In a previous blog post, I shared how I helped my clients to the American College Health Association integrate their well-being events by offering healthier food choices.
While it was a very good start, we wanted to take the wellness program even further. A little creativity was in order, but when everything has been said and done, the result final turned out be more successful than we have imagined.
After the menus have been adjusted, the second part of welfare was to get people up and moving. Of course, we do not want to remove all sessions, because education is the focus of the Conference. We decided to start the day with well-being and offer additional opportunities at times key throughout the day.
In the morning, we focused on the easing of the exercise classes. For example, we have Tai chi on the River Walk in San Antonio and the aquagym in the spa pool in Orlando and Phoenix, who loved the participants.
When planning activities for your event, don't forget to take a good look at the space you have available and offers the weather at your destination. Also, start times can be difficult, because you don't want to start classes too early, but you also need to allow sufficient time for participants to the shower and dress before starts the day of the Conference.
During lunch time, we offered several other classes. Knowing that our participants were dressed for the Conference, these classes required only moderate amounts of traffic, but were always fun and informative. We had classes focused on the stretching of the body and stretching of the Chair, as well as classes that taught our nutrition participants, as the power of raw foods and energy balance. But the highlight of the day was certainly the ACHA walking program called Fit in 15!
Held during the morning and afternoon break time, pass in 15! used more of Leslie Sansone at Home DVD market lever participants and moving, and it couldn't be simpler! All it took was a TV/DVD combo, a meeting room, unused or hidden home and an energetic staff member to lead the group.
Often described as a "meditation in movement", tai chi is a graceful form of exercise that promotes serenity through gentle, fluid movements.
At the end of the day, we have the level of energy and fun offered dance classes such as Salsa and Zumba. We have ensured for preparing instructors and to let them know that it was a conference and our participants may not have the chance to put their exercise clothing.
However, the majority of our participants was unfazed that simply began their shoes, joined the party and worked up a mild sweat. It really helped that ACHA is an organization of higher education, which allowed to turn to local schools for instructors and support. If this is not an option for your event, try contacting a nearby gymnasium which offers courses, or see if the spa of the hotel may be able to help. It's amazing how excited and involved instructors can get!
Here are a few tips for classes that require physical activity:
• Wellness rooms should be able to handle up to 50 people with plenty of space to stretch and move.
• Creative spaces used in the establishment, in particular for early morning classes. Gardens, swimming pools, golf courses, beaches and outdoor terraces are great places.
• Full of household towels can be used like carpet. For sweat towels, keep a stack of towels in hand from the entrance and get a small Laundry bin to collect towels Sales.
• Make sure you have a water station in the room with a lot of cups.
• Allow several chairs in the corner, where the participants need to rest.
• Be sure to advertise your classes as a pre-event teaser and put in the program. Don't forget to include a short description, especially for the few exercises or the class topics.
ACHA inclusive wellness in their program for five years now and it has regular follow-up. Some of the participants have formed a special relationship that did not come to sit side-by-side in an education session. In fact, ACHA capable participants, ask to conduct classes for the next year! Talk about a way to retain members!
What welfare initiatives will bring you to your events this year? Post a comment and tell us about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment