What does lunchtime mean to you? A chance to catch up on emails or squeeze in another meeting? If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. A new study reveals a staggering 70 percent of UK employees take less than an hour for lunch and the average break lasts just 31 minutes. And fewer of us are getting Active when on Lunch, with many citing workload, stress levels and workplace culture as barriers to breaking a sweat.
Get Active when on Lunch
Not only are the breaks shorter, but they are also inactive. A quarter of employees spend their time browsing the internet, 23 percent catch up on work and 20 percent scroll on their phones. Those who do manage to get out (17 percent) use the small window to run errands.
To buck this trend, Red Bull is encouraging you to get Active when on Lunch with a series of free fitness classes throughout Mental Health Awareness Month.
“There is a huge amount of research and evidence that links positive benefits to people who exercise in the working day,” personal trainer Claire Kremer explains.
“Exercising at lunchtime will increase your energy levels, reduce stress and improve mood, concentration and brain power.”
And it’s not just the employees who benefit. Claire says businesses can be boosted by a workforce that is active and healthy, with staff more focussed and productive as a result.
There is a clear business case for investing in workplace wellbeing. Sickness and absence cost the UK economy £26bn each year. Exercise is a proven way to reduce this figure.
Red Bull is offering free ticketed lunchtime classes, open for anyone who wants to join throughout the month of May. They will also be hosting a series of workout videos and advice on RedBull.com/AWOL to help encourage people to get Active when on Lunch.
Red Bull’s ‘Active when on Lunch’ classes:
1. Strength & Endurance – hosted by Milo and the Bull
Milo and the Bull will offer a high energy, intense conditioning session that will provide a fat burning combination of cardiovascular and strength work. This true full body workout will push you to the limits but enjoy the benefits.
2. Competitive – hosted by UN1T
N1T hosts its ALLY classes. Allegiances will be necessary to complete our most partner-based class. With a focus on cardio, you’ll be given a task to complete with your ALLY. Complete the amount of reps per exercise within the set amount of time and your allegiance will only get stronger. We get stronger together! What to expect: Pair up to complete the class, cardio based AMRAP with high intensity and high calorie burn.
3. Pilates – hosted by BandForce
Join BandForce and train using the power of the resistance band to not only strengthen but mobilise the joints and lengthen those muscles. The class will teach you how to make the most of your bodies movements capabilities using a simple and effective tool. A workout to automatically wake up your body.
4. Strength & Mobility – hosted by ONYX
This class is designed to improve range of movement, increase muscular strength, alleviate pain and prevent injury, as well as improve your performance in the gym and other sports activities. Expect a relaxed, fun atmosphere, tailored to all abilities and geared to unlocking your movement potential whilst educating you on new ways to challenge your body.
5. HIIT with a twist – hosted by Sophie Grace Holmes
This class is designed to improve your cardiovascular fitness while challenging your strength and mind by variety of fun energetic body weight movements which will test your limits, strength, power and endurance. It is tailored to all abilities and will educate you in new ways you can unlock your potential and aid all areas of your life from your fitness goals in and out of the gym to becoming more motivated and focussed to seek your own capabilities.
Want to get involved? For more information and to sign up for inspiration and workout ideas, visit redbull.co.uk/AWOL.
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