The era of well-being at work has led many companies to rethink their spaces to encourage physical activity. The creation of a corporate fitness area, including a variety of outdoor fitness equipment and outdoor sports equipment, is an innovative solution for improving employee health, strengthening team cohesion and enhancing the company’s CSR image. In this article, we explore the benefits of such an installation, how to choose the right equipment, and tips for involving employees in this approach.
Introduction to the Corporate Fitness Area
In a professional world where a sedentary lifestyle and stress have become major problems, setting up a fitness area is an initiative with many advantages. In concrete terms, a fitness area is an open-air space equipped withoutdoor fitness equipment adapted to the climatic conditions, enabling anyone to practice a physical activity in complete autonomy.
Background and significance
Companies are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to improve quality of life at work. Employee well-being is now seen as a key performance factor. By offering a fitness area, the company provides its employees with a place to relax and get back into shape, accessible free of charge and at any time. This type of facility counters the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle by encouraging employees to exercise during their breaks, before or after work, and even during lunch hours.
In addition, outdoor fitness equipment helps reinforce a company’s image. It demonstrates a concrete commitment to health and well-being, which enhances the brand’s appeal to future talent and improves employee retention. What’s more, a space of this kind can become a real gathering place, encouraging informal exchanges and team cohesion.
Article objectives
The purpose of this article is threefold:
- Explain how a corporate fitness air can transform the work environment by stimulating physical and mental health.
- Practical advice on how to choose the best outdoor fitness equipment and efficiently set up outdoor sports facilities adapted to the constraints and space available.
- Share tips on how to get employees involved and get thefitness area moving, so as to create a collective dynamic that benefits the whole company.
Why install a corporate fitness area?
Investing in a fitness center offers benefits on many levels, from improving individual health to enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Improving well-being and productivity
Regular physical activity has recognized health benefits. By installing a fitness area, the company gives its employees access to outdoor fitness equipment that promotes muscle strengthening, endurance and flexibility.
- Stress reduction: Exercising outdoors stimulates the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that help reduce stress. Employees feel more relaxed and invigorated after a session, which translates into better concentration and increased productivity.
- Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prolonged use of workstations can lead to muscular pain and tension. A sporty break in thefitness room can relieve this tension and prevent back problems and arthritis.
- Fitness enhancement: Access to equipment such as pull-up bars, abdominal benches and cardio machines adapted to the outdoors gives employees the opportunity to maintain their fitness and develop their stamina, thus improving their efficiency at work.
Brand image and CSR enhancement
In a competitive environment where attracting talent is crucial, companies that invest in their employees’ well-being benefit from a positive image. A fitness center is an innovative initiative that is part of a strong CSR approach.
- Commitment to Wellness: Providing outdoor sports facilities demonstrates that the company takes care of its employees. This strengthens employee commitment and attracts new talent looking for a dynamic, health-conscious working environment.
- Positive communication: A well-designed fitness area is an excellent communication tool. Social networks and internal media can be used to share testimonials, photos and videos of workouts, enhancing the company’s image and brand.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: This initiative demonstrates the company’s awareness of public health issues and the fight against sedentary lifestyles. It is also part of a strategy of continuous improvement in the quality of working life, which can translate into tax benefits and greater attractiveness to investors.
Strengthening Team Cohesion
Thefitness area is not only a place for individual exercise, it also becomes a space for gathering and exchange.
- Group activities: Supervised sports sessions or inter-departmental challenges create convivial moments that reinforce team spirit. Sports breaks encourage interaction between employees and create a group dynamic.
- Esprit de Partage: By taking part in group sessions, employees share their experiences and motivate each other, helping to improve the social climate within the company.
- Integrating new employees: A fitness center can also serve as a welcome area for new employees, facilitating their integration and enabling them to quickly discover the corporate culture.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Fitness Equipment for Your Fitness Area
To maximize the effectiveness of your fitness area, it’s essential to select outdoor fitness equipment and outdoor sports equipment adapted to the needs of your employees and the space available.
Must-have fitness equipment
The installation of a diversified set ofoutdoor fitness equipment is essential to cover a wide range of sporting practices.
- Pull-up bars Ideal for strengthening upper-body muscles, they can be used for pull-ups, dips and other functional movements.
- Abdominal benches and stretching boards : This equipment gives employees the opportunity to work on their abdominal muscles and flexibility, essential for preventing pain linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
- Outdoor Cardio Machines Outdoor cardio machines: rowing machines or elliptical bikes specially designed for outdoor use, for cardiovascular exercise in all weather conditions.
