While on-site gyms have traditionally been reserved for major corporations, an increasing number of small to mid-sized businesses are embracing the concept. Even if your office has limited square footage and a tight budget, you can create a culture of workplace well-being with a cleverly designed fitness center. Having an on-site gym not only improves fitness, but also boosts job satisfaction and productivity, all while reducing stress and sick days. Here are some innovative ways to incorporate fitness into your office, regardless of its limitations.
Repurpose a Meeting Room
If you have a meeting room that often sits empty, you can easily transform it into a workout space when not in use. With a little ingenuity, you can use it to store folding treadmills or weight benches, resistance bands hanging neatly on wall hooks, and yoga mats stacked out of the way in a corner. Wall-mounted pull-up bars can go unnoticed while offering a solid exercise, and adding a large, mounted screen allows gym users to enjoy virtual workout classes. Be creative and flexible when choosing equipment, as each room will have its own constraints.
Make Use of Small Spaces
Small areas like unused space in the breakroom or a rarely opened storage closet have potential to become your office’s mini gym. Things like a compact stationary bike tucked in the corner, a set of adaptable dumbbells with a small workout mat, or even a designated nook with mats for bodyweight training can provide adequate fitness opportunities. For an extra touch, hanging a mirror can visually enlarge the space and provide a little extra motivation to get moving during a break.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Though overlooked, walls have tons of possibilities for fitness. Mounted resistance band anchors and medicine ball racks allow for a variety of exercises while occupying minimal space. To further utilize vertical space, consider adding shelving units to store items like foam rollers, jump ropes, and hand weights, keeping everything neat and accessible in a tight area.
Create a Pop-Up Gym
If space is seriously lacking, consider a pop-up gym. This involves using common areas for scheduled workout periods, bringing in portable equipment for classes like yoga in the breakroom or bodyweight training sessions in an open office. This method requires no permanent space and can easily adapt to different employee fitness preferences and schedules.
Prioritize Minimal Equipment and Bodyweight Exercise
Sometimes, the most effective workouts require the least amount of equipment. Simply designating a small corner for bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can be surprisingly effective. Add a few sets of dumbbells or resistance bands, which are easily storable, and you’ve got a functional workout zone with minimal investment and space.
Pro Tip: Minimize Disruption with Efficient Waste Management
No matter how small your office gym project, you’re bound to have cardboard boxes from equipment, minor construction materials (if adding wall fixtures or flooring), and other debris. To keep your office environment safe and operational during and after the gym setup, consider having a dumpster delivered to your location. A designated waste receptacle on hand can ensure a smooth transition to a fitter workplace without disrupting your core business activities.
Conclusion
By being resourceful and repurposing underutilized areas, any office, regardless of size, can provide its employees with opportunities to focus on their health. Even a small investment in space-saving fitness options can generate substantial benefits, boosting team spirit, increasing output, and fostering a more positive and energetic workplace environment.
