees and it’s looking to also play a contributing role in Corporate Social Responsibility.
Small lifestyle changes can prove to be substantial in overall health and ability. Integrating a healthier culture into the everyday work place will make employees more dedicated and improve the overall image of a company.

Want to Implement a Healthier Workplace Culture for your Organization?
Whether it’s a corporate yoga class, professional health coaching or a fully-equipped gymnasium for employees, having employee engagement is crucial for attracting and retaining workers.  At FITREV, we know our clients want the best fit, function and price when equipping their facility.
​
Our fitness equipment experts can help you decide what’s best for your company and your budget. From cardio and strength equipment to fitness accessories, FITREV has everything you’ll need for a healthier and happier staff.

FITREV’s team of fitness equipment experts have put together the top 3 things you should know before purchasing commercial fitness equipment:

1. Arguably the most important determinant of what equipment to purchase depends on how much space is available. It will be used to consider the number of each type of equipment needed and how the floor will be laid out. A well planned layout will maximize the number of fitness equipment on the floor while also maintaining a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
2. The next most important factor is to assess how frequently the equipment will be used. A business that caters to hundreds of people per week will need very durable equipment. Aspects such as how many days a week the gym is open and daily operating hours will also impact exactly how much wear and tear is expected on the equipment.
3. Another important consideration for purchasing equipment is establishing who will be using the equipment. Small companies wanting to provide a workout facility for their employees will have a much different need than corporations that specialize in fitness. Likewise, a company targeting a predominately male audience is going to have considerably different needs in terms of equipment than a company that targets female clients.

Fitness Equipment is an Investment
Keeping these tips in mind will make finding the right equipment for a business less complex and can efficiently narrow down the options. Staying attentive to budget is also an important factor that shouldn’t be approached in an evanescent manner. Fitness equipment is an investment, and quality equipment will maintain its value over time.
​
Consult a Fitness Equipment Expert
FITREV is an expert in the fitness equipment field and understands that each client has their own specific needs. We offer a variety of different combinations in packages and can cater to all types of business needs. For more advice and tips on how to properly choose equipment, contact one of our fitness equipment experts or subscribe to our blog.

This means that with today’s technologically advanced resources, designers and contractors can work together to create more innovative and state-of-the-art building layouts that lay the foundation for future trends and can enact standards to be followed for future conceptions.

Building On-Site Fitness Facilities for Employees

One corporate level trend that’s starting to become more of a requirement in building construction is on-site fitness clubs.
HealthFitness, a national health management program that provides fitness access to corporate employees, states that 1 in 5 of Fortune 100 companies work with HealthFitness to provide its employees with gym access or personal health guidance. The company’s client base ranges from technology to health care to manufacturing and others.

One particular company that has recognized the benefits behind corporate fitness programs is Verizon Wireless. The company estimates that 13,000 employees (42% of the company) are opted in to pay $15 per month to have access to one of multiple 3,500 square foot on-site fitness facilities. Verizon has seen reductions in absenteeism, reductions in health care costs, and believes it to be a profitable investment.

According to a 2008 survey by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, 67% of employers are concerned about the medical costs associated with obesity and 73% of employers believe that weight management programs are effective. The same survey found that 8 out of 10 employees believe weight management programs belong at work.

Investing in Fitness Now Will Accumulate Profits Later

Research has shown multiple benefits behind corporate fitness or wellness programs. Whether it’s on-site gym facilities or on-hand personal trainers and fitness counselors, the expected rate of return for wellness programs suggest a $3 to $6 cost savings per $1 invested. Lower overall healthcare costs and reduced employee absenteeism account for monetary benefits, while improved employee morale and increased work-place efficiency also add value to the investment.

Current law permits tax deductions for on-site workout facilities and excludes employees from paying taxes for the additional service. In 2007, the Senate proposed the Workplace Health Improvement Program Act (WHIP) to Congress that would have allowed off-site workout facilities to also be eligible for tax deductions. However in 2011, the proposal failed and leaves the current law at only on-site facilities being tax deductable.

It’s A Mainstream Move

Corporate fitness programs are steadily becoming a standard for health-conscious and employee-focused businesses. With all the hype of getting in shape and being healthy in today’s advertising and marketing initiatives, it’s no surprise that corporations want to get involved and reap the benefits behind it as well.

Fitness Equipment Space Requirements

When it comes to constructing building designs, it’s important for both the architects and contractors to leave space for a potential fitness facility. While the buyer or owner may not highlight an interest up front for such a space, explaining the potential to them may be well worth the excess planning. Once the decision has been made to create a space for a fitness area, contact FitRev’s fitness equipment experts for custom recommendations and floor plans that meet each of your distinctive needs.

