Tag Archives: Pilates at work

Pilates for staff at Girlguiding Head Office

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Girlguiding - Pilates class for staffWe’ve been teaching weekly Pilates classes for staff at Girlguiding head office in London since 2012… over four years! It’s been so great to watch staff strengthen and improve so much. 

Catherine joined classes from the beginning and is now a Pilates-pro!…

“I can’t express strongly enough how good it is to be able to take 45 minutes out of a working week to do Pilates with Julia. Everyone knows sitting at a computer all day isn’t the best position to be in but we go back to our desks energised and ready to take on the next challenge. Julia comes to our work and we use one of the bigger meeting rooms with desks pushed to the side.  

Prices for Pilates classes are normally so prohibitively high Exercise in the City is good value, and it’s a massive bonus to have Julia come to us so it’s not a stress or bother getting to a gym or other venue.”
Catherine – Girlguiding head officeGirlguiding staff practicing Pilates in their office

Our Pilates class has proved to be so popular with staff we often have to add an additional class during the week to meet demand.

Classes are organised by staff themselves and take place in either a meeting room or in the kitchen area with chairs stacked and tables pushed aside.
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Workplace Health Week: Win a fitness class at your office

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We’re passionate about getting London office workers active and we’re working with London Sport supporting Workplace Health Week (23-27 May) offering you the chance to win a fitness class at your London office.

London Sport

Staff at London Sport getting active with a lunch break Pilates class

The Prize
One of our fantastic instructors will come along to your workplace to teach one of our classes. All you need is a free meeting room or space in your office and some willing colleagues!

How to enter
There are five classes up for grabs… simply enter your details below to be in with a chance to win one!

You can double your chances of winning by Following us on Twitter and Tweeting
@EITCLondon I’m aiming to reach my 150 mins exercise this week & I’d love a fitness class at my office for @WorkplaceChall #MakeaDeal2016

Competition closes midnight on Sunday 29th May 2016
Terms and Conditions

CiFJpDuXEAAb9uzAbout Workplace Health Week
Workplace Health Week is a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of exercising during the working day.  The focus of this year’s campaign is to ‘Make a deal’, encouraging employers to ‘make a deal’ with their employees, colleagues and themselves to introduce physical activity to their lunchtime routine.

Did you know?
40% of people in England do not exercise enough.

Lack of exercise contributes to an estimated cost of £14.9 billion to businesses in lost working days.

According to recent research from the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC), employees cited that time was the biggest barrier to exercise and commonly said that a working day and a commute left them feeling tired with little time to exercise in the evening.

To overcome this Workplace Health Week is encouraging employers to focus on flexible working and active lunch breaks to help bring physical activity into and around the working day.

Find out more and sign up to the Workplace Challenge by visiting
www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/London

Workplace Challenge flexible lunch break manifesto

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The UK’s culture of not taking a lunch break is damaging the nation’s health according to research released last week by the British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC).

The research highlighted that employees cited ‘lack of flexible working practices’ as the biggest barrier to exercise and commonly said that ‘a working day and commute left them feeling tired and little time to exercise in the evening’.
Teach First - Abs blast class

We at Exercise in the City are passionate about getting workplaces active, and so we were delighted to read and support the Workplace Challenge flexible lunch break manifesto.

Informed by the BHFNC research, the manifesto champions the lunch break as a key opportunity for employees to get active and offers employers ideas and the case for support for enabling their staff to get active.

Highlights from the manifesto included evidence demonstrating the simple shift in culture, where employers give staff time and opportunities to take part in physical activity during the working week, could make a huge difference:

  • Reducing the average of 5.31 sick days currently taken per employee by one sickness day per person per year.
  • This could save businesses across England an estimated £2.8 billion in sickness absence costs.
  • Reduce presenteeism to create a more engaged and productive workforce.

Genesis - Post Abs Blast stretch - CropWhy not support your employees to get active in their lunch breaks by organising fitness classes at your workplace?
We bring a range of classes , Pilates, Circuits, Boot camp, Yoga and more, directly to you at your workplace. It’s easy to organise, you just need a free room or space. Our team of fantastic instructors will tailor the class to suit the space you have available and goals of your staff.
Find out more about the classes we offer and book a class today. 


Workplace ChallengeYour could also sign up to the Workplace Challenge 
A great initiative run by the CSP Network and funded by Sport England aiming to engage workplaces in sport and physical activity.

Read the full Workplace Challenge Flexible lunch break challenge manifesto here

… let’s get your workplace active!!

 

We won Jacqueline Gold’s Women in Business Award!

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Jacqueline Gold’s Women on Wednesday Winner!Exercise in the City was one of three businesses chosen by Jacqueline Gold for her Women in Business Award for 2015.

Jacqueline is the CEO of Ann Summers and was recently awarded a CBE for services to Entrepreneurship, Women in Business and Social Enterprise.

Every Wednesday Jacqueline encourages women to Tweet her a short description of their start up businesses using #WOW. She picks her three top entries every week and retweets them to her 52,300+ followers. We were chosen as a weekly winner back in July. At the end of the year she reviews all the weekly winners and picks her three favourites. We were one of the three selected for 2015!!

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MCF Corporate Finance Pilates classes

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MCF Corporate Finance. Practicing Pilates in reception!MCF Corporate Finance are committed to the health and wellbeing of their employees and provide lunchtime Pilates classes for their staff at their London office. 

Classes take place either in the reception area, one of the offices or whatever space is free on the day.  As you can see from the photos no space is too small!No space too small for Pilates at MCF Corporate Finance You really can do Pilates anywhere.

We love that everyone joins in… from Company Director to Interns. It’s so great for team building.

 

MCF Corporate Finance lunchtime Pilates class“We have lunchtime Pilates classes at our office. What a great way to vary the day and recharge for the afternoon.

