Let us help you keep your ‘Get Fit’ New Year’s resolution

We at Exercise in the City can make it easy for you to keep your ‘get fit’, ‘exercise every week’, ‘be more Active’ New Year’s resolutions for 2016.

Our fantastic team of fitness instructors will bring your choice of exercise class to you at your workplace… so no excuses!3 steps stacked.jpg

All you need is a free room or space in your office, push any desks and chairs aside and away you go. Classes can be held during your lunch break, before or after work. It’s a convenient way to fit exercise into your working day.

Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, Circuits, Zumba, Boot camp, Abs Blast, lunch break 30-minute express classes and more…
We offer your choice of class and will adapt the session to suit your space.

We’re passionate about getting workplaces active and deliver fun classes for all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or a fitness pro, we’re committed to helping you achieve your fitness and health goals.

Classes from just £5 per person. An easy and time efficient way for busy Londoners to exercise… So no excuses not to get, and stay, active in 2016.

To find out more and book a taster class for your workplace contact us today!

NHS calls to employers to take responsibility for workplace health

The NHS are looking to employers to take responsibility for their employees health. Simon Stevens, NHS England Chief Executive, has suggested the possibility of offering incentives to businesses who offer health and wellbeing programmes for their staff.

At yesterday’s Institute of Directors Annual Conference NHS England Chief Executive, Simon Stevens, spoke about some of the challenges facing the NHS and set out a five year plan of solutions.

We’re so fortunate to have a tax-funded National Health Service, rather than employer based health insurance, as in the USA for example. On the role of employers in workplace health Simon said: “we don’t saddle business with the costs of health care. But one by-product (of this) is that we tend to neglect workplace health.”

“The NHS will therefore now work with the Institute of Directors, and other employers and staff organisations to explore whether there is a case for suggesting to Government consideration of fiscal incentives – perhaps an employers’ national insurance rebate – for those small employers who provide their employees with credentialed health and wellbeing programmes proven to cut long term costs to the NHS.”

Pilates in the workplaceWe at Exercise in the City are passionate about getting workplaces active and have seen first hand how offering fitness classes for staff in the office can improve staff’s health. Pilates classes are proven to help with back pain and muscle tightness – the results from sitting at a desk all day.  And offering more active classes, like Circuits and Boot Camp, help to improve staff’s general fitness levels.  So we’re delighted to see that the NHS are looking to work with employers on more workplace health initiatives.

Offering fitness classes for your staff can be just a small investment – with the proven benefits far outweighing the costs. Classes can be held before/after-work or in a lunch-break. You just need a free meeting room or space in your office.
Find out more about organising classes in your workplace. 

If you would like to book a taster fitness class for your staff contact us at info@exerciseinthecity.com to find out more.

Did you know? The NHS spends over £40 billion a year on treating working age adults, much of which could be prevented. That’s on top of the estimated £32 billion cost of sickness absence caused by 130 million days off work.

References:
– NHS England Press Release  Simon Stevens speech at the Institute of Directors Annual Convention
– ‘How exercising at work really could pay off‘ Daily Mail Article
Institute of Directors Annual Conference 2015

It’s National Fitness Day!!

National Fitness Day

Naturally one of our favourite days of the year…
it’s National Fitness Day today! 

Why we’re getting involved? National Fitness Day is about raising awareness of the benefits of being active and kick-starting people to start regular exercise so we have a healthier, happier nation overall! We’re passionate about getting busy Londoners active and improving the health and wellbeing of workplaces. We do this by making it easy for employees to get active by bringing fitness classes to you at your office …. so no excuses!

Today we’ll be teaching classes for staff at… graze, Transport for London (TFL), The British Council, Girlguiding, Genesis Investment …and lots more taster classes planned through September.

So why not get active with your colleagues and book a taster session this September? It’s a great opportunity to try out a new fitness class or motivate yourself and your staff to get away from your desk and get active!  Our team of fantastic instructors teach Pilates, Yoga, Circuits, HITT plus more.

