Move More at Work

Move More at Work

A healthy school community starts with teachers and staff.  It is important that each employee has multiple opportunities throughout the day to stretch or engage in physical activity in order to promote healthy circulation, burn excess calories, and reduce stress. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, it is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination each week.  Ideally, this activity is spread throughout the week.

Finding time for these activity breaks can be challenging.  However, every little bit counts. In a healthy school atmosphere, it is easy to integrate physical activity into the daily routine. Use these creative tips and resources to get moving more at work and encourage your students to do the same!

  • Take a step challenge!  Engage staff in a healthy competition to take more steps throughout the day.  Use the Walker Tracker app to get everyone on board.  
  • Get energized to move more with these 50 tips to Move More at Work
  • When your students are at recess, take advantage of the time to get some steps in for yourself by walking around the playground and take the long way back to the classroom: Play Yourself Fit
  • Stand up at the top of every hour and take a fitness break using these fitness break cards. Students can follow along for brain breaks and these cards can be posted in the teacher’s lounge for inspiration for others to move throughout the day. 
  • While sitting at your desk, try some moves that will work your body with these 6 exercises:  6 Seated Moves that Work Your Whole Body
  • Partner up with a friend to walk each day. This will introduce accountability to the mix and you are less likely to skip a day if someone else is depending on you!  Buddy Up to Achieve Personal Wellness Goals
  • Rally your colleagues to train for a race together: Organize a Training Team
  • Walk with your coworkers before or after the workday: Start a Walking Club
  • The workplace isn’t the only place to be active. If you are walking or working out on your own, listen to a healthful podcast for inspiration and tips to help build a healthier you:  

To learn more about how you can help create a healthy workplace, visit our Worksite Wellness page.