• Get Fit:  Both employers and employees should focus on being healthy and not necessarily on weight loss. Corporate Wellness Programs are designed to help everyone feel better and have energy. If everyone involved is focused on getting fit, building stamina, and being stronger individuals then their new found fitness will prevent injuries, fatigue, as well as keep the moral of the company energetic.
• Follow the Leader:  Typically the employees will follow suit with management . If the management buys into the program often times employees will follow. Starting with upper management level employees is a great way to gain more participating members throughout the company as a whole. If management is focused on the overall wellness of their team they will see better results from those individuals and their work performance.
• Onsite Fitness Facilities Are Bonus:  Providing the employees and employers with an onsite fitness center means they are never far from the tools necessary to accomplish their goals. Choosing quality corporate fitness equipment with little to no maintenance will keep employees motivated and excited to return for their next workout. Taking a break from the busy day to work off stress and get fit has been proven to give employees a boost of energy.
• Incentives Employees Cannot Refuse:  Set goals for the employees with incentives to utilize the corporate fitness facilities, get healthy, and reach individual milestones. In the long run, the employer is rewarded with healthy, engaged employees who have energy and stay focused throughout the day. Incentives could include something as simple as movie tickets, gift card to health food store, lunch time party, or enter a drawing to win something such as a company “Get Fit T-shirt”.
• Key To Motivation:  Have employees participate in a monthly newsletter of health tips/tricks they have learned. Often times sharing accomplishments and seeing visual results will be a trickling effect and will be a “win-win” for everyone. Create a bulletin board for all participants to post on that will display new recipes, workout techniques, and milestone accomplishments. Having this bulletin board will create a team atmosphere showing the corporate wellness efforts from everyone
• Health Fair:  Perhaps the employer could have health screenings to monitor the successes of each participant. Often insurance providers will conduct a screening or give advice on how to improve results for the next screening. Doing this may also help reduce healthcare cost to company/employees as well as give actual results to those individuals participating. Getting good results will keep everyone motivated.
• Encourage Outside Resources Participation:  Invite a healthcare professional speaker to visit for a lunch n’ learn session to provide wellness tips to keep employees engaged in the program as well as educate them on making healthy choices. Another option might be to provide employees with vitamin samples of healthy juice/protein drinks or have a fitness facility expert come in and walk through the fitness equipment to educate employees on proper use and advantages of the equipment. Changing out vending machines to offer healthier snacks would definitely be to the advantage of those participating and those who may not have jumped on the band wagon just yet.

​FITREV challenges your corporation to begin a Corporate Wellness Program today. Doing so will improve work output, employee morale, and overall this will create a healthy work environment. With combined team efforts of both the employer and employees, this not only builds camaraderie of teamwork throughout the office, but it also gives employees a moral boost, leaving them feeling great and rewarded for their efforts. Being fit and healthy not only benefits the employees, but also extends to the families and the community. Contact FITREV to help get your Corporate Wellness Program today.

The most common injury that happens while golfing is muscle strains and pains in the lower back. The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of stress on the back and upper body due to the torquing of the torso over a stable lower body. The stronger and more flexible the upper body; the less chance of injury and the better swing control.
The FITREV experts have come up with 3 key fitness equipment pieces that any serious golfer should have.

 #1 Stretch Trainer
Using the Precor 240i Stretch Trainer will condition flexibility all while stretching the muscles and improving the golfers range of motion.  Learn more about the Precor Stretch Trainer.

• Creates a stronger core
• Stretches back and abdomen muscles
• Makes lower back more flexible; improving range of motion
• Prevents Injury

 
​#2 FTS Glide Functional Trainer
The FTS Glide offers resistance training designed with a compact footprint and low height to fit any fitness facility.  The FTS Glide is easy to use and provides resistance training.  Learn more about the Precor FTS Glide Functional Trainer.

• Increases core strength
• Improves  balance
• Improves overall stability
• Improves coordination

#3 Work Out Bands or Cables
This type of exercise equipment has been custom fitted to golfers looking to improve their swing. Select cables are available that incorporate a shortened club where there would normally be a handle. Using these cables strengthens muscles and perfects the range of motion while also stabilizing balance.

• Strengthens core golf muscle
• Learn to create width, extension and lag in golf swing
• Increases core speed

​Regular golfers and even newcomers to the sport quickly learn that having a strong core is the ultimate way to improve their game. If you are an avid golfer or have just taken up the sport, FITREV suggests trying these three pieces of equipment before your next round of golf.  We’re certain you’ll notice a difference.  Next time you’re on the green, pay attention to what muscles you are using for that swing and think of how changes in your posture, balance and strength could improve your results.  
Contact a FITREV commercial fitness equipment expert today for more information on how FITREV can help better your game.