Get in touch today to find out more and book your taster session today.
Email info@exerciseinthecity.com 

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What is National Fitness Day? National Fitness Day takes place on Wednesday 9th September and is organised by ukactive, the UK’s leading not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector.  The day aims to encourage everyone in the UK to try a new fitness activity, get moving, or see what new classes they might enjoy. Find out more about National Fitness Day 

Teach First London Wellbeing day for staff

Abs Blast for Staff at Teach FirstWe were delighted to support Teach First’s wellbeing day last week for employees at their London office.

The day kicked off with taster exercise classes for staff. An hour’s Pilates session followed by a high intensity Abs Blast half hour!

The afternoon was a little more relaxing with the lovely Lisabetta and Fabio giving back and shoulder chair massages for staff to enjoy.

Poppy Richards, Programme Coordinator at Teach First said of the day:

20140430_- crop“Thank you SO much for yesterday. The day was a real success and I have had so many staff members come up to me to say the same. One colleague said the Pilates was the best Pilates class she has been to, so credit to you!

I thoroughly enjoyed my massage with Fabio, even though it was only 15 minutes it was so relaxing and made all the tension in my shoulders go.Pilates for staff at Teach First

Organising a wellbeing day for your staff is a great way to show your commitment to your employee’s health and wellbeing. We can help support your day and tailor make a package of options to suit your workplace and objectives.
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Would you like to win a free class at your office?!

National Fitness DayEnter our National Fitness Day competition to be in with a chance to WIN a free fitness class at your London office.

It’s National Fitness Day on Wednesday 9th September and we at Exercise in the City are supporting the day helping to get London office workers active offering you the chance to win a fitness class at your London office.  

One of our fantastic instructors will come along to your office on National Fitness Day to teach one of our classes.  All you need is a free meeting room or space in your office and some willing colleagues.

To enter simply email us at info@exerciseinthecity.com with ‘National Fitness Day’ in the subject. Include your name, phone number and the name/address of your company where you would like the class to take place if you win. There are ten classes up for grabs… so enter now to be in with a chance to win!

You can double your chances of winning by Following us on Twitter and Tweeting‘@EITCLondon I’d love a fitness class at my London office for @NationalFitnessDayhttp://www.exerciseinthecity.com #nationalfitnessday’

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What is National Fitness Day? National Fitness Day is organised by ukactive, the UK’s leading not-for-profit health body for the physical activity sector.  The day aims to encourage everyone in the UK to try a new fitness activity, get moving, or see what new classes they might enjoy. Find out more about National Fitness Day 

Why we’re getting involved? National Fitness Day is about raising awareness of the benefits of being active and kick-starting people to start regular exercise so we have a healthier, happier nation overall! We’re passionate about getting busy Londoners active and improving the health and wellbeing of workplaces. We do this by making it easy for employees to get active by bringing fitness classes to you at your office …. so no excuses!

More about the prize One of our fabulous instructors will come to your office on National Fitness Day – Wednesday 9th September – to deliver a free 45 minute fitness class. Winners will be contacted by Wednesday 2nd September and we’ll arrange a mutually suitable time on the day to come to you.

Competition closes 6pm on Friday 28th August.
Read the full terms and conditions of the prize here

Contact julia@exerciseinthecity.com to find out more about booking classes at your office.

Workplace Health Week

Workplace Health Week is set to increase employee activity, health and wellbeing in London

We’re excited as this week is the first ever Workplace Health Week. It’s a fantastic campaign organised by Workplace Challenge and London Sport to encourage employers and employees across the Capital to get involved and show their commitment to workplace health and wellbeing. Something we’re of course passionate about! Read on for more information about the campaign and how you can get involved.
Workplace Health Week

Workplace Health Week (18-22 May) is celebrating employee health and wellbeing and encouraging businesses across London to put more emphasis on workplace health by making a Workplace Challenge Pledge.

When 60% of our waking hours are spent at work, the importance of increasing opportunities to be active in the workplace is clear. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of many chronic conditions including: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancer, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

How can individuals and employers get involved? 

