Press ReleasesAuburn Yoga plans grand opening partyAuburn, CA (Auburn Journal) August 28, 2008 -- The kick-off of Auburn Yoga & Fitness Studio will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6, showing of a remodeled 1,100 square-foot site in Victorian Village.Free yoga, stability ball, senior yoga, aerobics, and conditioning classes for men and women follow Sept. 8-13. Auburn Yoga & Fitness Studio is located at 1175 Grass Valley Highway. For information, call (530) 889-2920 or visit www.AuburnYF.com. Bay Bridge Fitness Challenges TV-News Websites with Health PlacementBay Bridge Fitness, determined to reduce rising health care costs, addresses health and fitness education through Television News Websites. "We will tackle this issue in any venue available."Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) June 12, 2007 -- Beyond spotlighting corporate wellness, California's Bay Bridge Fitness has put into action a campaign to educate the public through TV-News websites. Gwenn Jones, general manager of Bay Bridge Fitness. Bay Bridge Fitness, is determined to accomplish this by suggesting Health, Nutrition and Fitness sections on various Television-News websites. One such Sacramento TV-News site recently implemented an entire health-fitness department just one month after Jones pushed the issue to their news producers. The site's health section thrusts beyond the ordinary health news feeds. "I offered to build and manage their website health section, however they chose to launch it from an internet broadcaster," Jones says. "Not as community-based as I would choose, but it is now live and a great start in health education." Jones is currently enticing another TV-news website to match them. "Employers deserve a healthy workforce. Splashing TV-News websites with legitimate health education from skilled professionals is appropriate," says Jones, certified PT, GFT. "A health information section is relatively simple provided proper information and articles are rendered and approved. That said; add the graphics and a valuable public health venue is available." General statistics report 70-75% of all health-care dollars are spent on illness or disease caused by unhealthy lifestyles. For corporations, the term "wellness program" appears costly and frightening. Confronting that fear, Bay Bridge Fitness recommended low-cost efforts to achieve healthier employees in "Small Corporations Need Healthy Employees Too." Jones says, "For the next step, we need to add vast, readily available education for individuals. TV-News websites are frequently visited by those individuals." TV-News site visitors can educate themselves on today's health issues and potential solutions with proper articles and health tips. For example, discover safe back exercises, read case studies, and learn intricate details regarding nutrition outside the eat-less-lose-fat behavior. Viewers can also learn about colon health, heart health, hypertension, back pain, cholesterol, skin health, etc. The TV-News site benefits with: A health section that clearly exhibits personalized focus, community commitment to health, more web pages, more ad clicks, increased visitor-base, and a secure new home for important health articles. "There are excellent health websites the public can surf, but why not keep News site visitors planted on the site they visit each day or week?" Jones asks. Television News websites are tremendous public resources. Utilizing them more broadly by adding health and fitness departments is easily accomplished and will set new standards. For information on Health-Fitness website development, please contact Bay Bridge Fitness below. Past News features from Bay Bridge Fitness: Potentials Magazine, New York, "Fast Track to Fitness" URL: http://www.potentialsmag.com/msg/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000650981 Mining-services.com URL: http://www.mining-services.com/forums/Safety_and_Training_C11/Safety_Bulletins_-_Press_Releases_- _Industry_News_F63/Small_Corporations_Need_Healthy_Employees_Too_-_September_1%2C_2004_P520/ About Bay Bridge Fitness: Located near Sacramento, California, Bay Bridge Fitness is run by fitness experts certified by the American Council on Exercise. With over 20 years in the fitness industry including corporate, group, private fitness training, and website design in health and fitness, Bay Bridge continues passionate efforts to build wellness in the workplace. For more information call: 530-889-2920, or visit: http://www.BayBridgeFitness.com. Contact: Gwenn Jones, ACE-certified personal trainer & group fitness Bay Bridge Fitness, California http://www.baybridgecentral.com ### Fast Track to FitnessPressed by rising health care costs, more companies are launching fitness programs for employees. Here's how incentives play a supporting role in the quest for a healthier workforce.By Jonathan Pont - OCTOBER 01, 2004 - Gwenn Jones occasionally walks up and down the hallways of companies for which she doesn't really work. Jones hasn't come as an interloper or to poach information for a rival business. Rather, she's