9 Innovative Ways to Promote Physical Activity as Part of Wellness Programs
Discover the latest strategies for weaving physical activity into wellness programs, with practical advice backed by industry experts. This article delves into innovative methods that are not only effective but easily integrated into daily routines. Gain valuable insights on how to revitalize health initiatives and engage individuals at every level.
- Implement WalkingSpree for Fitness Challenges
- Integrate Movement Snacks Throughout Workday
- Encourage Creative Movement Approaches
- Offer Incentives for Health Competitions
- Create Accountability Through Buddy System
- Use Wellness Point System
- Design Customized Injury Prevention Programs
- Establish Mini Wellness Hubs
- Hold In-Office Contest with Big Incentive
Implement WalkingSpree for Fitness Challenges
Although we have on-site exercise classes, boot camps, stretch bands available, yoga mats, and workout videos galore, one recent strategy that we are utilizing is to implement an exercise platform called WalkingSpree. We have partnered with our medical insurance plan and this new company to bring exciting fitness challenges and competitions throughout our school district.
After an employee has registered, they can earn badges, request friends who also work for the District, and compete for special awards and incentives. Additionally, every week active employees will receive an email with helpful tips regarding nutrition, exercise, hydration, and mental health strategies. Teachers can track their daily calories by logging their meals on the app, discover which team members have taken the most steps, and create a virtual walking club with coworkers.
WalkingSpree is customized with our logos and also allows employees to set personal goals. This has been a great way to motivate staff with text message alerts and reminders that another team may be outperforming another. WalkingSpree has been a fun way to bring out the spirit of competition and encourage staff to get their sneakers out of the closet. There are over 100 fun, motivational, and health-centric challenges to choose from to inspire an active lifestyle and camaraderie in the workplace.
Tina Severance-Fonte
Wellness Coordinator, Broward Schools & Private Consulting
Integrate Movement Snacks Throughout Workday
One innovative way to promote physical activity in employee wellness programs is to integrate “movement snacks” throughout the workday—brief, structured breaks where employees perform simple exercises like squats, stretches, or desk push-ups. We’ve also seen success with “Walk & Talk” meetings, where employees discuss projects while walking instead of sitting.
Low-cost strategies like step challenges, walking breaks, and strategically placing office equipment to encourage movement can further boost activity levels. Incorporating walking desks or standing meetings can also promote long-term habit change. By making movement a natural part of the workday, employers can improve productivity, reduce musculoskeletal pain, and enhance overall employee well-being.
Stephanie Weyrauch
Physical Therapist, MovementX Physical Therapy
Encourage Creative Movement Approaches
Promoting physical activity within employee wellness programs doesn’t have to rely solely on traditional methods like gym memberships or step challenges. Encouraging employees to approach movement creatively can make physical activity feel more natural and enjoyable, increasing engagement and overall well-being. For example, replacing traditional sit-down meetings with “walk-and-talk” meetings is a simple yet innovative idea. Walking alongside a co-worker not only promotes movement but also fosters a sense of equality by literally placing you shoulder-to-shoulder. This informal setting can encourage open communication and strengthen workplace relationships while incorporating gentle exercise into the workday.
Another creative approach is to empower employees to use physical activity as a tool to manage stress and anxiety. For instance, during moments of anxiety or tension, employees can take a quick five-minute break in a private, lockable space like a single-stall bathroom or office. By putting on earbuds and dancing to a favorite song, they can quickly release tension, improve their mood, and sneak in some exercise. These moments of joyful movement are not only effective at dissipating anxiety but also contribute to a more energized and positive mindset. By promoting unconventional but accessible activities like these, wellness programs can inspire employees to integrate physical activity into their day in a way that feels personal, fun, and achievable.
Mike Veny
CEO & Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, Mike Veny, Inc.
Offer Incentives for Health Competitions
I believe the best way to motivate someone is by offering an incentive that they cannot get anywhere else.
With the growth of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and heart disease, taking care of your health has never seemed more important. Those that learn about why we’ve reached this point soon find out about all the limitations that our current health system has. Therefore, a great incentive to get people moving would be an opportunity to experience concierge level of treatment.
Companies could set quarterly, or semiannual competitions for which the winner would receive some sort of package that included high level medical care. This could include DEXA Scans, VO2 Max tests, genetic testing, gut microbiome testing, etc. These are tests that are beneficial to most people, but usually outside of their knowledge or financial reach. They could be used to really motivate employees, and it could lead to profound discoveries that would not have made themselves known until later in life.
