PRECOR
ENCOURAGES
EMPLOYEES
TO EXERCISE
By Toni Krasicki
being active as ‘exercise’, they see
physical activity as a fun part of their
daily routine and a necessary activity
that helps them enjoy other aspects
of their lives.’ Rob says that it’s easy to
be active in the Pacific Northwest as
employees have access, even during
the work week, to hiking, skiing and trail
running. Alternatively, when the wet
weather puts a damper on things, the
Precor campus has three indoor fitness
facilities available for employees to use.
Numerous studies have shown that being
active produces many physical and
mental benefits such as better sleep,
stress relief and weight management.
Precor is taking this research
seriously and implementing it for the
advancement of both the business
and their employee’s general wellness.
‘For many of our employees, there’s no
better way to get around a work-related
road block than by going for a run and
taking time to think,’ says Rob. ‘Having
the time to be physically active gives our
employees ‘me time’ during a hectic
work day and often leads to productive
teamwork and problem solving.’
T
he latest research suggests that Australia’s working
environments are having a negative impact on
the health and fitness of the population. A national
survey* of over 1,100 Australians reveal that 51 per cent of
workers either never take a lunch break or take one only
sometimes. With 55.64 per cent of workers taking a break
sitting at their desk, in the car or in the work lunchroom, its
little wonder Australians are spending too much time on
their butts.
22
In the US companies such as Precor
are redefining company culture and
taking the health and wellness of their
employees personally. Rob Barker,
President of the exercise equipment
giant says that ‘The Precor mission is to
help people live the lives they desire. As
employees, we work hard every day to
help our customers live their best lives,
but we also strive to lead well-balanced
and healthy lives.’
Whether staying active through
‘traditional’ fitness activities like
running and strength training, or more
adventurous pursuits like rock climbing
and hiking, Rob says that his employees
stay active year round. ‘Many of our
employees commute to work via bike,
regardless of the season and during
the summer months some employees
participate in ‘runch’ (running lunch), as
well as group hikes.’ Both, says Rob are
great ways to get outdoors, exercise and
bond with co-workers, which is a great
way to nurture friendships and for stress
relief.
‘Most of our employees don’t even view
Rob is a firm believer that in order to
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SPRING 2015
create the best fitness solutions on the
market it’s important that employees
take a hands-on approach and by
doing so can help identify any issues
with or improvements needed with the
products. ‘Often our employees are
the ones who suggest new features or
design ideas because they are using our
products, and our competitors’ products,
on a daily basis,’ says Rob about why
employees are encouraged to use their
products.
Having the time
to be physically
active gives our
employees ‘me
time’ during a
hectic work day
and often leads
to productive
teamwork and
problem solving.
Just as many Australian companies
offer employee corporate rates for gym
memberships, social team sports and
in-house exercise classes, Precor also
offers a variety of incentives and perks to
encourage exercise outside the office.
As part of the Amer Sports Corporation
(the world’s largest equipment
manufacturer), Rob says that employees
are offered generous discounts on
equipment and active apparel from
sister brands such as Sunnto and
Salomon as well as discounts on road
races, gym memberships and Precor
equipment.
So is allowing employees the time to
exercise just about overall wellness?
Rob says it’s more than that; it’s about
creating a team that can take the
business to the next level. And just
like the planning, dedication and the
teamwork that go in to preparing for a
race or team sport, the same principles
can directly apply to the professional
work environment. ‘Much of what we do
WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - SPRING 2015
in the office depends on an employees
ability to work towards goals, practice
good time management and planning
skills, and of course being part of a
team.’
*Survey undertaken by the organisers of
the Australian Fitness & Health Expo.
Rob says that Precor’s culture
is best summed up in the Precor creed:
I desire a life without limits.
I believe fitness is key to living the life I desire.
I believe in the power of the human spirit.
I believe the human body is an amazing thing.
I believe tomorrow will be even better because of my actions today.
I believe in the importance of doing things right versus first.
I believe in mutual respect and the overwhelming returns of sharing.