ABSTRACT

The first step is a very safe, simple, ultra-conservative calisthenics routine like school children go through, possibly supplemented with forward and backward arm circles and side bends. Fifteen to thirty repetitions of each movement is more than enough. Instantly, many "tough" industrial types are going to discount this as inappropriate for their work force. "I can't see my guys doing a bunch of pansy dance-aerobics," one foreman once told to the author. This has been implemented successfully at steel mills, coal companies, and a naval shipyard. Different jobs in our workplace require different types of frequent and repetitive movement. We and many industries have found that 10 to 15 minutes of flex and stretch each day increased productivity, and kept people healthier and on the job so they could work and produce. In fact, those companies usually gained a two-fold increase in productivity.