Local MP pledges support for Workout at Work Day

Local MP, Andrew Bridgen has today pledged his support for Workout at Work Day and called on local people to do more to stay active at work.

Workout at Work Day is being organised by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to mark World Physical Therapy Day on 8 September 2011 and help promote ways for people to be more active in their daily lives. Staying fit and active not only helps improve productivity at work, but can also improve people’s sense of health and wellbeing.

The MP for North West Leicestershire said: “There are plenty of things we could all do to help keep us active and healthy at work - from taking a proper lunch break to making sure we have a good posture at our desk. If we take these little steps then we can help improve our productivity at work and our general wellbeing.

Research by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has found that 31% of people experienced pain at work at least once a week, with back pain reported as the most common physical problem (65%) followed by shoulder pain (37%) and neck pain (37%).

Andrew said: “I am pledging my support for Workout at Work Day and asking local businesses to encourage their staff to stay active during the work day.”

A report produced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found that time taken off work with a musculoskeletal disorder, such as back pain, costs the UK £7.4 billion a year. Employers can greatly reduce these costs by encouraging better working habits, such as regular hours and a proper lunch break, and also by providing early access to services, such as physiotherapy.

Pauline Cole, an occupational physiotherapist from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said: “The human body is designed for movement and keeping active helps us to maintain healthy muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. This helps to keep us more comfortable and improve our general sense of wellbeing.

“Incorporating exercise into our daily activities, such as work, can be a low-cost option that doesn't require us to take too much time out of our everyday busy lives, whist also helping us to become more active and improve our fitness. If you’ve got a pre-existing condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, getting more active is a great way to help you manage your health.”

The CSP has produced some top tips to help people improve their health while they are at work. Further details can be found on its website here: http://www.csp.org.uk/your-health/healthy-living/workout-work-day-8-sept...