there to motivate employees to get into better physical condition. Usually, people notice her right away—particularly at the smaller companies she tends to work with. "People stop me and we talk for a few minutes," says Jones, general manager of Bay Bridge Fitness, an Auburn, California, firm that sets up fitness programs in the workplace. "They ask, 'What should I do to improve my posture?' or 'How do I get rid of this belly?'" Jones says her informal meetings promote activities at the companies she visits, helping generate buzz that's essential in the first days and weeks. But there's another purpose: Showing employees that somebody cares. "People who never get support on the outside can thrive in a corporate environment," Jones says. "They get that camaraderie. Once they start hearing success stories they join in. Someone shows they're proud of them or shows support, and that builds adherence. All we have to do is teach a new lifestyle." It's a fact: More companies are setting up fitness programs for employees. But to promote healthier habits and glean the rewards, a company has to approach a fitness initiative much as it would any other business venture—and make sure employees are on board, too. The Role of Incentives - Keeping employees fit is hardly a new concept. Blue-chip companies employ full-time health and wellness specialists, usually corporate officers with the clout to push a new initiative company wide, quickly and efficiently. And health promotion is widespread throughout the American business landscape, too: According to human resources consultancy Hewitt Associates, 95 percent of organizations surveyed in 2003 offer some form of health promotion programs. The number-one reason: to contain health care costs, whose premiums have risen by double digits in each of the past four years, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The Hewitt study also revealed another figure that's on the rise: The use of incentives by companies as an inducement to change workers' attitudes about fitness—and ultimately, their behavior. In 1993, only 14 percent of companies used incentives to promote fitness initiatives. Now, the figure is over 40 percent. Most incentives take the form of reimbursement. For example, the county of Napa, California, provides funds for employees' gym membership. All participants have to do is work out twice a week for six months at an accredited facility and the county picks up 60 percent of the cost. Napa County workers have enjoyed this healthy perk for close to 20 years. Too few people hit the gym twice a week, however. Some businesses use incentives to get people to take a closer look at their health as a first step to improvement. Xerox, the Stamford, Connecticut-based office equipment and services provider, offers individuals who complete an online health assessment $200 toward the cost of their benefits each year. And if the assessment shows an increased risk—in this case, three or more red flags, like being overweight or using tobacco, the employee has the option of meeting with a health coach to make healthy changes. Businesses aren't alone: Some insurers have explored incentives to encourage people covered by their policies. Blue Shield of California has a pilot program that's similar to Xerox's; another health insurer, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, offers discounts to subscribers on fitness products, from Lands' End workout apparel to diet programs at Jenny Craig weight loss centers. Other successful incentives have less formal structures. Jones says motivators toward better health can take many forms, ranging from a tee shirt with a theme to gift certificates for workout apparel or feel-good outings, like a manicure or a trip to a day spa. But she counsels clients to provide employees with opportunities that will lead them to long-term results. One simple, low-cost idea: providing exercise-related literature and videos in a designated workout room. Even adding dumbbells and mats is a low-cost inducement. Jones recounts a favorite example intended to have lasting benefits: a company that sent employees to a supermarket with a nutritionist to learn how to understand labels on food packaging. Ultimately, Jones says that a company succeeds when fitness has the backing of management. That means clear communication, an understanding of expectations and goals, and meaningful incentives. (Article continued below)
