The study was done by Jim McKenna, PhD, MSc, from Leeds Metropolitan University in England. He surveyed 210 office workers who used their company gym, asking them to rate their frame of mind, work performance, and workload on seven-point scales at the end of each day. He compared the results on days the exercised at work and days they didn’t exercise at work. The exercise typically included 45-60 minutes of group exercise classes during the noon hour.
Dr. McKenna reported that the ratings for mental-interpersonal performance, the ability to manage time, and productivity were significantly higher on the days the employees exercised. The study found that 65% of those surveyed improved their scores in all three areas on exercise days.
In addition to improving your relationships and work performance, there is the added benefit to employers in that employees who exercise have fewer medical and health-related expenses. They also have fewer sick days, and better attendance.
Source: American College of Sports Medicine News Release, June 2005.
Last Review Date: June 2006
