The labour gymnastics is described as the practice of collectively physical exercises during the working day and in the working space, prescribed according to the function performed by the worker. This practice is to prevent occupational and promote the welfare of the individual through body awareness: knowing, respecting, loving and stimulating their own body.

Júnior Faria

An oriental workplace movement

It exist records of this type of activity in 1925 in Poland, Bulgaria, East Germany, Netherlands and Russia, when it was called pause gymnastics (Cañete, 1996). At the same time, driven by oriental culture and tradition where it mainly started. The practice of physical activity at work was implemented in Japan.
 
The great spread of these programs in Japanese culture is attributed to the industrial growth as a mean of protecting the workers from Industrial accidents that increased through this high-growth Era. Shoulder-arm-neck syndrome had increased among Japanese workers. Consequently, in 1964 the administration issued a notification in an effort to prevent shoulder-arm-neck syndrome. Labour gymnastics was pre-established.
 
In Brazil, after some isolated experiences during the 70s, 80’s the practice of physical activities in places of work, already in the form of labour gymnastics. This is associated with the emergence of Repetitive Strain Injuries/ Osteomuscular Disorders Related to Work, as it was at that time, in 1987, there was official recognition of the so-called disease of typists. In the 90’s, Labour Gymnastics had its great explosion in Brazil, passing through the day-to-day of countless companies, to introduce the execution of exercises in their work routines.

Types of Labour Gymnastics

Labour Gymnastics is a practice developed within the company
that consists of exercises specific activities carried out in the workplace.
It might be classified according to its application time.

Preparatory or Warm-up

Performed at the beginning of the workday, it physiologically activates the body, prepares for physical work and improves the level of concentration and disposition, raising body temperature, oxygenating tissues and increasing heart rate. It lasts approximately 10 to 12 minutes. It includes coordination, balance, concentration, flexibility and muscular endurance exercises.

Compensatory

Lasting from 5 to 10 minutes during the working day, its main purpose is to compensate for any type of muscle tension acquired by the excessive or inadequate use of the our structures. Its aim is to improve circulation by removing metabolic waste, modifying work posture, replenish glycogen stores and prevent muscle fatigue. Stretching and flexibility, breathing and postural exercises are suggested. Aims to work the corresponding muscles and relax the muscles that are in contraction during the greater part of the workday.

Relaxation

Held at the end of the working day for 10 or 12 minutes, with the objective of reducing stress, relieving tension, reducing the indices of disagreements at work and at home, with a consequent improvement in social function. Self-massages, breathing exercises, stretching and flexibility exercises and meditation are performed.

Benefits

Labour gymnastics brings benefits to workers, improving posture, promoting general well-being, improving quality of life, combating sedentary lifestyles, reducing occupational stress.
 
The reduction of Repetitive Strain Injuries/ Osteomuscular Disorders Related to Work
is said to be the main objective of this concept.
 
The companies that promote this practice also benefit, so don’t worry company directors, since the employee’s sickness level gets reduced and interpersonal and teamwork skills can be developed further. Also is seen an increases in productivity in the company.

prevent injuries

promote welfare

respect your body