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For many, lunch is the best time for fitness

ith a dreary December and the season of splurging upon us, some staff and employees may find their suits and scrubs getting snug. But with New Year’s fresh start right around the corner, it may be time to energize your lunch hour.

According to Jennifer Bacon, manager of Longwood Fitcorp, over 500 Children’s Hospital employees belong to that gym, which is located in the Longwood Galleria. “Many people complain that they do not have time to work out,” says Bacon. “But all it takes is a little motivation.”

Along with the physiological and health benefits such as weight maintenance, improved muscle tone, cardiovascular conditioning and decreased risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, says Bacon, professionals who exercise also have energy to be more productive when they return to work.

Alvin Kho, PhD, research fellow in Informatics, exercises during lunch as a way to wake up halfway though his busy day. “After I work out my mind clears up,” says Kho. “It relieves my stress, and I stay more productive all afternoon.”

You don’t have to belong to a gym to get a good workout during lunch. “Even if you only have 20 minutes, you can do something,” says Bacon. “Also, incorporate more activity into your daily life. Parking your car at the back of the parking lot and taking the stairs when possible really does make a difference.”

Making lunchtime exercise a habit can be difficult. Bacon recommends actually scheduling it as an appointment so that it is harder to overlook.—AT