Boost Employee Wellbeing & Productivity With Winning Corporate Exercise Programs

Imagine a workplace where the office chatter isn’t about last night’s TV shows, but rather about everyone’s progress toward their fitness goals. 

This isn't a pipe dream — it's just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible with the right corporate exercise programs!

Of course, turning corporate gossip into fitness talk isn’t even the main goal of these programs. But they are about creating a culture of health that permeates every aspect of your workplace. From step challenges to lunch break yoga routines, corporate fitness challenge programs can transform the way your employees live and work.

But why should you care about your employees having access to these programs at the office? 

Well, get ready to learn about everything that a corporate exercise program can do for your team and organization.Reduced sick days, increased productivity, boosted employee morale, and outstanding company culture are only just a few of the top benefits you can expect. 

Grab a bottle of water and some sweatbands. Here’s everything you need to know about a corporate exercise program, from the different types to how you can launch one.

What Is a Corporate Exercise Program?

A corporate exercise program is an initiative that empowers your team to stay active, healthy, and energized. These programs can offer everything from gym memberships and group workouts to fitness challenges and digital apps, designed to fit seamlessly into your employees' routines. 

The benefits go beyond just physical health — regular exercise reduces stress, boosts focus, and leads to a more engaged, productive workforce. When you make fitness a priority, your company shows it cares about employee wellbeing. This can translate into fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, and a team that’s happier and more motivated. (More on that in the next section.) It’s all about creating a culture of wellness that fuels your entire organization.

Benefits of Corporate Exercise Programs

It's easy to think exercise is outside of the scope of your industry. After all, why would a paper company in rural Pennsylvania suddenly start hosting company-wide yoga lessons? 

Well, actually, there are plenty of reasons why it’s in the best interest of both employers and employees! Here are a few to get you rolling.

For Employers

It’s only natural to wonder why an employee’s workplace might want to provide these benefits. Can’t employees just sign up for a membership at their local gym? Well, there are plenty of great reasons why it’s a good idea for employers to make this investment.

• Increased productivity and engagement: Working out supports your health — mental as well as physical.  Physical exercise enhances emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing in workers, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Modern Medicine. That means your team will be firing on all cylinders, churning out brilliant ideas one after the other.
   
• Reduced healthcare costs: Healthcare premiums can be scarier than checking your credit card bill after a weekend of retail therapy. Fortunately, employee wellness programs have been shown to decrease an average of $360 in healthcare costs per year per employee, according to research from the American College of Sports Medicine. That’s enough savings to buy a brand-new ergonomic office chair for every employee every year.
   
• Improved employee morale and retention: Offering employee benefits like a corporate fitness program can keep your employees happy and fulfilled. Half of all workers are willing to walk away for better benefits, according to a 2024 Maven report, and you want to make sure they're walking your way. When employees feel that their company cares about their wellbeing, they’re more likely to stick around.
   
• Enhanced company culture and employer branding: A strong workplace culture increases employee engagement and lowers employee stress and depression, according to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. By implementing a fitness program, you’re building stronger bodies and a stronger company culture.
   
• Improved team dynamics: Corporate exercise programs can serve as a great equalizer, breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering camaraderie among employees from different departments. When executives and entry-level employees are huffing and puffing side by side in a spin class, it creates a shared experience that can translate into better teamwork and communication in the office.
   
• Reduced absenteeism: When employees are healthier, they're less likely to call in sick. Corporate exercise programs can help reduce the number of sick days taken, keeping your projects on track and your team productive. Plus, employees who feel energized and valued are more likely to show up ready to give their all, both physically and mentally.

For Employees

A corporate exercise program is truly a win-win since employees benefit from it too!  Here’s how they can help your workforce employees live happier and healthier lives:

• Improved physical health: This one’s a no-brainer. Regular exercise can help employees achieve their fitness goals, whether that’s running a marathon or improving flexibility.
   
