Promoting Wellness: Office Pilates Events by Rigaku Body and GMO Internet Group

In an effort to enhance the well-being of its employees, Rigaku Body, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, conducted an engaging office Pilates event for partners (employees) of the GMO Internet Group. Leveraging expertise from their Pilates studio, luluto, the event featured a seminar led by Keiya Toda, a physiotherapist and representative of luluto, focusing on posture and breathing techniques.

Seminar Overview

The seminar titled "Enhancing Posture and Breathing Through Pilates" saw the participation of 28 partners from the GMO Internet Group. It included an informative lecture followed by a practical session utilizing mats for Pilates exercises. Additionally, one-on-one lessons were offered using the Pilates machine, the "Chair," leading to a total attendance of 83 employees. This initiative aimed to provide an opportunity for employees engaged in desk work to address physical strains caused by prolonged sitting, which is a common issue. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2022 National Lifestyle Basic Survey, the leading self-reported ailments are lower back pain and shoulder stiffness, underscoring the importance of such wellness events.

The objective was clear: to allow employees to easily move in the office environment and reassess their posture and breathing to combat physical discomfort and enhance their overall condition for work performance. The event not only aimed to ease temporary physical tensions but also fostered an environment conducive to improved health and productivity.

Content of the Seminar: Performance Optimization

The seminar was divided into two parts. The first half introduced the basic principles of Pilates alongside an explanation of how poor posture and shallow breathing correlate with overall work condition. Participants engaged in activities to assess their own thoracic movement and current breathing states.

In the second half, after reviewing their posture and body movements, participants practiced breathing exercises along with over ten mat Pilates routines. The session concluded with a chance to reflect on their physical changes experienced before and after the lesson.

Personalized Hands-On Experience

Post-seminar, Rigaku Body brought the Pilates machine into the office, offering 30-minute personalized sessions across several days. Each session focused on individual participant needs, conducting postural assessments, Pilates training on the machine, and checking changes before and after the lessons. Participants received guidance on what to keep in mind during everyday activities and while at work. Blending one-on-one interactions enriched support tailored to address personal physical issues that couldn't be fully covered in the seminar.

High Satisfaction Rates

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, reflected in the event ratings:

- Overall satisfaction: 4.7 out of 5
- Expectations for productivity and reduced fatigue: 4.5
- New insights about their own bodies: 4.4

Many participants acknowledged they could apply the techniques learned during the event to improve their work-related conditions. Common concerns among participants included shoulder stiffness, headaches, and eye strain, with 33 responders indicating these as their primary physical challenges. Following that, postural issues like slouched or arched backs were noted by 30 individuals, and 23 pointed out a lack of exercise, highlighting the significant concern among desk workers regarding physical discomfort and posture awareness.

Looking ahead, 33 participants expressed interest in future sessions targeting shoulder stiffness and eye strain from screens, while 23 were keen on addressing lower back pain caused by desk work.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from attendees captured the success of the events:

- "I had always wanted to try Pilates, and it was enjoyable to experience it at the company facilities."
- "Combining breathing techniques with training created an awareness of my core even after the session."
- "I’d love to see more regular events like this!"

Future Outlook

The results of the surveys clearly indicated a high level of interest among working age individuals regarding physical challenges associated with desk work, including shoulder stiffness, headaches, eye strain, and poor posture.

Rigaku Body views Pilates as a means of self-conditioning, moving beyond just exercise to understanding one’s own body condition and maintaining it in daily life.

Through ongoing partnerships with corporations, Rigaku Body aims to provide opportunities to improve issues such as shoulder and lower back pain, enhance stamina, and deepen understanding of posture and bodily movements. Furthermore, tailored seminars combining lectures and group lessons or one-on-one training sessions with Pilates machines will be offered to meet the unique needs of various organizations.

Corporate Pilates Events

Rigaku Body delivers Pilates seminars and individual lessons using machines as part of corporate wellness strategies and benefits. Content is customized based on the number of participants, venue, and specific physical concerns of employees. Companies interested in organizing such events can reach out for inquiries.

Contact:
Rigaku Body PR Department: Sato
Email: [email protected]

About luluto Pilates Studio

luluto, a Pilates studio engaging with cutting-edge methodologies from physiotherapy, promises personalized training, emphasizing an anatomy-based approach that improves posture and movement dynamics, effectively supporting a healthier body in a short period.

3-Month Transformation Program

Offering programs with the premise of transforming the body in three months, our adaptable lesson plans cater to individual conditions and goals, leading to significant changes and improved health.

For more information about luluto and Rigaku Body:
Website: luluto