Five must haves in a corporate fitness center
Fitness
By fostering a culture of health and wellness, companies can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and overall workplace morale. A well-equipped fitness center caters to people with a variety of fitness levels and interests, making wellness accessible and inviting for everyone. At Optum, we’re watching a new trend of offering equipment that’s designed to meet various needs, augmented by recovery and community spaces. Here’s a breakdown of this trend:
- Connected cardio
Providing cardiovascular equipment that includes virtual class experiences, along with a host of on-board entertainment options, is ideal for driving engagement, and can appeal to exercisers of all levels. Programs like guided runs through national monuments can be suitable for new exercisers, while sprint interval workouts can be programmed for the most experienced athletes. - Free weights
Strength training is important not only for building muscle, but also for improving bone density and overall metabolism. Free weights, including dumbbells and barbells, are crucial for strength training, allowing for a wide range of exercises that can target different muscle groups. Having a variety of free weights encourages employees to incorporate strength training into their fitness routine, promoting a balanced approach to health for people at all fitness levels. - Functional training equipment
Functional training helps employees improve their balance, coordination and core strength, which can reduce the risk of injuries both in and out of the workplace. This is why functional training equipment, such as kettlebells, medicine balls and TRX suspension trainers, is essential for a well-rounded fitness center. These tools are also great for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which are effective for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health. - Recovery equipment
Recovery includes everything from foam rollers and stretching straps to fully automated massage chairs and meditation pods. Encouraging a regular recovery routine can support increased physical and mental performance. A dedicated recovery zone can also support additional facility usage from people who may not be interested in working out but would like the benefit of a wellness amenity on-site. - Social space
A fitness center is a place for connecting and recharging. Including a planned social space where employees can catch up on work in a more casual atmosphere may improve cross-team collaboration, and offering sports simulators and activities such as ping pong can support a culture of well-being.
Creating a corporate fitness center with this type of variety demonstrates a commitment to the health and well-being of employees. Remember — as Optum suggests, communication and engagement are key.
Through them, you can keep your fitness center environment supportive, encouraging and fun. And with the right equipment and a positive approach, a corporate fitness center can become an asset for any organization.
