As people start returning to their office space, you might still find some empty space that could use some other purpose. You may also want to provide something extra special for your employees to help them really look forward to returning to the brick-and-mortar office space. One way to accomplish all these things and more is to add an in-office gym.
What Are the Benefits of Fitness in the Workplace?
As many people embrace hybrid jobs or return to the office altogether, you may still have some empty office space that could better serve your employees. Plus, having an added perk to your office may encourage employees to look forward to coming to a brick-and-mortar office space.
Why Are In-Office Gyms Important?
Integrating a workout space in your office is beneficial for many reasons. Take a look at just a few of the benefits of exercise at work and why you and your employees may see lifestyle improvements from having a dedicated space to work out and blow off steam right in the office.
Offer your team a mental boost
If you’ve wondered about the mental benefits of physical activity for someone at work, you’re in for good news. It’s widely recognized that working out is a phenomenal way to relieve stress and boost feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine. Exercise also affects the brain by increasing neuroplasticity and cognitive skills like memory, critical thinking, and many more.
Not only does working out positively impact mood and performance during work, but simply offering a workout space to your employees also shows that you value their mental and physical well-being. The office can create tension for many people — give your team an easy way to boost their heart rates and relieve tension.
Add a lifestyle improvement
Carving out time to visit the gym before or after work can be a pain, especially when you don’t have a home gym readily available. Not having access to quality equipment at home or a gym gives an easy excuse to skip a workout altogether. So, creating a zone where employees can get a quick lift in can be a motivating and convenient perk for your workplace and a major benefit of offering means to exercise at work.
A dedicated workout space also provides an outlet for coworkers to catch up and connect over non-work related activities. This can be valuable for building a cohesive and collaborative team environment that can improve morale and productivity overall.
Optimize your office space
Even with your staff heading back to the office, or already there, you may find some employees still working from home. With that said, you may already have some extra space. Adding an in-office gym is a great way to use the extra space, but it’s not the only option. Take stock of your office’s current setup. If there’s a conference room or rows of cubicles that aren’t being used, you have a great opportunity to rethink the space’s utility and give it a new purpose.
Office work settings don’t always stay the same — and that’s not a bad thing. When you switch up your current office setting, you’re keeping employees engaged and happy. And you’re making use of your office space due to shifts in the work environment.
Need inspiration on quick workouts you can do with your PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells? Here are some fast routines that you can squeeze into your work day > READ MORE
What Equipment Should You Invest In?
The type of gym equipment you outfit your space with will depend on a few different things: space, equipment preference, and cost. You may only have a certain amount of space to work with and this can dictate what you add, and what you don’t, to your office gym. Choose a mix of equipment to support a variety of workouts and accommodate different workout preferences. Consider these options as space-saving and cost-effective additions to your office gym:
PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells: To optimize space and maximize flexibility, adjustable dumbbells are a must-have. A scalable and convenient strength training option, adjustable dumbbells offer a cost-effective yet powerful way for your employees to access a wide range of weights in one just one set of equipment. Quickly adjust weight using a selector pin as you progress through a workout. Adjustable dumbbells also mean you won’t have to buy multiple sets of standard dumbbells that would require a larger footprint in a potentially limited space.
Workout mat: Ideal for stretching and/or yoga breaks, a workout mat can also serve as a soft surface that’s perfect for a variety of exercises — especially if you rent your office and don’t want to risk damaging the floor.
Adjustable dumbbell stand: Keep adjustable dumbbells off the floor and out of the way so your gym space stays organized while also offering an ergonomic way to adjust weights during workouts.
Adjustable kettlebells: Kettlebells offer a wide range of exercises, providing an ergonomic, compact weight distribution. Instead of spending money on multiple freeweight kettlebells, opt for a four-in-one adjustable option like those offered by PowerBlock’s. These adjustable kettlebells give you the chance to scale up or down in weight — freeing up floor space and wiggle room in your budget.
Commercial-grade equipment: Take stock of who will most likely be using gym equipment in your office. If you expect more than ten employees to regularly use the equipment you’re investing in, it’s worth upgrading to commercial equipment that’s designed for heavier use. PowerBlock’s commercial equipment, for example, is trusted by professional sports teams and military training facilities for its durability in demanding environments.
At the end of the day, when you add a home gym to your office, know that you’re helping your employees, and yourself, strive for optimal health and have an enjoyable activity on hand.