• Enhanced mental wellbeing: As shown in Wellhub's State of Work-Life Wellness 2025 report, 47% of employees say work stress is degrading their mental wellbeing. Luckily, you don’t need a chill pill to reduce that stress. Exercising as infrequently as just one day per week can positively impact your employees’ mental health and stress levels, according to a 2023 study. Be it yoga, a brisk walk, or weight lifting, any workout can have a positive impact on your emotional health.
   
• Increased work-life wellness and job satisfaction: Exercise can improve your memory, help you think more clearly, and do all kinds of things more efficiently, according to a Harvard Medical School study. That means you’ll be able to get your work done sooner and come up with brilliant ideas before the workday is over. No more staying overtime to finish that report you’ve been procrastinating on for days!
   
• Better social connections: Corporate fitness programs can be great team-building opportunities. Nothing brings coworkers together quite like collectively gasping for air after an intense HIIT session or cheering each other on during a company-wide step challenge.
   
• Cost savings: With subsidized gym memberships, employees can save a ton of their personal money on their fitness expenses. Wellhub users saved an estimated $290 million in total annual gym subscription costs in 2023. Getting a small raise and access to better health? Score!
   
• Improved energy and productivity: Regular exercise can boost energy levels and combat that dreaded afternoon slump. Say goodbye to your third cup of coffee and hello to a natural, endorphin-fueled productivity boost.

Types of Corporate Exercise Programs

There are tons of corporate fitness programs available today — enough to guarantee that there will be something interesting for every single one of your employees. Whether you’ve got a team of athletic overachievers or office dwellers who are just starting to dip their toes into athleticism, there are fitness programs suitable for every level. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular workplace exercise programs.

Subsidized Gym Memberships

Partnering with local gyms for discounted memberships is a great way to get your team pumped about pumping iron. Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Scout local gyms: Look for facilities that offer many different types of equipments and classes to cater to different preferences. Some people need all kinds of machines and weights, while others are content with a spinning class and some light weightlifting.
   
• Negotiate group rates: Use your company’s size as leverage to get sweet, sweet deals. While health is the most important thing here, you’re still keeping tabs on your company’s bottom line. The better rate you secure, the better your ROI.
   
• Offer multiple options: Partner with a range of gyms to give employees choices. From boutique yoga studios to big-box fitness centers, variety can really spice up your exercise.
   
• Implement a reimbursement program: Consider covering a percentage of membership fees based on usage. Hit the gym an average of five times a week for a whole month? Great, then they get 100% back! Less than once a week, and they might only get 25% back.

Partnering with Wellhub can help streamline this process, as we've already partnered with over 15,000 wellness operators across the country. Wherever you are, we probably already have multiple attractive gym options that you — and your employees — will love!

Wellness Challenges and Competitions

Nothing gets people all fired up like a little friendly competition. Wellness challenges are the corporate equivalent of your high school field day. they challenges drive motivation, spark teamwork, and make fitness fun across every department. 

The key is offering flexible, inclusive formats that meet employees where they are — whether in the office, at home, or on the road.

Here are proven challenge formats and practical tips to help you maximize engagement:

Step Count Competitions 

A classic for a reason — step challenges are easy to join, simple to track, and naturally scalable.

• How to run it: Use wearable tech or apps like Fitbit, Apple Health, or Wellhub to track daily steps. Let employees compete solo or in teams for total step count over a set time period.
   
• Team option: Create cross-departmental teams to build connections or pit teams against one another for a bit of friendly rivalry.
   
• Pro tip: Use wearable tech to gamify participation. Set milestones (like badges for 10K, 50K, or 100K steps) and create a leaderboard to keep the momentum going.

Fitness Class Bingo

Make fitness fun and exploratory with a bingo card of diverse wellness activities.

• How to run it: Fill a bingo card with 16–25 fitness or self-care tasks (e.g., attend a yoga class, complete a 10-minute stretch, join a walking meeting).
   
