While 88% of employed Canadians spend their work break time on personal activities such as checking social networking sites or chatting with colleagues, only 17% make time for physical activity during their work days, according to a survey released Monday.
The survey was commissioned by non-profit group ParticipACTION, self-described as being “solely dedicated to inspiring and supporting healthy and active living for Canadians.”
Today kicks off ParticipACTION’s Sneak It In Week – a public awareness initiative geared at helping Canadians “sneak in” short amounts of physical activity during their work days.
“If you can fit in a coffee break, you probably have time to sneak in physical activity too,” said Kelly Murumets, president and CEO of ParticipACTION.
The organization is encouraging Canadians to wear sneakers as much as possible during Sneak It In Week, which runs April 9 through 13, to enable physical activity.
ParticipACTION is advocating that employees consider adding 10-minute stints of physical activity to their work days by simple activities such as:
- getting coffee or lunch a few extra blocks away;
- having a walking meeting with colleagues; and
- parking a 10-minute walk away from work.
“We know only 15% of Canadian adults are getting enough physical activity and that everyone is busy, but fitting physical activity into your work day can be easier than you think,” Murumets said.
“If you cannot get to the gym, think of other simple ways to get active at work like starting a lunchtime walking group or booking a conference room to do a power yoga session.”
