Minneapolis Law Firm Boasts Own Fitness Center

MINNEAPOLIS - As part of a program to improve morale and general health, Minneapolis law firm Foley & Mansfield helps their employees keep in shape by offering them an on-site fitness center and personal trainer.

"When you have happier healthier employees, they're more productive," says full-time personal trainer Doug Broad. Broad is available to employees for individual training sessions, and there's also a masseuse on-site.

The 3,800 sq. ft. facility has 20 cardio machines, dumbbells, barbells, and weights machines.

The gym, which has been running for 3 years, is available to firm employees and their families 24 hours a day.

"I think it gives them a great alternative to the smoke break, or other breaks they take during the day.," says Kyle Mansfield, a managing partner at the firm.

Over several company-wide fitness challenges, employees have lost nearly 1,000 lbs. of body fat and awarded over $16,000 in incentives to their employees.

Administrative assistant Kristina Davis has lost 57 lbs. since June. She also says her lunch-hour workouts give her extra energy when she returns to her desk.

"The endorphins get going. You're ready to go. It's like a second wind."

Very few companies have on-site gyms -- but there are small ways you can incorporate exercise into your day. Experts recommend taking the stairs rather than the elevator at your office, or sitting on an exercise ball at your desk to improve posture and straighten the core.

Also, standing up to stretch in your cubicle a few times a day can improve flexibility and blood circulation.

"When you're in better shape physically, you're in better shape mentally and that affects everything you do," Broad said.

It costs the firm $10,000 a month to maintain the gym, but managers say the number of insurance claims have been reduced and the annual insurance fees have shrunk as a result.