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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Adults need recess, tooOn-the-job programs add physical activity to workdays

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(Health Day News) – Think recess, and you’ll probably smile. What wasn’t to like about a break in the school day set aside for running and playing, for friends and fun?

Now fast-forward to your adult life. What if your workplace started offering recess on the job?

Some medical experts think it’s not only a good idea but possibly one of the most solid tactics dreamed up for getting America up and moving.

Adult recess would involve a 10-minute break in the workday, when employees would be led through a series of fun and easy routines involving dance and sports-like moves.

The idea may be catching on. Employer-sponsored exercise is a big part of the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, a cooperative effort by a number of health and fitness organizations to promote physical activity in public settings.

“When we can build physical activity into an easy, achievable part of our day, it’s a lot less daunting for people,” said Allison Kleinfelter, a consultant with the National Physical Activity Plan.

The benefit of adult recess hinges on physical activity guidelines put out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which recommends that all adults receive at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.

But a person doesn’t need to stack up those minutes during a few sessions, because moderate or vigorous effort will benefit overall health even if each session is as short as 10 minutes.

Businesses in Japan have been doing this sort of thing for years, but Kleinfelter said it’s been tough to sell Americans on the idea of doing jumping jacks and other calisthenics.

“Instant Recess can help prevent weight gain and head off diabetes,” said Dr. Antronette K. Yancey, a professor in the department of health services a the University of California.

Her research also has found that productivity increased and workplace injuries decreased at businesses where recess has been implemented.

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