ACSM’s Worksite Health Handbook – 2nd Edition: A Guide to Building Healthy and Productive Companies (American College of Sports Med)

• he health–productivity relationshipInformation on assessment, measurement, & evaluation, including health & productivity assessment tools, the economic returns of health improvement programs, & appropriate use of claims-based analysis & planningA thorough discussion of program design & implementation, including the application of behavior change theory, new ways of using data to engage participants, use of technology & social networks to improve effectiveness, & key features of best-practi
• ce programsAn examination of various strategies for encouraging employee involvement, such as incorporating online communities & e-health, providing incentives, using medical self-care programs, making changes to the built environment, & tying in wellness with health & safetyThe book includes a chapter that covers the implementation process step by step so that you can see how all of the components fit together in the creation of a complete program. You’ll also find four in-depth case studies th
• at offer innovative perspectives on implementing programs in a variety of work settings. Each case study includes a profile of the company, a description of the program & the program goals, information on the population being served, the results of the program, & a summary or discussion of the program. Throughout the book you’ll find practical ideas, approaches, & solutions for implementation as well as examples of best practices & successful programs that will support your efforts in creating i
• nterventions that improve both workers’ health & business performance.The book is endorsed by the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion, a new ACSM affiliate society.Deepen your understanding of the key issues & challenges within worksite health promotion & find the most current research & practice-based information & approaches inside ACSM’s Worksite Health Handbook: A Guide to Building Healthy & Productive Companies, Second Edition.author: American College of Sport Pages: 400
• SHK01516

Encouraging and maintaining a healthy workforce have become key components in the challege to reduce health care expenditures and health-related productivity losses. As companies more fully realize the impact of healthy workers on the financial health of their organization, health promotion professionals seek support to design and implement interventions that generate improvements in workers’ health and business performance.The second edition of ACSM’s Worksite Health Handbook: A Guide to Bui

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Portland, OR (PRWEB) March 29, 2012

It is no surprise that companies care about the health and fitness of their employees. But what many of them didnt count on was an economic recession that required tough decisions on discretionary spending. On-site gym facilities, weight loss programs, and exercise classes, while still highly valued, became lower priority to more fundamental business needs. This was especially true of small and medium-sized businesses. American Fitness, a premier supplier of home and commercial fitness equipment, is beginning to see this turn around. In recent months, American Fitness has seen an increase in the number of companies reinvesting in on-site workout facilities. These companies are investing in their workforce by purchasing everything from popular exercise machines, such as treadmills and ellipticals, to full complements of strength training equipment, like dumbbell sets, power racks, and other weight machines.

It is well publicized that regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. High-stress work and family situations, poor diet, and difficulty sleeping, all contribute to creating unhealthy lifestyles. Yet, whether the issue is time, cost, or motivation, many Americans still struggle to develop and maintain a regular exercise routine. This is where a workplace facility can make a difference. Most are free to employees or have a nominal monthly fee. They are convenient, making it possible to get in a quick weight training session in between meetings without having to drive back and forth across town. Lastly, just their presence can be motivating. It is much harder to make excuses for not exercising when there are top quality weight machines waiting to be used just a short walk away.

For employers, the benefits are a healthier and happier workforce that is more productive, too. Health insurance companies will sometimes reduce rates for companies that invest in fitness equipment for their employees. This in turn can be used to motivate employees to use the gym by offering savings on health insurance premiums. Proof that companies are experiencing these benefits is evidenced by the expansion of their purchases. Many years ago, a workplace fitness center might have had a single exercise bike or multi-station gym. Now, they are expanding this to include a broader range of exercise machines, including specialized strength training equipment, like weight sets, power racks, smith machines, and other weight machines.

We are encouraged to see companies placing a priority again on getting fit, said Ron Thompson, President of AmericanFitness.net. The purchase of a power rack for a company gym not only helps employees build muscles, but also helps them reduce stress, lose weight, and achieve healthier lifestyles. All of this can have a positive impact on both the workforce and the bottom line.

All types of companies can benefit workplace fitness centers. Obvious choices are offices with lots of sedentary jobs. But non-office workers, such as drivers who sit all day in a truck or other mode of transportation, can also benefit from a centrally-located, company-provided place to exercise.

About American Fitness

American Fitness is a leading retailer of home and commercial fitness equipment. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, AmericanFitness.net is the chosen provider of fitness equipment for schools, hotels, public service agencies, and US military organizations across the United States and abroad. American Fitness specializes in custom gym and fitness center design using top brand equipment including home gyms, treadmills, elliptical trainers, weights, and other popular exercise equipment. With a focus on service and customer satisfaction, American Fitness seeks to support individuals and organizations in achieving fit and healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit the companys website at http://www.americanfitness.net.