Employers Should Promote Fitness Because Fit Programmers Program Better

Employers should encourage programmers to exercise and be fit, as a recent study found that those who are fit have four times less brain shrinkage than those who aren't. And seriously, that can only help you be a better programmer, right?

A recent Reader's Digest blurb in the Health section tells of an Alzheimer's study.

"A University of Kansas study found that patients who were fit had four times less brain shrinkage (meaning cell death) than those who were out of shape. The benefits of exercise, including changes in growth factors and increased blood vessels and blood flow, may prevent brain cells from dying. Researchers suggest first-time exercisers begin with a 15- to 30- minute walk three times a week." - Reader's Digest pg. 96, December 2008.

Okay, so I stretched it a bit. But yes, I believe in being fit, and I believe in the advantages of proper diet and exercise. Personally, I feel this can be related to everyone's brain and general health.

I think companies should encourage programmers to get outside at least once a day for a 10-15 minute walk. It would clear up the cricks in the necks, allow the mind to relax, and some of those tough problems might even get resolved while walking.

We're told we should take a break from monitors every few hours, to avoid eye strain, so why not take a walk. The cigarette and coffee breaks don't count. And seriously, if management allows all the cigarette and coffee breaks, why don't they encourage exercise breaks? I think the trouble is peer pressure. No one wants to go outside and have people accuse us of goofing off. If management would encourage it, wouldn't that be great!

What do you think?

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

May your dreams be in ASP.NET and may your Health be Excellent!

Nannette

10 Comments

  • We don't hire programmers with Alzheimer.

  • rrobbins... what's your point?
    First, not hiring people based on disease they may have is discriminatory.
    Second, you know that Alzheimer isn't something you get at young age. You may hire someone that doesn't have it and he ends up getting it.
    Third, the point of the blog entry was to point out that Good physical health can translate to good brain/mental health and thus should be encouraged...

    Either you fail at reading comprehension or you fail at being funny... i'm still unsure which

  • Agreed that it would be good to encourage these kind of activities. Some bigger companies as I've heard support giving the employee an hour break to go to the gym usually located in the same building. At my current company there's free massages twice every month which is good.

    However I think you should constantly look out for your health and fitness because thats something vital to invest in on the long run and no boss will do that instead of you.

  • Do you think that the 10-15 minute walk should be considered work or would you consider that another case of wasting time?



  • Anon,

    I definitely feel it should be an approved part of the work day.

    Gergely,

    Yes, I've read of companies, particularly in California, that have juice bars, gyms, and all kinds of things to promote employee fitness. And from what I remember, they encourage use of the gym during working hours as part of the paid employee benefit.

    Now those are employers who recognize that good health results in more productivity.

    Nannette

  • On the company I work for we get a free gym-card and half an hour off each week to go to the gym. I usually take my gym-time during lunch(3-4 times a week) since I loose the least amount of time with my family that way!

  • Simon,

    Where do you work? Are they hiring? hehe

    :)

  • I agree. Japanese employers almost all have morning exercise.
    I like the idea of a team run or basketball during the day because it also humanizes everyone and gives people another more productive way to work out petty aggression.
    The challenge is that most workplaces still don't have showers or towels (or daycare, but that's another topic).

  • Thanks nannette
    you saved me a lot of time and effort with one of your articals

  • Hi

    Thanks For this post

    It’s really useful to me.

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