Employees share their experiences of the workplace health promotion programme:

“My colleague told me about the classes and we signed up together. I’ve been taking part in Pilates and strength-endurance classes for a few months now and I’m really enjoying them. The trainers are brilliant and keep you motivated, even when you’re running out of energy. At the moment, I don’t have time for sport, but because it all takes place at the university, it’s easier to fit into my daily routine. I feel fitter and my back, which used to give me problems from time to time, is feeling better too. The BGM is a great initiative and I’d recommend it to anyone!”

 

"A huge range of different sports on offer, from relaxation and targeted exercises right through to fitness training. There’s something for everyone, and if you have a specific request, you can let them know; if there’s enough interest, a new class can even be organised. You can also just try out a sport without having to commit to it for a long time straight away. The time factor is also a big plus. You don’t need to make a special trip to a gym, look for a parking space or sit in traffic; everything takes place on site in a completely relaxed atmosphere."

 

"I first became aware of the BGM through my work on the staff council at the time. The project was presented to us there. It was then introduced to the entire workforce at the staff meeting. It’s great that the programme is exclusively for employees, meaning many people from the same age group train together. The classes aren’t too crowded, and it’s a great, varied programme that combines tried-and-tested exercises with new ones. You can try out lots of different things. Since I’ve been attending the classes regularly, I feel fitter. Plus, I don’t have to overcome my inner sloth just to make my way to a sports club. I’ve now got to know some employees personally whom I’d previously only known by sight. For me, the BGM programme is all about variety, fun, ‘shared hardship’, making new contacts, and learning to pay more attention to food through the cooking classes. I think the action days are brilliant, as they always focus on a specific theme. I haven’t yet attended an action day where there wasn’t something for me. I hope to be part of the BGM for a long time to come."

 

"I’m delighted that there are initiatives at the university aimed at maintaining and/or improving the health of us staff members. When I found out about the courses and activities through the newsletter, I was pleased to be able to take part in such activities so easily (and affordably). Signing up is very simple – just an email and you’re sorted. Unfortunately, though, you often get the message that the courses are already full. Then I wait for the next one and am happy for those who can take part. An expansion would be welcome in some areas. I think the range of activities on offer is good: sporting activities, nutrition and health behaviour, relaxation training and specific days on special topics such as public speaking and others. I’ve already learnt a lot about myself in the BGM courses. I now do more sport and have also changed my diet (in some areas). I think that in the long term this benefits both me and the working atmosphere around me."

 

"For me, BGM at the university means a very dedicated team, the perfect organisation of a wide range of events in the areas of exercise, relaxation and nutrition, well-trained course leaders and speakers, and highly informative themed days on a wide variety of topics. I have been making use of the courses on offer since early 2012 to maintain my long-term health, try out new sports and expand my knowledge at the themed days. I also enjoy taking part in the cookery courses because of the delicious recipes and the friendly atmosphere. I also think it’s great that all the sports courses now take place in the beautiful and well-equipped gym at the University Sports Centre. I wish you continued success with the project."

 

"I can’t even remember how I first heard about BGM. Were there leaflets about the programmes back then, or were emails already being sent out? One of my first courses was ‘Relaxation with Aromas and Meditation’. Absolutely brilliant! I think the project and the BGM staff were only introduced later at a staff meeting. I always look forward to the BGM’s programme and choose courses that appeal to me based on the description. I want to maintain my health and get fitter physically, but also try new things. So far, I’ve only attended courses during my lunch break; afterwards, I feel really energised mentally and physically and never have that afternoon slump. My circulation is more stable. As I mainly work at a computer during the day, my back feels much better after exercise, but also after relaxation exercises. Some physical complaints have completely disappeared since I started the pelvic floor exercise class. For me, the BGM is about mindfulness, because I’m doing something good for myself. Optimal relaxation through fun and sport during my lunch break. I am very grateful to the University and your entire team for the fantastic and varied programme. Thank you also for continually expanding the programme and implementing suggestions."

 

"I first became aware of the BGM through the course offer ‘Der Eselsberg bewegt sich’, which was distributed via the civil servants’ mailing list in January 2015 (I had been on leave for a year prior to that). I really liked the slogan and my first course was ‘Aquafit’. I really enjoyed that one, and as you had other great courses on offer, such as ‘Nordic Walking’ and ‘Progressive Muscle Relaxation according to Jacobsen’, I gradually tried out more and more of them. I’ve now become a real fan of the programme – I have to try at least one course per term. I mainly take advantage of the sessions during my lunch break. These help me recharge both physically and mentally for the working day ahead. The best thing about it is that I’m just a short walk away from my employer’s sports programme and don’t have to leave the house in the evening after a tiring day at work – meaning I don’t have to overcome my inner resistance. What’s more, the classes help me get to know other colleagues better and make new connections. I’d also like to give a shout-out to the cookery classes. These have helped me pay more attention to my own diet again and cook the delicious recipes at home. I wouldn’t want to miss the special event days with their interesting talks either. For me, the workplace health management programme means ‘new energy for everyday life (at uni)’, ‘a refuelling station for energy and joie de vivre’."