My work, by nature, requires me to move my body and be active. I’m a fitness professional. I teach group exercise, work with clients as a personal trainer and run and lift weights to keep myself in shape for my job. My employer fully supports and encourages me to epitomize “good health” and fitness through my activities and physical appearance.

Most employers provide their employees the opportunity to obtain solid medical coverage in case of illness or serious injury. They generally include dental and vision options to prevent and correct problems. Why not extend this to fitness?

Studies show that physicians support and regular exercisers praise the benefits exercise can provide. Since it’s so beneficial, doesn’t it make sense for the workplace to provide the opportunities to feel better, be fit and healthy? There’s lots of evidence that employers reap the benefits of a healthier and more fit workforce.

What it boils down to for employers is cost savings. Savings generally occur in the form of reduced employee absenteeism and increased work production. Employers also enjoy the benefits of more satisfied and happier employees.

Exercise releases natural opiates, thereby decreasing the incidence of depression and anxiety which are so prevalent in society today. We also know that exercise has a magnitude of healthy side affects. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that a 16 week exercise program (low impact walking) improved the quality, duration and ease of falling asleep in healthy adults. Additionally, active people generally have a lower risk of colon and other types of cancers. At least two studies show that active people have half the risk of their non-active counterparts. This may be because exercise increases intestinal motility, therefore speeding the movement and carcinogens through the system.

Researchers have also found that regular moderate exercise, aerobic or strength training, reduces joint swelling and pain in people with arthritis. Since it seems you don’t go a day without running across someone with arthritis, it’s mind boggling that only 20 percent of the American population exercises on a regular basis.

Because exercise boosts the supply of oxygen to the heart, we’re also seeing that exercises have at least a 35 percent reduced risk of heart disease than those who don’t partake. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in this country, we need all the encouragement we can get to be active.

This is how employers can play a significant role in employees health and well-being. It becomes a “win-win” for all — healthier employees can equal increased productivity, greater job enthusiasm and decreased levels of absenteeism due to illness and stress. Ultimately, such a valuable benefit could lead to decreased turnover, a very expensive aspect of running a business.

Don Cox, partner at Cox & Lucy C.P.A.s, has been a corporate member at Olympic Fitness Club for over 10 years. He says, “Exercise affects everything in my life. It makes me feel better now. It’s great if I live longer, but I need to feel good now — it makes me a better person, a better father, a better husband and a better businessman. Exercise keeps me and my employees from getting sick and everyone knows what an inconvenience it is when someone is not at work.”

Congruent with his strong beliefs, employees at Cox & Lucy receive “wellness pay.” They are pre-paid for 2 wellness days each quarter and therefore, do not receive any paid sick days. If they stay healthy and don’t miss work, they can earn wages for eight additional days of work per year.

Other companies such as Charter Cable, The Port Orchard Independent, Trophy Lake Golf Course and Wet Apple Publishing also support their employees’ fitness activities financially or by setting up corporate accounts through their local fitness clubs. Additionally, when business owners and managers demonstrate the importance of exercise by participating in sports or working out in a gym, it further encourages their employees to value this activity. And they support their beliefs by encouraging healthy snacking (instead of donuts every day), it further reinforces the importance of good health.

If you, as a business owner or manager think you’d like to reap the benefits of a healthier workforce, find a way to support your employees’ fitness endeavors. You can set a compelling example by getting yourself in shape, arranging for corporate memberships at local health clubs or supporting your employees financially by paying fully or partially for their gym memberships or offering a version of “wellness pay” to encourage them to stay healthy.

It affects your bottom line. And, we all know our employees are our companies — help them represent you magnificently.

(Editor’s Note: Andrea Regal, manager of Olympic Fitness, has a background in leadership training and development. She can be reached at (360) 871-3433.).