What are employer-sponsored gym, fitness, & nutrition benefits?

They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, no offense to apples, but staying healthy is a little more complicated.

Let’s be real: staying healthy can be really expensive and inaccessible. Even basic gym membership fees can add up over time. And when faced with the choice of a pricey workout vs a free night on the couch... well, let’s just say motivation can sometimes come with a side of buyer’s remorse.

Employer-sponsored gym, fitness, and nutrition benefits help get employees movin’ and groovin’ by covering the cost of a gym membership, fitness expenses, and nutrition guidance programs.

Common fitness and nutrition benefits that employers offer include:

On-site fitness centers

On-site fitness centers provide easy access to fitness equipment and classes. Some employees love the idea of jumping right into a gym that is only a few steps away from their work desks. Employees can simply walk (or jog!) to the company gym between meetings to find solace in cardio, weight lifting, and more.

Gym memberships and subscriptions:

Full or partial gym memberships or fitness subscription discounts make fitness activities accessible, so employees can exercise their bodies — not their wallets. Ka-ching, we all know how much gym fees can add up over time. Relieving some or all of those costs can make it easier for employees to find a fitness routine to fit their lifestyle. Whether at a physical gym or from the tap of an app at home, subscriptions at employees’ fingertips offer optimal convenience and lighten their financial burden.

Fitness classes

Some employers host fitness classes for their employees, which offer several benefits in and out of work. Yoga exercises, for example, can help relieve stress and anxiety from today’s busy world. Spending a work break stretching and meditating can create a relaxed state of mind that’s ready to take on the day’s activities — a win-win for both employers and employees. Namaste.

Lunch and snacks

Snacks on snacks on snacks — Free lunch and snack benefits help save employees money while providing healthy eating options within arm’s reach. The 2017 workplace health in America report showed that only 23.1% of employers offered nutrition and healthy eating programs.

General wellness benefits

No matter what your lifestyle or health need, there’s probably a wellness program to match – from massage sessions and nutrition counseling, to access to wellness communities, relaxation lounges, and reimbursements for fitness equipment purchases. Healthier, more relaxed employees who feel good and have more energy are more likely to be productive employees. (And work-sponsored massages are a heck of a perk. Just sayin’.)

How do gym, fitness, & nutrition benefits impact employees?

These benefits are sprinting to popularity in workplaces across the country – 46.1% of U.S. employers currently offer health promotion programs.

Staying fit and practicing healthy nutrition can be linked to a plethora of benefits, such as:

• Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
• Improved cognitive function
• Increased energy levels and productivity
• Controlled blood pressure
• Better blood flow circulation
• Strengthened bones and muscles
• Reduced risk of heart disease and other illnesses

Why should employers offer gym, fitness, & nutrition benefits?

Think about how great you feel after completing an endorphin-packed workout at the gym or eating a healthy meal: clearer mind, boosted energy, ready to take on the day. Fitness and wellness programs help employees increase physical activity, improve sleep, and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes – all key to staying focused and productive during the workday. According to a United Healthcare wellness checkup survey, 77% of the employees with access to wellness programs reported better health and productivity thanks to these benefits.

Increasing access to health and fitness during the workday is an added convenience for today’s busy employee — and in this ultra-fast-paced world, who wouldn’t take more convenience in their day? The data speaks for itself: 70% of employees enrolled in company wellness programs reported higher job satisfaction. No wonder wellness benefits are often ranked as one of the most-desired benefits offered by employers.

And stronger employees (💪) make for stronger teams. One major upside to providing employees with fitness incentives (especially a workplace fitness center) is the opportunity to foster employee connections and team building. This camaraderie between employees can level up your teams’ collaboration and communication.

What are the best gym, fitness, & nutrition employee benefits providers?

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