Pilates takes away the stress that builds up in our shoulders sitting down so much at the computer. It sets us up for the week.”
Clare – MCF Corporate Finance

MCF Corporate Finance Logo

 

http://www.mcfcorpfin.com

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5 Top Tips for Staying Healthier in the Office this Christmas

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Hands up if you find yourself reaching into the box of chocolates generously sent by your suppliers every time you walk past the photocopier?!

Team lunches, office Christmas parties… unless you have the willpower of a saint you may find it hard to say no to all the extra temptations on offer as we near Christmas. ‘Tis the season to be jolly after all, so why not treat yourself?!

Here are 5 simple tips to help you try and stay a little healthier this December (Without us being a complete scrooge… bah humbug!)

Drink plenty of waterStay hydrated
If your alcohol intake has increased this month, stay hydrated. Your morning headache, after the night before, could be a sign of dehydration. Hunger is also a warning sign. So it may feel good to quash the hangover with a greasy breakfast on your way into work, but opt for a glass of water instead! The EFSA recommend* women drink 2L a day, men 2.5L. So keep a bottle of water by your desk and stay hydrated.

Remove temptationChocolate temptation
If the lure of chocolate is more than you can take and you find yourself reaching for a Quality Street every half hour, ask a colleague to move (or even hide!) the tin. Out of sight, out of mind!

Go Veggie
Veggie optionYou’ll be eating plenty of Turkey with all the trimmings over the holiday so maybe cut down a little over the next few weeks. Why not try the Vegetarian (or fish) option at your Christmas Lunch? In general the Veggie option will be lower in saturated fat, and just as tasty!

CoffeeBeware of your morning caffeine boost
If you need an extra caffeine boost to get you through the afternoon opt for a ‘skinny’ or soy Latte. Even better, go for a Filter Coffee or Americano. A Tall Starbucks Latte with whole milk contains 4.8g of saturated fat compared with 0.2g with skimmed milk.** If you’re going for festive… beware that a Tall Eggnog Latte has 14.6g!

Get away from your desk and get active
Brace the cold and use your lunch break to go for a brisk walk or jog.Exercise in your office

We’re offering some great festive themed fitness classes too… so why not get us into your workplace and organise a Pilates, Yoga or other Fitness Class for you and your colleagues? Find out more about our classes.

 

 

References
 *Starbucks Beverage Nutritional Values: www.starbucks.co.uk/menu/nutrition
**European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Dietary Reference Values for Water: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1459

Teach First London Wellbeing day for staff

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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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Workplace Health Week

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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 

Work Your Proper Hours Day

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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

5 Top Tips for Sticking to your ‘Get Fit’ New Year’s Resolution

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New years resAre you sticking to your ‘do more exercise’ New Year’s Resolution?!  Three weeks into 2015 and perhaps your good intentions are starting to dwindle. After all, it’s freezing out there, heading straight home after work is far more tempting than exercising.

If you’re finding it difficult to motivate yourself to stick to your ‘get fit’ or ‘do more exercise’ resolution’s here are my 5 top tips (cheap & easy) to get you started. 

1.  Arrange an active date with your partner or friend
Catch up with mates after work and go for a ‘jog and a gossip’ or a pre-dinner exercise class together. It is of course much easier to motivate yourself if your partner or friend is there to spur you along. Plus if you’ve pre-arranged to meet up, then it’s much harder to cancel your mate… you can’t piss off a running machine!

The research backs this up too. A recent University College London (UCL) study found that people are more likely to make a positive health behaviour change if their partner did too. The researched looked at over 3,700 couples. 66% of individuals changed their behaviour successfully and increased their physical activity when their partner did as well. This compares to 25% who increased their activity whilst their partner remained unhealthy. So text your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, best-mate right now and get a date in the diary this week!

2.  Choose an activity you enjoy
If you hate running or can’t bear going to the gym, don’t do it! Chances are if you start a new exercise class or activity that you don’t enjoy you’re not going to stick to it. There are so many fantastic fitness choices out there right now you’ll be sure to find something you like……or mix it up and try something different each week.

3.  Run for charity… challenge yourself and help change lives
You don’t have to run a marathon. Pick something that’s a challenge for you. If you’ve never run before then training for and running a 10k is a huge achievement.  Plus if you do it for charity you’ll have the double achievement of raising funds and making a difference. Most charities will help you with your fundraising and have tips for training too.

African children’s charity Lively Minds has places for the Vitality Run Hackney Half Marathon (10th May) or Run to the Beat (10k set to music, 13th Sept). So do something amazing… sign up for a run and support a small charity like Lively Minds. You’ll be making a huge difference to thousands of children as well as yourself.
Find out more www.livelyminds.org/run

4.  Be nice to yourself
If you do miss a week or two of exercise don’t punish yourself. We all have weeks where we feel less energetic or might be too busy. Try not to focus on the negative if you’re not achieving your goals as quickly as you would like. Think of what you have achieved… perhaps you can hold a plank for 10 seconds longer or can run that extra 1k further than you could 2 or 3 weeks ago… See, you’re amazing!

5.  Organise an exercise class in your office
Here’s one I can help with! Why not organise a Pilates or other fitness class in your office. It’s easy to arrange you just need a space or meeting room with the tables and chairs pushed to the side, some willing colleagues and just throw down your mats and away you go! Classes can be held before/after work or in a lunch break.

With classes from just £4 per person it’s affordable, we come to you and classes are held during the working day – so no excuses!

Find out more about booking an exercise class at your office.
Contact julia@exerciseinthecity.com to book your first session today

References
– JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers from University College London (UCL) http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2091401
– http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/cancer-news/press-release/2015-01-19-couples-more-likely-to-get-healthy-together