Week 2 Peak Performance Winter Guide Blog:
The Power of Movement: Staying Active in a Busy Hospital
In a fast-paced hospital environment, finding time to exercise regularly may be challenging. Here’s the good news: every bit of movement counts! You don’t need a full hour at the gym to make meaningful progress toward better health. Small, consistent bursts of activity throughout your day can be just as powerful—sometimes even more so. Working in a busy hospital environment, finding time for a dedicated exercise routine can feel impossible. Our hope is by reviewing some of these tips and exploring the Peak Performance Winter Guide, it will encourage you to fit as much movement as you can daily.
Movement Throughout the Day Matters More a Set “Gym Time”
For the last few years, research shows that moving often throughout the day results in tremendous health benefits. While structured workouts are great and should still be incorporated in an exercise program, the everyday activities you weave into your exercise routine, like walking between units, taking the stairs, and stretching between tasks, contribute significantly to your overall wellbeing.
One of the best ways to understand the impact of daily movement is through VO₂ max, which measures your body’s ability to use oxygen during physical activity. It’s considered the gold standard for cardiovascular fitness. A 2016 American Heart Association study found that individuals with higher VO₂ max scores had significantly lower mortality risk—independent of other health factors. In fact, VO₂ max was shown to be a stronger predictor of mortality than several well-known risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or hypertension. (Circulation, 2016.)known risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or hypertension.
Do Quick, High-Impact Activities at WorkImpact Activities You Can Do at Work
Even in a demanding hospital setting, there are simple and time efficient ways to improve your fitness:efficient ways to improve your fitness:
- Stair bursts: Just 2 minutes of stair climbing, three times per day, has been shown to increase VO₂ max by about 5% in six weeks.
- Count your steps:
- Walking 5,000 steps per day can reduce mortality rate by 43% and lower Type 2 diabetes risk by 9%.cause mortality by
- Walking 7,000 steps per day increases those benefits, reducing mortality rate by 47% and diabetes risk by 14%.cause mortality by
When Time Is Tight Always Remember
If you feel like you never have time to exercise, you’re not alone. Research shows that small, frequent movements throughout your day add up and support your long-term health.term health
Every walk down the hallway, every flight of stairs, stopping to do a couple of squats or a stretching break, every moment you choose to move instead of taking a seat, contributes to a healthier you. Earn rewards with every movement with Wellness University
Every step you take on our Thrive walking paths and every flight of stairs you climb can now bring you closer to exciting Wellness University rewards. Just track your movement, submit your credits, and earn great rewards.
If you’re not part of Wellness University, now it is the perfect time to enroll. Sign up today, get moving, and start earning rewards that support your wellbeing. Your healthiest self is just a few steps away!