Physical Activity

Research indicates that nearly 75% of American adults engage in little or no exercise, resulting in more than $24 billion in direct economic costs related to treatment and productivity losses. The numbers don't lie: physically inactive adults have healthcare expenditures that are 24% higher than their active peers, and miss an average of 3.5 more days of work annually.

HWI's group and self-directed physical activity programs are designed to reverse those trends and help participants start moving and keep moving toward a healthy and productive future. Each of the following programs provides practical guidance to help the individual establish physical activity as a part of their lifestyle, so they can better manage their weight, cope more effectively with stress, and reduce their risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

• Walk for Fitness^® – Onsite – This six-week program provides the tools necessary to plan and track daily walking habits, and to make walking a permanent part of a healthy lifestyle. Each participant will receive a Walk for Fitness book, walking log, and pedometer at the beginning of the program.  The first week a Health Educator will review the goals and objectives of the program, orient participants with their pedometers and review the benefits of having an active lifestyle.  During week two, a Health Educator will help each individual set their walking goals, each participant will walk on their own and record their daily steps using their pedometer and walking log. Participants continue to walk and build their daily step counts during weeks three, four, and five.  In week six, each participant will hand in their walking log to complete the program; a program evaluation is completed at this time.
  
  
• Walk for Fitness^® – Self-Directed – All the resources – pedometer, Walk for Fitness book, and walking log – provided in the onsite Walk for Fitness program are made available through the mail to participants in the self-directed version of Walk for Fitness, along with the necessary instructions to complete the program.  The first week is dedicated to program orientation and pedometer setup and participants will start to log their steps. During week two, each participant will set their weekly walking goal and build upon it each week.  Participants then continue to walk and build their daily step counts during weeks three, four, and five. In week six, each participant will mail in their walking log and evaluation to complete the program.
  
  
• 1-on-1 with a Personal Trainer – Onsite – A certified Personal Trainer will visit and conduct face-to-face, personalized fitness counseling sessions at the worksite. Participants will receive their own exercise prescription with personalized goals for improvement or maintenance. The Personal Trainer will then return to the worksite four to six weeks after the initial visit for a follow-up consultation with each participant.
  
  
• Stride – Onsite – During this four-week program, participants are taken on guided walks at or near their worksite each week with the goal of increasingand maintaining their levels ofphysical activity. Each weeklyprogram session consists of a 15-minute introduction, during which a certified Health Educator shares physical activity recommendations and healthy lifestyle tips with the class. The Health Educator then leads the class on a 30-minute walk. Participants are given the tools necessary to set goals and track their daily walking habits. Program materials include a program booklet in which participants can monitor their progress by logging the number of steps or amount of time spent walking. Step counters are also an optional feature of this program.
  
  
• Group Physical Activity Programs –Onsite – HWI developed the following suite ofprograms to help participants at the worksite begin building positive physical activity habits that will yield a lifetime of health. All of the programs are designed to accommodate all skill and fitness levels, and will be tailored to ensure that each participant has a comfortable and rewarding workout. Each program is available as six weekly one-hour sessions.
  
  
  • It’s Your Move – This program provides a fun introduction to a whole spectrum of exercises, ranging from cardio moves and boot camp drills to resistance training and exercises focused on the core muscles. It's Your Move also includes balance postures and relaxation techniques, and strength training using body weight, medicine balls, resistance bands, and/or tubing.
    
    
  • Pilates – Pilates exercises focus on helping individuals tone their physical structure and achieve an overall sense of balance and well-being. In this program the instructor will lead participants through a 60-minute workout and a variety of positions/exercises.
    
    
  • Stability Ball – This class will guide participants through some basic low impact aerobic activities that will strengthen the entire body with a focus on the core muscles of the abdomen, back, and hips.
    
    
  • Yoga – For this program, the instructor will guide participants through some basic yoga positions and breathing techniques to aid in the development of physical and mental balance and the reduction of stress.
    
    
  • Tai Chi – The ancient art of Tai Chi will be explored in an introductory class setting. Participants will learn about how the controlled motions and breathing techniques of basic Tai Chi can help to manage stress and contribute to physical balance and relaxation.
    
    
• Flex^SM: Strengthen – Onsite – This 30-minute program provides a fun introduction to strength training. A certified Health Educator will demonstrate bodyweight and resistance band exercises and monitor the participants’ technique as they perform the activities. Participants will receive a resistance band along with an instructional handout so they can incorporate strengthening exercises into a fitness routine.
  
  
• Flex^SM: Stretch – Onsite – During this 30-minute program, participants will learn practical tips to enhance their flexibility and overall fitness. A certified Health Educator will lead the class through a stretching routine that targets the major muscle groups. Participants will receive an instructional handout to continue these stretches at home.
  
  
• Flex^SM: Abilities – Onsite – This 45-minute workshop teaches the importance of each component of physical fitness—strength, flexibility, and cardio endurance. Flex: Abilities dispels common fitness myths, helps participants understand physical activity guidelines, and provides practical tips to motivate participants to get active. The instructor will lead the class through a variety of activities to illustrate: the impact of physical fitness on our day-to-day activities, steps to prevent injury, and ways to overcome common obstacles to physical activity.
  
  
• Flex^SM: Stop-By – Onsite – With busy schedules and personal obligations, many adults assume they lack the time or resources for physical activity. This program format allows busy employees to participate in hands-on activities that will test their fitness knowledge and receive simple tips to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss several fitness topics with a certified Health Educator.