Getting Started - Companies are adding wellness programs at a faster clip. But to help reduce health-related expenditures while boosting morale and fitness, management has to get behind any initiative, be it an online health assessment or a new exercise facility. In the latter instance, even a modest gym can be a boon to a growing company. One factor that distinguishes a successful fitness program is whether employees find the equipment easy to use. "It should be something that appeals to most," says John Hulit, medical and new markets manager for SportsArt, a Woodinville, Washington, provider of exercise equipment. The basics include cardiovascular equipment like recumbent bicycles—easier, Hulit says, to get on and off of than traditional stationary machines, and whose design puts less strain on the back and heart. Whether for a gym or as part of a reward, buyers should consider equipment whose features are intuitive, especially gear that has electronic components, like a heart-rate monitor. Creativity can help drive participation, too, especially, Jones says, if employees are part of the process before decisions get made about factors like program features, location, and even cost. (A nominal fee can help encourage participants to attend an on-site facility, but employees might see a mandatory fee levied company wide as punitive.) Once up and running, companies can keep a fitness program from getting tired by adding to it. That's what Xerox has done. Years ago, the company offered employees the opportunity to take part in leisure activities as an element of its Xerox Recreational Association. Then, team sports were the rule. Today, the company offers Pilates and yoga classes, too. And Xerox regularly brings in experts to conduct classes on healthy cooking. What's the Return? - In today's economy, a business may not have the resources to implement extensive features. And in an era when basic health care coverage is rising in cost, a new gym might appear luxurious, or be out of reach. Jones says that the smallest steps can have ripple effects. She suggests inviting speakers from the American Heart Association to talk about ways individuals can improve cardiovascular health, or stocking company vending machines with an array of healthy foods. Jones says employees respond to small initiatives, like having a trainer available to show employees how to properly use new gym equipment. That's something SportsArt's Hulit says applies equally to a reward meant for home use: Buyers with an eye on fitness rewards ought to look for equipment that is set up and tested for a recipient immediately upon delivery. Want to really get someone enthused about his new home set-up? Think about hiring a personal trainer for a short introductory period to get him comfortable, up-to-speed, and on his way to better health, fitness, and productivity. Beyond slimmer-appearing workers, employers will want to know the return on investment of such programs. Research studies on health promotion have found that every dollar spent can save companies or their employees three dollars in health-related expenses in as little as three years. Other benefits, however, will materialize much sooner, like energized employees and improved morale, and will certainly appear with a reward to which nothing can compare. "The best incentive," Jones says, is "when your health is better and you're feeling better." Potentialsmag.com Potentials Magazine, New York Small Corporations Need Healthy Employees TooMore Corporations determined to get a handle on health insurance costs tackle the issue head on, at the front door, by providing health-fitness programs to their workforce. What about smaller companies with limited budgets?Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) September 1, 2004 -- Large companies providing corporate fitness programs still report positive outcomes across the U.S. such as Motorola, Travelers, Coors Brewing, and General Mills with 150-650% ROIs. So where are opportunities for small-to-medium Corporations who need to lower healthcare costs? Many businesses do not have funds for long-term contract organizations providing employee wellness-fitness programs. Spare buildings for onsite gyms are not necessarily "handy" for every company either. Gwenn Jones, manager of Bay Bridge Fitness in California, suggests numerous low-cost options for small-to-medium companies to consider for starting corporate wellness: 1) Small, neighboring businesses could develop co-op space with shared costs, and pull in a qualified fitness trainer once a week or once a month. (Insurance liability issues need to be reviewed.) 2) Some local health clubs who offer corporate-employee discounts now partner with major health insurance providers. Those providers have even included 8 or 10 free personal training sessions. This is a key incentive since often new participants, who are coach-less, quit their fitness and nutrition program within the first three weeks. 3) A good start is some education and awareness literature – this is a minimal cost. One Alabama-based company, Oakstone Wellness, publishes useful health literature that is realistic and simple. 4) Often trainers or fitness program coordinators will reduce their rates just to promote a fitness program, and ensure employees work out safely and effectively. This aids their progression and education, induces adherence, and shows management participation and support. (A seasoned trainer realizes the benefits of that belt notch.) 