Workplace Challenge Take the Workplace Health Pledge Both employees and employers can make a pledge via the Workplace Challenge website. With individuals making a personal commitment to increasing their levels of workplace activity and businesses taking action to improve the health and wellbeing off their staff by facilitating a more active working environment.

Share your pledge on Twitter and Facebook and help encourage others to do the same. Use the hash-tag #WorkHealth2015

Join the Workplace Challenge Midday Mile  At noon on Wednesday (20 May) step out your door and get walking. Hosted by London Sport anyone can take part – just start and finish outside your office! You can raise funds too for the British Heart Foundation who are supporting the event. Find out more

Staff at Girl Guiding UK enjoying an after work Pilates classOrganise a Pilates or fitness class at your office  An easy way to get active in your workplace. All you need is a free room or space, push desks the side and away you go. We come to you… so no excuses!   Find out more about fitness classes at your office and book your first session today.

Vote for Exercise in the City!
We at Exercise in the City have a vision of bringing fun, energetic and effective exercise classes to offices across the UK.  Until 5pm on Wednesday, you can vote for us to pitch our vision to Richard Branson!
Please vote today – let’s get the UK active!

Why should businesses sign up and commit to the Workplace challenge?

In addition to the clear health and fitness benefits for employees, businesses can reap the rewards of workplace activity initiatives. Research shows that workplace physical activity programmes can reduce absenteeism due to sickness, increase work attendance, reduce job stress and decrease use of the healthcare system.

I’m in – how can I get my employees more active?

Visit the Workplace Health Challenge website to register your pledge and find out more about how your business can support a healthy, active workforce. www.workplacechallenge.org.uk

Organise a Pilates or Fitness class in your office with us at Exercise in the City. Contact us to discuss class options and book in your first class today!
Email julia@exerciseinthecity.com

References
Business case – why workplace physical activity? http://www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/business-case—why-workplace-ph 

Please vote for Exercise in the City

I’ve just entered Exercise in the City into a competition to win the chance to pitch to Richard Branson!

We need to get as many votes as possible by Tuesday (5th May) to get to the next stage. It just takes a few moments to vote and I would so appreciate your support.

Click here to vote now! 

If you’re on Twitter or Facebook – please do spread the word and share the link http://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/start-up/exercise-in-the-city/

Thank you!

Pitch to rich - main image (800x450)

Work Your Proper Hours Day

Work Your Proper Hours DayToday is Work Your Proper Hours Day
I haven’t made this up! Launched by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) it’s an annual day to encourage you to reflect on your work-life balance and just work the hours you’re paid to do. 

According to the TUC over five million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers more than £31 billion of free work in 2014 alone. Londoners are over-working the most with an average of over 8 hours a week… that’s a whole extra day!

Working continuous long hours is bad for your health… it creates stress and of course sitting slumped at a desk for hours at a time is horrendous for your back. It causes bad posture which can lead to muscle imbalances and pain.

If you take proper breaks from your desk you’re going to be far more productive in the hours you’re working. So employers take note….better work-life balance means happy employees. So less staff turnover, less recruitment costs and a more productive workforce.

3 easy steps to exercise in your office!

A great way to make sure you take your full hour lunch break or finish work on time is to organise exercise classes in your office. Pilates is especially good for a lunch-time class. You’ll lengthen and stretch your muscles, focus on your posture, strengthen your core and re-energize your body for the afternoon ahead.

Find out more about organising classes at your London office with Exercise in the City.  

So on this Work Your Proper Hours Day make sure you leave your desk and take your full lunch break. Go for a walk and enjoy this rare day of London sun. And start your weekend on time… It’s Friday!!


References:
– www.worksmart.org.uk/news/2015/02/fair-pay-fortnight-work-your-proper-hours-day
– https://www.tuc.org.uk/economic-issues/labour-market/fair-pay-fortnight-2015/workplace-issues/workers-contribute-%C2%A332bn-uk