- Multi-purpose stations Modules combining several types of exercise (strengthening, cardio, stretching) enable you to adapt your training to your individual needs and vary your sessions.
Adapting equipment to available space
The layout of thefitness area must take into account space constraints and the configuration of the premises.
- Space optimization: Whether you have a terrace, garden or outdoor space, it’s important to plan the layout of your outdoor fitness equipment ergonomically. Make sure that every piece of equipment is accessible and that circulation between stations is fluid.
- Safety and comfort: Clearance zones should be provided around all equipment to avoid any risk of collision. The installation of shock-absorbing floor coverings is also recommended to prevent injury in the event of a fall.
- Accessibility for all: Make sure youroutdoor sports facility is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Specific features, such as ramps and flat surfaces, make the fitness area usable by all.
Budget and maintenance of a fitness area
Investing in a fitness center requires careful budgeting, both for the purchase and maintenance of equipment.
- Initial investment: Evaluate the cost of purchasing outdoor fitness equipment and the materials needed to build the area. Opt for quality, certified, weather-resistant equipment to ensure durability.
- Regular maintenance: Set aside an annual budget for the maintenance of outdoor sports equipment. Regular inspections, periodic cleaning and the possibility of replacing worn parts are essential to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the fitness area.
- Return on investment: The benefits in terms of employee well-being and productivity, as well as the improved corporate image, help to offset the initial cost over the long term.
Case study: Installation of a Fitness Area at Cofidis in Lille
Company profile
Cofidis, a major player in consumer credit, is a well-established company in the Lille region, with several hundred employees at its main site. Highly committed to a Quality of Working Life (QWL) approach, the company was looking for a concrete solution to encourage its teams to move around more, while at the same time enhancing the external aspects of its site.
Project objectives
Cofidis’ HR and CSR teams wanted to create an outdoor sports area accessible to all employees, with no time constraints or compulsory supervision. The idea was simple: to transform an unused space on campus into a self-contained, stimulating and friendly fitness area.
Implemented with Herkules Fitness
Herkules Fitness supported Cofidis at every stage of the project, from design to installation. The choice was made for a range of targeted equipment to work on cardio, muscle strengthening and mobility:
- 1 push-pull for functional upper-body work,
- 1 elliptical tra iner for gentle cardio activity,
- 1 scale ideal for coordination and mobility exercises,
- 1 Roman chair for sheathing and abdominal work.
The layout has been designed to blend harmoniously with the site’s outdoor environment, using weather-resistant materials and a layout that encourages intuitive, safe use.
Concrete results
Within the first few weeks, the fitness area was widely adopted by employees. Some use it during their lunch break to relax or get active, others meet up in small groups at the end of the day.
Feedback is unanimous: this new space has strengthened cohesion between colleagues, while providing a real solution to the fight against sedentary lifestyles in the workplace. At the same time, Cofidis has seen its initiative promoted both internally and externally, notably as part of its CSR communications.
FAQ – Your Frequently Asked Questions about Corporate Fitness Areas
What is the average budget for a company outdoor fitness area?
The budget depends on a number of factors: number of fixtures, quality of equipment, surface area to be fitted out, and any ground preparation work required. On average, you should expect to pay between €10,000 and €40,000 plus VAT for a complete project, including supply, installation and finishing.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, a prior declaration of works is sufficient, especially if the equipment is permanently fixed to the ground. However, this may vary depending on the municipality, the size of the installation and town planning regulations. We recommend that you consult your local council or technical department.
How can user safety be guaranteed?
Equipment must comply with current standards (EN 16630). A shock-absorbing floor (such as flexible flooring or safety tiles) is strongly recommended. Instruction panels, clear signage and regular maintenance ensure safe and serene use.
Can the fitness area be used all year round?
Yes, the outdoor fitness equipment installed by Herkules is designed to withstand weather, frost, UV and intensive use. A simple periodic cleaning is all that’s needed to guarantee longevity.
Is the equipment accessible to all?
Yes, there are modules suitable for beginners and experienced athletes alike. Some facilities are also accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). The right layout makes for an inclusive and varied experience.
How to motivate employees to use the area?
Ownership is ensured by organizing supervised sessions, creating challenges, displaying workout routines, appointing wellness ambassadors… The more usage is integrated into daily life, the more the area becomes a collective landmark.
Conclusion on corporate fitness areas
Setting up a fitness area in your company is much more than a simple layout: it’s a real lever for performance, well-being and internal cohesion. By offering your employees a space dedicated to physical activity, you actively contribute to improving their health, reinforcing their commitment, and enhancing your company’s image.
This type of project is fully in line with our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach, and is a tangible asset for attracting and retaining talent.
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