Fitness & Movement
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health - both physical and mental - and now more than ever, it's important to incorporate some movement into your day.
Berkeley Lab strongly recommends that you consult your physician or other health care professional before starting these or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start a fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it.
You agree that the use of this information is voluntary and at your own risk and agree to release and hold harmless LBNL from any and all losses, liabilities, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims. All content provided is available for users of various skill levels, for a variety of activities, and for varying durations. Content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or healthcare advice.
Take a break
10 Minute Morning Stretch Breaks are Back!
What are stretch breaks?
Stretch breaks are a short, fun, and easy way to get up from your desk and bring a little movement into your day. The ten-minute stretch breaks, led by your fellow Berkeley Lab colleagues, feature simple and accessible stretches and a great community of like-minded employees.
All bodies are welcome and no experience is needed!
Time: 9:15 - 9:25 am
Add the breaks to your calendar
Stretch Break Leaders Needed
We are looking for people to join the group as stretch break leaders: You don't have to have any special training or background - none of us are experts! The key is a willingness to create community and support your fellow employees in the current hybrid environment.
The time commitment is only 10 minutes once a month (more or less depending on your availability) AND you can add it to your PMP as your IDEA-related activity for the year. Please sign up to lead a session.
If you're interested but unsure where to start, please reach out - we are happy to share tips, tricks, and best practices to help you craft your 10-minute stretch break. Contact: Ashley Dawn
Here are a few short videos with ideas if you need inspiration.
UC Berkeley's Be Well at Work program has complied as series of suggestions for taking breaks. Taking activity breaks during your day is an excellent way to keep your focus, prevent fatigue, and relieve body stiffness. The Be Well at Work Wellness Program provides several types of activity breaks to fit into your workday and to integrate into healthy meetings: breathing and relaxation, recess, stretch breaks, walk breaks and silly breaks to cheer you up.
yoga
The LBNL Yoga Club is organized and run by Berkeley Lab employees. It offers yoga 5 days a week. Several are free to attend and led by Lab Employees, while others are led by community yoga teachers. Check out the website for more information on the classes and instructors.
Don't have time for a full hour yoga class? Take a yoga break with these easy and accessible yoga videos. Yoga With Adriene's mission is to connect with as many people as possible through high-quality free yoga videos.
Seated Yoga (UC Berkeley)
UC Berkeley Rec Sports offers a free live Seated Yoga class twice a week. Seated Yoga is a gentle practice in which postures are performed while seated and/or with the aid of a chair. Seated Yoga is a great option for those with physical disabilities, aging populations, or people with difficulty balancing. It is also a great form of yoga for beginners or anyone who wants to focus on a gentle practice. Just like other yoga practices, Seated Yoga increases flexibility, strength and body awareness. Please join us for this 30 minute yoga flow followed by a 15 minute Q&A.
Fitness
Take advantage of the WorkFit program, run by UC Berkeley’s Department of Recreational Sports, and choose from over 40 professionally led classes available on Zoom every week. They offer a diverse schedule from Yoga to Simple Strong to Zumba. The classes are free to the public and easy to access. Class recordings are also available. Join them for a fun, effective workout with instructors who are eager to be a part of your fitness journey.
UC Berkeley Health Services has complied a list of fitness suggestions. According to the American Heart Association, being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. The following resources are recommended to help you get started with being more physically active at home and work: walking, exercise apps, online classes.
It's never too early to start preparing for the RunAround. Or maybe you're just interested in running, but don't know where or how to begin? This site has materials from running coach Jeanine Holmlund and replays of her warm-ups.
Call for Peloton riders! If you ride Peloton bikes, or use the Peloton app, and want to connect with other riders, please join the Lab Google group Cycletrons.
inclusive fitness
Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) is a Berkeley-based non-profit organization working to improve the health, independence and social integration of people with physical disabilities through sports, fitness and recreation programs. Check out their online fitness studio for live classes and their YouTube channel for recordings of past classes.
NCHPAD is the nation’s premier center in promoting the health and wellness of people with disability. Check out their YouTube channel for the latest guides on accessibility, fitness, nutrition, adapted sports, mindfulness, and more. Or go to their website for all of their information: https://www.nchpad.org/
Disabled Sports USA & Adaptive Sports USA have joined forces to become Move United. The organization uses the power of sport to push what’s possible for people with disabilities, confronting ignorance, fueling conversation, and inciting action that leads us to a world where everyone’s included. The link above offers a range of at-home adaptive exercise and fitness classes.