• Team or solo mode: Employees can complete the card individually or in teams. Offer prizes for blackout, “X” pattern, or most squares completed.
   
• Pro tip: Offer flexible participation models for hybrid teams. Allow activities to be done in person or virtually, and make it easy to submit progress digitally (photos, app check-ins, or a shared tracker).

Points-Based Healthy Habits Challenge

This challenge rewards consistency and small steps — perfect for creating lasting behavior change.

• How to run it: Assign points to daily wellness behaviors such as:
   
  • Walking 30 minutes = 5 points
     
  • Drinking 64 oz of water = 3 points
     
  • Attending a wellness webinar = 4 points
     
  • Completing a gratitude journal = 2 points
     
• Scoring: Track progress weekly through a shared spreadsheet, app, or internal wellness dashboard.
   
• Pro tip: Gamify habit tracking with a leaderboard or badge system. Recognize “Consistency Kings” or “Mindfulness Masters” each week to boost morale.

Department vs. Department Showdowns

Nothing unites (or ignites) a team quite like a shared mission — especially if it involves out-squatting the IT department.

• Challenge ideas:
   
  • Plank-off: Each department nominates a rep to compete live or virtually.
     
  • Office Olympics: Create events like stair sprints, water jug carries, or stretch breaks.
     
  • Team steps relay: Each team logs their steps and passes the “virtual baton” every week.
• Scoring: Track cumulative points and offer awards like “Most Spirited Department” or “Wellness MVP.”

• Pro tip: Include asynchronous options so remote employees can compete on their own time. Use apps or platforms with live and on-demand tracking tools.
   

  

Themed Monthly Challenges

Keep things fresh with rotating themes that align with seasonal wellness goals.

• Examples:
   
  • January – Fresh Start Fitness: Goal-setting and movement
     
  • May – Mental Health Month: Meditation, journaling, unplugged evenings
     
  • October – Healthy Harvest: Nutrition tips, recipe swaps, mindful eating
     
• How to run it: Provide resource kits, send weekly emails, and host mini-challenges within each theme.
   
• Pro tip: Mix physical, mental, and social wellness tasks to encourage holistic participation. Employees should feel like there’s something for everyone, not just the marathoners.

Pro Tips for All Challenges

• Social sharing: Encourage employees to post progress photos, motivational quotes, or “sweaty selfies” in a dedicated Slack or Teams channel.
   
• Make it opt-in, not mandatory: Voluntary participation builds trust and ensures you’re getting truly engaged users.
   
• Provide prizes that matter: Think beyond water bottles — offer PTO hours, meal delivery credits, or wellness stipends.
   
• Celebrate all levels of effort: Reward most improved, most consistent, and best team spirit — not just top performers.
   
• Add Tech for Tracking and Accountability: Let employees sync Fitbits, Apple Watches, or Garmin devices to simplify data entry and drive engagement.

Wellness challenges work best when they’re inclusive, flexible, and fun. Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or fully in-office, these programs can help build momentum, support healthy habits, and create that rare kind of team bonding that doesn’t require trust falls. 

Health Education Apps

You already know that there’s an app for everything, so why would corporate fitness be any different? Fitness apps are like having a personal trainer in your pocket, minus the awkward small talk between sets. 

Here are a few apps for corporate exercise programs that can help you apply yourself:

• Strava: This is one of the most popular apps for cyclists and runners. Strava lets you create company clubs so you can watch as your team's competitive spirit leads to lunchtime jogs and bike commutes.
   
• MyFitnessPal: This app helps employees track their nutrition and exercise in one place. Just be prepared for heated debates about whether that donut in the break room is really worth 250 calories.
   
• Headspace: Don’t forget that mental fitness is just as important as physical. Encourage mindfulness and stress reduction with guided meditations. Warning: may strangely stress-free meetings.
   
• Wellhub: Our wellness app can be the companion you need — it brings together the best of fitness tracking, nutrition guidance, meditation, and more. With access to thousands of workout classes, mental health resources, and wellness tools, you'll never run out of something fun, healthy, and educational to do.

