"OK, now pull your left elbow across your body and hold it there," athletic trainer Gary Hare told a group of Housing and Food Services employees who gathered recently at West Halls. There was an outburst of popping joints, then laughter. "Sounds like we have some Rice Krispies out there this morning!" Hare said.
So began the semester’s inaugural session of the Physical Readiness System, a 10-minute stretching routine designed to improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury for Penn State employees. The morning’s group included employees from the University’s North and West halls, many of whom had just completed more than two weeks of long, physically demanding days preparing for the return of students. Participants said the program, which began in 2010, makes a big difference as they go about their daily work. (For photos, click here.)
"The program really helps us to feel better in the mornings," said Kathy Purnell, who works in North Halls. "It provides us with energy and it helps our muscles to be more prepared for the jobs we do. It also provides an opportunity for a little bit of relaxation before we start the day."
Hare works with several groups across campus, including a crew from the Office of Physical Plant and members of the University’s tree crew, among others. Even 10 minutes of stretching can make a big difference in a person’s day; numerous programs nationwide have shown that simple stretching can cut down on the incidence of sprains and strains in the workplace.
"Just as an athlete takes time to prepare for strenuous activities, the same concept applies at work," Hare said. "We’re trying to focus on the things we can do for our bodies to help prevent injuries and improve health, and taking just 10 minutes a day to focus on physical health can have a lasting impact."
The program, directed by the Office of Human Resources and led by Hare, with the assistance of a group of student interns from Penn State’s Kinesiology program, has scored favorably with participants.
"There are people of many different fitness levels in our group, and I think the program helps each and every one of us," said Tammy Dobson, who participates in the program with her coworkers in North Halls. "It gives us a chance to warm up and get ready for the day."
In addition to physical benefits, many say their mood and relationships with fellow employees are positively affected, too.
"I think the program boosts morale among coworkers," Dobson said. "If there are problems, whether personal or physical, you tend to talk about it in the morning while you’re together."
Aaron Parks, an employee who acts as a Physical Readiness System coach in West Halls, agreed.
"I think the program puts everyone in a better mood," Parks said. "It wakes you up in the morning and gives you a great pump. I think people all over campus can benefit from extra energy to start the day -- everyone should at least try it."
Even for those whose work is not physically strenuous, the Physical Readiness System offers benefits. Participants will see improvements in balance, flexibility, core strength and awareness, and will receive wellness tips from the trainer leading each session.
"There is plenty of research out there to show a lack of activity during the day has a negative impact on health," Hare said. "Everyone’s days are extremely busy, but devoting even a short period of time to participation in the program can make a difference."
"The program helps people realize all of the muscle groups used while working," said Cassandra Kitko, assistant manager of employee health initiatives in the Office of Human Resources. "There is a focus on core strength and flexibility to reduce injury."
Robin Oswald, director of employee benefits in the Office of Human Resources, said the program is meant to help employees improve their health, both on and off the job.
"Just through participation in a program such as this, an employee will improve their health. Managing our own health will be critical in the coming years as the University takes aim at reducing the cost of health care," Oswald said.
Hare said he most enjoys watching steady, individual improvement as he works with groups over time.
"The first time I work with a group, there will be folks who might have trouble with simple stretches. It really is gratifying to see their gradual improvement, to see that they’re benefiting from the program," he said.
The bottom line, said Hare: "The program should be something that is fun. It offers a way for people to start their day with some extra energy and enhances participants’ ability to complete the more physically demanding parts of their work."
There is room for expansion, he said -- employees interested in joining a current group or starting their own can contact Hare at glh5098@psu.edu or 717-497-0097. For more information about the Physical Readiness System, visit http://ohr.psu.edu/health-matters/take-10.