The office is a pretty tough environment for the human body.
Not only are we simply not designed to spend hours in meetings or at computers, we’re also vulnerable to the increasing mental pressures today’s business environment places on us all.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the two single biggest causes of workplace absenteeism in the UK today are musculoskeletal problems - chiefly back-related - and stress. (Accounting for almost 11 and 14 million lost working days respectively in 2006/7.)
Increasingly, it’s office workers and executives rather than manual workers who are top candidates for lumbar problems. And with the vast majority of back pain sufferers being over 30, the impact on organisations is further exacerbated as senior staff are affected disproportionately.
Alarming as this may sound, these statistics make no allowance for another significant area of health-related concern; presenteeism.
A recent HSE survey indicates that on average, employees working with reduced level of health are 20- 25% less productive – equating to a minimum of one day lost per working week.
No wonder modern HR practice focuses so strongly on an active – and proactive - approach to employee health and wellbeing.
An area in which TenPilates is well-placed to help. Our Dynamic Pilates programme can deliver significant and sustainable benefits, particularly for office workers and executives.
The TenPilates workout improves flexibility and posture, strengthening the core muscle groups and helping align the body correctly. So not only does it reduce the propensity for injury, it’s also particularly effective against back pain and postural problems.
It also improves general aerobic fitness, which, in turn, is acknowledged to promote improved levels of concentration and attention span.
The physical benefits aren’t the only advantage. Taught in a lively, positive and welcoming environment, the technique requires focus and concentration, making the classes an absorbing and highly enjoyable ‘time-out’ from the pressures of work.
And because our unique, results-driven approach allows participants to see the benefits fast, it’s also a powerful way of boosting personal morale and promoting a positive mental outlook.
All proven to be effective ways to help people cope better with stress and engage more effectively with their colleagues and employer.
If you’d like to know more about corporate membership and classes, or would like to talk to us about our injury prevention and rehabilitation skills and capabilities, please call us on 020 8969 9677 or email info@tenpilates.com