Educational Workshops and Wellness Resources

Even the best fitness equipment won’t make a difference if your team doesn’t know how or why to use it. 

That’s where education comes in. Hosting wellness workshops and offering accessible resources can empower your employees to make smart, informed choices about their health. 

Here’s how to get the knowledge flowing:

• Host lunch-and-learn sessions: Invite nutritionists, fitness coaches, or mental health professionals to speak during casual lunch hours. Employees get valuable insights without sacrificing time — and you get a more informed (and well-fed) team.
   
• Offer seasonal wellness seminars: Plan quarterly sessions around topics like stress management, healthy eating, sleep hygiene, or desk ergonomics. Timely, themed topics keep things fresh and relevant — and help your program evolve with your workforce’s needs.
   
• Create a wellness resource hub: Pull together helpful content into a centralized space, like your company intranet or a wellness Slack channel. Think how-to videos, blog posts, infographics, and access to trusted external resources. The easier it is to find and understand wellness info, the more likely people are to act on it.
   
• Incorporate expert Q&As: Sometimes, your employees don’t need a lecture — they need answers. Bring in professionals for open Q&A sessions so your team can ask questions about fitness, nutrition, mental health, or lifestyle changes in a judgment-free environment.
   
• Promote digital learning tools: Not everyone can attend a live seminar, so include options like recorded webinars, on-demand videos, or interactive e-learning modules. Learning should be as flexible as your team’s work schedule.

When employees understand the why behind wellness, they’re much more likely to participate — and keep showing up for themselves and your program.

How to Start a Corporate Exercise Program (Step-by-Step)

Ready to transform your office into a place of health and wellness? Let’s walk through the steps to launch a company fitness program that’ll get your employees in top shape — both physical and mental. 

Step 1: Set Your Goals

The first thing you want to do is get SMART about it. And no, this isn’t about your IQ levels — it’s about setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This acronym can help you remember everything you need to meet your goals, as simply saying “getting fitter” doesn’t qualify as a SMART goal. This is incredibly important, as fewer than one-quarter of goals include information on how goal achievement would be measured, according to a study in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care.

For example, if you want to increase employee participation in fitness programs, here’s what a SMART goal could look like:

• Specific: Increase employee participation in the company’s fitness program.
   
• Measurable: Raise participation rates from 30% to 50%.
   
• Achievable: You’re shooting for a significant increase, but you’re also not going wild. A jump from 30% to 100% in six months likely wouldn’t be realistic, but a 20% increase might be reasonably ambitious.
   
• Relevant: Increased participation has plenty of benefits for the workplace.
   
• Timed: Track participation monthly, with a target to achieve the 50% goal in six months.

Step 2: Budget Planning

Time to crunch some numbers. Think about costs like equipment, software, instructors, and incentives. Don’t forget to also factor in potential savings from reduced healthcare costs and increased engagement. This isn’t an expense — it’s an investment in your people’s lives and your company’s bottom line.

Step 3: Secure Leadership Buy-In and Budget

Now, it’s time to win the support of the big decision makers. Get ready to give a pitch that will have your executives at the front of your company fitness program’s first yoga class. Highlight the ROI, showcase success stories from other companies, and emphasize how this program aligns with your organization’s values and goals.

Step 4: Select a Flexible and Holistic Fitness Program Provider

Here’s where the magic happens. You want to look for a provider that can offer a wide variety of fitness programs catering to everybody. Some people like high-intensity workouts, while others prefer more low-intensity activities like yoga or brisk walks. 

The more options you offer, the more likely it is that your corporate exercise program will be a success. Your provider should offer:

• Online and in-person fitness classes
• Personal training options
• Mental wellness resources
• Nutrition guidance
• Sleep improvement tools

Step 5: Launch the Program

The big day is finally here: Launch day! Plan a launch event that will bring all the employees to the yard, or wherever you choose to host your launch event. The point is to introduce everyone to these new initiatives so they know what’s available and how to take advantage of it. The easiest way for these programs to fail is to not tell employees about them. 