Promoting physical activity today by incentivizing long-term health is a creative approach that helps you keep your team healthier for longer.
Jorge Mora
Performance Health Coach
Create Accountability Through Buddy System
I have found the most innovative way is to create accountability either through a buddy system or gamifying the activity via competition. Whether you have a wellness colleague that helps you stay on track or have departments compete against each other, the community aspect and competitive nature can make physical activity fun instead of cumbersome or forced. Most importantly, ask employees for their feedback and be sure to meet them where they are. If everyone has fitness trackers or uses their phones to monitor steps, build that into your program. The greatest success comes from programs where employees feel a part of the process and empowered instead of being forced into it.
Allison Jackson
Founder, Allison Jackson Fitness
Use Wellness Point System
Getting physical activity into employee wellness programs can be tough but a wellness point system is an idea that works. The concept is simple: employees earn points for physical activity and can redeem them for rewards. It turns wellness into a game-like experience, making participation fun and inclusive.
For instance, we introduced a system where points were awarded for various activities-logging daily steps, attending fitness classes or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator. What made this work was the flexibility. Employees could choose activities that fit their schedule and preferences so no one felt forced into a program. Someone who loves to run could earn the same points as someone who prefers yoga or walking their dog.
The point system also created a sense of community. We displayed leaderboards in a common area and teams started to compete with each other. To keep it light and fun we also recognized participation milestones so even those not at the top felt celebrated. It wasn’t just about rewards like gift cards or extra time off-though those were great incentives—it was about creating an environment where physical activity became part of the workplace culture.
This wasn’t just about individual health benefits. Over time we noticed higher engagement and morale across the board. Employees started to organize group activities like lunchtime walks or weekend hikes without any formal prompting. It became a shared experience that strengthened relationships and improved workplace dynamics.
The best thing about a wellness point system is you can customize it to your organization’s culture. Add in creative challenges or team goals and it turns physical activity from a task into a reward and a habit for life for both employees and the organization.
Soubhik Chakrabarti
CEO, Canada Hustle
Design Customized Injury Prevention Programs
As an employer, it’s clear that you aim to minimize injuries within your workforce. But beyond hope, proactive strategies are essential. Here are several proactive measures to reduce the risk of both work-related and non-work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and disorders:
- Ergonomic Assessments: Provide personalized evaluations and adjustments to employee workstations to lower injury risks and enhance comfort.
- Interactive Health and Wellness Workshops: Conduct engaging sessions focused on injury prevention and health improvement, featuring education, live demonstrations, and interactive Q&A.
- Movement Screens & Risk Assessments: Use advanced technology to analyze movement patterns and identify potential injury risks, producing objective data for mitigation.
- Individualized Strength and Conditioning: Offer one-on-one personal training to help employees meet their movement and fitness goals, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury. We also address metabolic conditions like weight loss, cardiovascular health, and diabetes.
- Targeted Education and Self-Guided Courses: Provide online, interactive courses that empower employees to manage pain and prevent injuries effectively.
By embracing early physical therapy and conservative care, employers can significantly reduce MSK-related costs while enhancing the overall health and productivity of their workforce.
Keaton Ray
COO, Co-Founder, Physical Therapist, MovementX, Inc.
Establish Mini Wellness Hubs
Establish mini wellness hubs in your workspace-resistance bands, stability balls, or stretching diagrams. One construction firm had hydration and stretching stations on the job—guys could get a drink or stretch—or take a break to do a set of crunches. Ultimately, they found less low back pain and increased productivity. When health and wellness are inextricably linked to the normal work environment, it’s welcomed and comprehended. There’s no need to compartmentalize exercise; it can mesh with the daily routine.
Chris Hunter
Director of Customer Relations, ServiceTitan
Hold In-Office Contest with Big Incentive
Hold an in-office contest with a big incentive for the winner!
An example of this would be:
- A “Biggest Loser”-type of competition.
- The employee who loses the most weight over a specific amount of time (30 days, 60 days).
- Offer a cash reward or a gift card for the winner.
- Encourage staff members to participate in wellness programs together.
- Promote the winner across the company’s internal newsletter(s) and/or social media.
Implementing a creative approach to improving wellness among colleagues not only boosts morale but it keeps the staff healthier…resulting in fewer employee sick days and staffing shortages throughout the year.
Stefanee Clontz
Director of Operations, Hydra+