Jessie Pavelka wants us to get fit whilst at work
Sitting for long periods without adequate breaks can take a toll on our bodies and minds, leading to sickness or ill health and time away from work so it’s time we ensured we move around throughout the day and maybe even get a little workout in too.
Poor work habits can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and can lead to stress, depression or anxiety, so it’s not just about our fitness levels either.
Health and wellbeing expert Jessie Pavelka has joined forces with BMI Healthcare, the UK’s largest provider of independent healthcare, to encourage people across Britain UK to build simple exercises into their day by signing up to BMI Healthcare’s ‘Workout @ Work’ programme. It is hoped those who lead sedentary lives and don’t do enough exercise will be inspired to move more at work and make some positive health changes.
Jessie, who has worked with US chat-show queen, Oprah Winfrey on her health programmes, explains why he is backing ‘Workout @ Work’: “It’s simple really - I want employees and employers to move more in the workplace. There is a wall that’s built up that leads us to believe we can’t move at work, but that’s not the case. We need to find those pockets of time where we can take care of ourselves.”
The Workouts:
Stretching - Helps lengthen muscles, reduce muscle tension and can boost energy levels
Toning - Benefits the heart, joints and skeletal system, it can build stamina, boost energy levels and motivation.
Cardio – Supports healthy heart maintenance. It can lower blood pressure and can aid weight-loss.
Each workout is a combination of 7-9 exercises repeated or carried out for a set number or duration. The workouts are designed to last for around 10 minutes. “Ten minutes is enough time in the workplace to get some good benefits. You can get some cardio in, some interval training. Stretching is great for preventing injury and supporting posture and then there’s the resistance training that helps tone the body. This 10 minute break of moderate to vigorous exercise will keep people focused and motivated” said Jessie.
According to health experts, we need 30 minutes of exercise every dayto stay healthy. A recent study found that short bursts of moderate to vigorous exercise lasting up to 10 minutes can be beneficial to health and wellbeing. The 10 minute bursts should form part of your daily requirement and be combined with a balanced and nutritional diet.
Dr Dinos Missouris, Consultant Cardiologist for BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor said: “A sedentary lifestyle can lead to significant risks to developing cardiovascular disease like stroke or heart failure. Regular exercise can have positive effects on the body and mind and can help reduce those health risks. Exercise promotes weight reduction and can help reduce blood pressure; it can also reduce poor cholesterol levels and can raise the good cholesterol. The effects of programmes like ‘Workout @Work’ on overall cardiovascular health risks, when performed regularly and consistently and combined with other lifestyle modifications, can be dramatic.”
Jessie has helped transform the lives of people in front of the camera, and now he explains that it’s all about accountability. Despite those initial reservations, working out with a colleague might be the key to your success.
“You can easily talk yourself out of exercise but if you have that person sitting next to you, you’re both more likely to do it. Maybe you’re having a bad day, but maybe your office neighbour is having a good day and can pick you up, get you moving! Team up with people, or make it a group exercise - go out, walk, train, I encourage that.”
Full Workout @ Work videos and worksheets will be launched on the website www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/workoutatwork from Monday 2nd June 2014
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