A couple of years ago, the company I work for made a big production over a corporate wellness program.
All the employees were offered free gym memberships and access to nutritional counseling.
I wasn’t interested. I work extremely long hours. I had no desire to get up extra early to stop at a gym on my way into work in the morning. At the end of the workday, I’m totally exhausted and anxious to get home. I was unwilling to spend time at the gym instead of changing into my pajamas and eating dinner. My co-workers were thrilled with having free access to an organized gym. I kept overhearing everyone talking about swimming laps in the pool, using the tanning beds and signing up for group classes. They were excited over the state-of-the-art machines and raved over the nutritional counseling. I finally decided to find out what I was missing. I stopped at the gym on my way home from work and swam laps in the pool. I ran on the treadmill for twenty minutes and then sat in the sauna for a little while. I enjoyed soaking in the hot tub. I found that I felt so much better. After that, I started setting my alarm extra early and visiting the gym before heading into work. I have lost weight, toned my muscles and have so much more energy now. I am more productive at my job, have fewer aches and pains and maintain a more positive mood. The nutritionist has helped me to improve my diet, and I’ve made new friends because of the group fitness classes.