Introduction: Gymnastics at Work
Do you want quality of life at work? If so, learning about gymnastics and exercising at work will bring you many benefits and make your work environment more enjoyable.
“Pleasure in work perfects the work”.
Aristotle
What is Gymnastics at Work?
Labor Gymnastics is gymnastics performed in the workplace. It involves stretching and light exercises of short duration, on average 10 minutes of activity.
The aim of Gymnastics at Work is to improve workers’ health and increase productivity at work by reducing tension and stress, avoiding sedentary lifestyles and preventing injuries such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs).
Origin of Gymnastics at Work
In Poland in 1925, workers did exercises adapted to each job. Over the years, other European countries have also embraced gymnastics at work, such as Russia, Holland, England, Belgium, Sweden and Germany.
Gymnastics at Work began to be practiced in the United States in the 1968s.
In Brazil, in the 1979s, in Novo Hamburgo in Rio Grande do Sul, the FEDERAÇÃO DE ESTABELECIMENTO DE ENSINO SUPERIOR (FEEVALE) together with SESI (Serviço Social da Indústria) designed and implemented a Gymnastics at Work project.
Also in Rio Grande do Sul, in 1999, the School of Physical Education at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRS) created a course aimed at preparing professionals to work with gymnastics in the workplace.
See also ⇒ RSI and WMSD – Repetitive Strain Injury
Types of gymnastics
There are two types of gymnastics for the workplace, Preparatory Gymnastics and Compensatory Gymnastics. So let’s get to them!
Preparatory gymnastics
Preparatory Gymnastics takes place before the start of work or right at the beginning of the daily working day. Basically, Preparatory Gymnastics exercises are warm-ups and stretches aimed at preparing the body structures that will be most required in that type of work.
The aim of preparatory gymnastics is to improve blood circulation, better lubricate joints and tendons.
Preparatory gymnastics lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.
Compensatory gymnastics
Compensatory Gymnastics is performed at intervals in the middle of the working day using compensatory exercises, i.e. to relieve and relax the tensions of the job.
It can be practiced in the middle of the workplace or in another place reserved for this activity.
Compensatory gymnastics also lasts an average of 5 to 10 minutes.
Gymnastics exercises at work Step by step
Gymnastics exercises at work are basically stretches and some exercises using your own body weight or small accessories. Focus the exercises on the areas of your body that are most required in your work activity.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TIPS: See the image below for some valuable tips on Gymnastics exercises in the workplace, simple tips to do at work, school, college or at home. Try to hold each exercise for at least 20 seconds.
Benefits of gymnastics at work
Gymnastics at work brings benefits to workers as well as to companies. Below are the main benefits of a workplace gymnastics program.
The benefits of gymnastics for workers
- Reduces tension and stress
- Better attention and concentration at work
- Improves sleep
- improves self-esteem
- Improves motivation to work
- develops body awareness
- Improves social relationships and teamwork
- Prevents work-related illnesses
- Prevents and combats sedentary lifestyles
- Combats anxiety
- Improves Physical Qualities such as Flexibility, Strength, Agility, etc…
- Improves mobility
- Improves body posture
- Promotes a feeling of well-being
- Reduces fatigue at the end of the working day
The benefits of gymnastics for companies
- Reduces workloads
- Reduces injuries at work
- Improves employee satisfaction with the company
- Improves the company’s image in society
- Increases employee productivity
More on School Physical Education
- Video Gymnastics in Physical Education
- What is Gymnastics for All?
- What is General Gymnastics?
- Gymnastics for All
- General Gymnastics in Physical Education
- Fitness Gymnastics
- Body Awareness Gymnastics
- Gymnastics for All at School