5) Invite a speaker in to address a topic-of-the-month like, "Heart-healthy eating." Develop and promote an appropriate title giving employees motivation to attend, for example: "Heart-healthy eating and how it conquers weight gain." In addition, never have a speaker who passes out nothing. Ensure there is a relative article, some statistics, or a newsletter, with contact info included for employees to take away. Something informal is best. 6) Certified fitness trainers can also come in for a blood-pressure fair – which involves a simple setup in a conference room. Most employees are unaware of their own blood pressure and how it increases with weight gain. 7) How about a workout floor with a video tape library of exercise tapes for cardio and strength workouts? Add a dumbbell rack and some floor mats. This is all minimal expense. 8) A December 27, 2002 article from the St. Louis Business Journal offers several other economical ideas on utilizing community health resources (entitled: Fitness in the workplace boosts productivity, morale). The foremost strategies for a winning fitness program are known: Management support, employee participation, good program design and follow-up evaluations. Smaller corporations are capable of this commitment starting with one of the above suggestions. Employee-investing has become sound policy for Corporations in regard to attractive employee benefits, increased profits, and employee retention. Reducing the risks of developing conditions such as diabetes, stroke or cardiac disease associated with overweight is just smart practice. "All businesses small or large need a healthier workforce and the majority of employees are showing enthusiasm for reliable health guidance. Shore up the front door instead of layering on costly bandages later. It pays to ask around in the health-fitness industry – get on the phone, the internet, read articles, ask associates," Jones says. "The responses might surprise you." About Bay Bridge Fitness: Located near Sacramento, California, Bay Bridge Central [aka Bay Bridge Fitness] is run by experts certified by the American Council on Exercise. With over 20 years in the fitness industry including Corporate, group, and private training, Bay Bridge continues efforts to build more wellness in the workplace. For information visit: www.BayBridgeFitness.com ### Healthy Employees Showing Higher Profits for U.S. CompaniesU.S. corporations are shifting priorities to value their best asset -- the employees. Providing fitness programs to their workforce is proving to be a confident return on investment for companies struggling to reduce healthcare costs.Auburn, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2004 – Corporate fitness programs are currently winning ROI results for companies across the U.S.. Fitness and wellness programs are revealing a beefy 150-800% ROI from supplying employees sound management support and progressive information on improved nutrition and moderate exercise programs. More executives are implementing fitness programs with the goals of lowering healthcare costs and reducing controllable healthcare issues. Positive returns on investment have been documented by such companies as Steelcase Corp., Dupont, Superior Coffee and Foods, Travelers Corp., and many more. "Employers deserve a healthier workforce and employees are exhibiting a clear enthusiasm for consistent health guidance and support they often do not receive at home," says Gwenn Jones, partner and fitness trainer for Bay Bridge Fitness. "Inserting a 30-45 minute fitness session a few days a week along with practicing improved eating habits are doing wonders for reduced worker illnesses, higher worker productivity, and employee retainment. Corporate America is genuinely shifting priorities and taking pride in boasting about it. The answers are right in front of us." Jones says. Dozens of published chief executive interviews and study results over the last two years all concur that components for assuring health-fitness program success are: strong management support, good program design, proper planning, and evaluations. Potential companies interested in corporate fitness can gain valuable knowledge from reading this material. Other cost-effective tools and advice can be derived from audio-conferences providing speakers currently overseeing their own corporate wellness programs. Employers and employees are successfully working together toward the common goals of better health and reduced healthcare costs. Investing in a corporation's finest asset – their employees – is proving to be a rock solid strategy in the area of attractive employee benefits and increased profits. With the recent assistance and stamps of approval from Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross of California offering fitness program group incentives, smaller to medium-sized companies are now implementing fitness plans and alliances. Corporate fitness programs are working. Bay Bridge Fitness, located in Placer County, California, is run by fitness industry veterans with national certifications from the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Health-fitness programs are the forefront for this small company. For additional information please visit: www.BayBridgeFitness.com. ### |
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