Automaker Encourages Employees to Stay Fit by Joining a Walking League

Corporate bloat isn't limited to high salaries or operations costs- many employees and managers are overweight and inactive. Company sponsored walking leagues run by Fitbug are generating results - weight loss, improved stamina and more productivity. The friendly competition and ease of use encourages workers of all ages to stick with the program.

(PRWEB) December 16, 2005 -- Whether you work on a factory floor or stare at a computer all day, it’s difficult to find time to exercise and stay fit. So instead of joining a health club, the people at a leading auto maker in the United Kingdom formed a walking league run by Fitbug. Each walker gets a “Bug” – a small, computerized device that slips in their pocket and can track their steps, distance covered, calories and fat burned off. Fitbug, www.myfitbug.com is smart enough to know how much of their activity is aerobic. Aerobic activity comes from sustained exercise and is considered vital for cardiovascular health.

Walkers can see the results add up and pounds come off. The fun part is when they upload the information and check the website to see how well they’re doing compared with all the other walkers in the league. Every Monday, Fitbug walkers can get an update and suggested fitness and menu plan for the coming week. When they reach a goal, an email congratulates them. If they fall a little short, they get a gentle encouragement. Nutrition and fitness gurus are on duty to answer specific questions and offer personalized advice. Normal response is within 24 hours. Users set the pace, and Fitbug helps them get a little bit more fit every step of the way.

Company leagues are designed to keep the work force fit and reduce lost work days, however the same program is available for families and groups as small as two. Even if you don’t live in the same city, you can have a walking buddy online. Early feedback indicates that a combination of mutual support and a little bit of competition keeps people motivated to use stairs instead of elevators, walk to a park during lunch and walk down the hall to a co-worker instead of always emailing. All those steps add up and Fitbug keeps track of them all.

Physicians agree that obesity and diabetes are global problems, and especially serious in the USA. The good news is they also agree that regular exercise, specifically walking, can help reverse the trend. Simply walking a little more at home, work and leisure directly affects weight loss and improves overall fitness.

For more information, take a free tour at www.MyFitbug.com. For information on setting up a corporate walking league, contact fitbug@peppergroup.com.

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