Step 6: Continued Communication and Promotion

The last thing you want is for workers to not show up to events simply because they didn’t know about them. Keep everyone in the loop with:

• Regular email updates
• Fitness tips in company newsletters
• Success story spotlights
• Posters around the office

Step 7: Add Incentive Programs

Who doesn’t love a good prize for doing something good? Everyone logically gets that working out and eating healthy is good for you. Still, it’s sometimes hard to muster up the strength to get that workout in after a long day at the office. Here are some ways you can help:

• Give out points for attending events or completing activities that employees can redeem for cool office perks or merch.
   
• Offer extra PTO for hitting certain health goals.
   
• Start some friendly interdepartmental competitions.
   
• Recognize high-achievers in public.

Step 8: Program Evaluation

It’s important to be honest with yourself when evaluating your program. Although you may have spent a long time creating a corporate exercise program, you won’t get much benefit out of it if it’s not working. There’s nothing wrong with course-correcting and adjusting your strategy based on reception. 

Track metrics like:

• Participation rates
• Health outcomes
• Employee satisfaction rates
• Absenteeism rates

Step 9: Celebrate Achievements and Continuously Improve

Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate the victories. Did John from accounting run his first 10K? Celebrate him at lunch! Did the marketing team collectively lose 50 pounds? Give them a shout-out on the company’s intranet! Celebrating the wins publicly can motivate other employees to put their pedals to the metal.

Overcoming Challenges to Maximize Employee Engagement

Let’s face it, getting anyone — let alone your entire workforce — to embrace a fitness program is extremely difficult. 

But don’t worry! 

With the right strategies, you can turn even the most dedicated couch potatoes into wellness warriors.

Addressing Common Barriers

Everyone’s got an excuse for why they missed the gym this morning. Don’t let them slide. 

Here’s how to handle the most common barriers to fitness:

• Lack of time: Offer shorter, high-intensity workouts or break sessions throughout the day. Even 10-minute "deskercise" routines can make a difference. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are six-pack abs.
   
• Low motivation: Use gamification and rewards to make fitness fun. Points, badges, and leaderboards can turn working out into a game that even your least competitive employees can't resist.
   
• Accessibility issues: Provide a mix of on-site and virtual options. From lunchtime yoga in the conference room to streaming fitness classes, make it easy for everyone to join in. No matter where they are.
   
• Lack of information: Create beginner-friendly programs and offer personal consultations. Getting started is often the hardest part. Giving your employees some extra support as they’re just getting started can be the way forward.

Incentivizing Participation to Maximize Engagement

When people feel rewarded and recognized, engagement becomes second nature. A few well-placed rewards can turn a “maybe later” into a “sign me up!” and keep momentum going long after the launch party ends. 

Here’s how to encourage consistent participation with smart, sustainable incentives:

• Offer points-based reward systems: Let employees earn points for attending classes, hitting step goals, or completing challenges. Then, let them cash in those points for cool stuff like branded swag, healthy snacks, gift cards, or even extra PTO. Think of it as a fitness loyalty program — the more they engage, the more they gain.
   
• Introduce wellness raffles and competitions: Surprise participation with entries into monthly raffles — from water bottles and wearables to massage gift certificates. Or go bigger with quarterly team challenges where top performers score group lunches, trophies, or donation matching to a charity of their choice. Friendly competition keeps the energy high and builds community.
   
• Tie goals to real perks: Meeting wellness milestones could earn your employees meaningful benefits — like a Friday off, a prime parking spot, or a subsidized gym upgrade. These kinds of perks feel personal and valuable, especially when tied to consistent effort and progress.
   
• Celebrate publicly (and often): Never underestimate the power of recognition. Shout out participants and wellness champions in your newsletter, on Slack, or during team meetings. Celebrating wins, no matter how small, makes employees feel seen — and inspires others to join in next time.
   
• Customize incentives to your team: Not every employee gets excited about the same reward. Offer a mix of options — solo and group, physical and digital, playful and practical. When the rewards feel relevant, people are more likely to stay committed.

Promoting Inclusivity

Your fitness program should be inclusive of your team’s demographics. For example, your older employees may not have the stamina to keep up with your younger employees. 

Here’s what you can do to help everyone feel welcome:

• Offer modifications: Every exercise should have options for different fitness levels and abilities. The goal is progress, not perfection.
   
• Diverse class offerings: From chair yoga to high-intensity interval training, provide a range of activities to suit different preferences and abilities.
   
• Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences in attitudes towards fitness and body image. What's motivating for one person might be off-putting for another.
   
• Language matters: Use inclusive language in all your communications. Instead of "beach body ready," try "feeling energized and confident."

Building a Culture of Wellness

Cultivating a company culture of wellness takes time, patience, and perseverance. Just like you can’t build a six pack overnight, you have to give it time so it changes your team’s relationship with health and wellness.

Try the following strategies to cultivate a thriving wellness culture:

• Lead by example: Get your leadership team on board. When employees see the CEO participating in the step challenge, it sends a powerful message.
   
• Integrate wellness into daily operations: Start meetings with a quick stretch, offer healthy options in the cafeteria, and consider walking meetings for small groups.
   
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and reward progress, no matter how small. Did someone take the stairs instead of the elevator? That's worthy of a shout-out!
   
• Create wellness champions: Designate enthusiastic employees as wellness ambassadors to help promote and support the program.

Elevate Your Workforce With Wellhub's Corporate Exercise Solutions

Launching a successful corporate fitness program might seem as daunting as doing 100 burpees back-to-back. But don't break a sweat just yet! You now know many types of corporate exercise programs, strategies to boost engagement, and the numerous benefits for both employers and employees.

A well-designed corporate exercise program is about building more than muscle — it's about building a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. From reducing healthcare costs to increasing employee satisfaction and productivity, the benefits of a comprehensive wellbeing program extend far beyond the gym walls.

Ready to transform your workplace into a hub of health and vitality? Speak with a Wellhub Wellbeing Specialist today and discover how our tailored fitness solutions can help your company flex its wellness muscles!

You May Also Like:

• How to Build a Well-Nourished Workforce
• 10 Employee Fitness Challenge Ideas
• 10 Corporate Wellness Trends Shaping 2024

References:

• Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, October 20). Exercise Can Boost Your Memory and Thinking Skills. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-can-boost-your-memory-and-thinking-skills
• Marenus, M. W., Marzec, M., & Chen, W. (2022). Association of Workplace Culture of Health and Employee Emotional Wellbeing. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912318
• Maven Clinic. (2024). Maven’s State of Women’s and Family Health Benefits 2024. https://info.mavenclinic.com/pdf/state-women-family-health-benefits-2024
• Stewart, V., McMillan, S. S., Hu, J., Collins, J. C., Sarira El-Den, O’Reilly, C. L., & Wheeler, A. J. (2024). Are SMART Goals fit-for-purpose? Goal Planning with Mental Health service-users in Australian Community Pharmacies. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzae009
• Szarek, S., Edyta Bombiak, & Aneta Wysokińska. (2024). The Role of Physical Activity in the Improvement of Well-being — The Case of University Staff. Journal of Modern Science, 56(2), 263–284. https://doi.org/10.13166/jms/188741
• Wojcik, J. R. (2024). ACSM Blog. ACSM_CMS. https://www.acsm.org/blog-detail/fitness-index-blog/2024/06/12/economic-benefits-of-workplace-wellness-programs-and-changes-since-covid-19
• Yoon, E. S., So, W.-Y., & Jang, S. (2023). Association between Perceived Psychological Stress and Exercise Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Survey of National Physical Fitness. ProQuest, 13(10), 2059. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13102059