Runaway strain

Around 10 million working days were lost last year due to stress, according to a GMTV survey.

Ros Saunderson, fitness co-ordinator for LA Fitness Poole, says one of the best ways to deal with physical and mental tension is through exercise as it reduces the body's levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

"The perfect way to energise your mind is to use your lunch break to take a brisk walk or engage in a short burst of exercise. The release of endorphins lowers your stress levels considerably and ensures that you return to your desk in a positive frame of mind."

In a recent survey, around 29 per cent of people in Poole claimed that a workout helps them sleep better, therefore leaving their mind refreshed for the following day.

But 41 per cent blamed work demands for preventing them from going to the gym. In fact 50 per cent of Britons do not even leave their desks at lunchtime.

Health experts believe this growing trend could be costing employers dearly with productivity slumping as sluggish workers try to push through the day without a break.

Jane Kilpatrick of Poole who runs Physiosculpt@Work, is helping to spread a little corporate calm by bringing fitness instructors into local offices and organisations.

Academics and business staff at The Arts Institute in Bournemouth, now have the choice of yoga, tai chi and pilates in their lunch-break.

The classes, which are free of charge, were so popular they were all booked within 24 hours of being advertised.

"The benefits of keeping your body fit have been well extolled over the years but many people forget that exercise also makes for a healthy mind too," says Jane.

"We deliver tailor-made wellness and stress management programs designed to enhance working lives, improve employee morale, reduce absenteeism and increase productivity."

Louise Knight a disability advisor at the student advice centre, who attends the pilates classes at the Institute, thinks it's an excellent idea.

"I have suffered with bad back problems since having children so these classes have really helped.

"I think it is a great idea as it also sends out the message that they care about their staff here by investing in their well-being."

Julia Buckingham, head of student advice, attends several classes a week.

"Like many jobs it can be stressful at times but after one of these classes I always leave feeling re-energised, clearer-headed and fired up for the afternoon," she said.

"I have also started doing yoga after work too so in a way it's kick-started a whole new exercise regime for me as I never did anything before this."

The Institute's principal, Professor Stuart Bartholomew added: "It is giving us a focus on providing a healthier working environment for all our staff and I am sure this will see an improvement in both their well being and general outputs."

David Mills who runs a local recruitment consultancy, is convinced that the introduction of regular training has improved his working performance and concentration levels.

"I encourage all my employees to take a break at midday and exercise if they can. This ensures I have a more productive task force and avoids the midday slump when we all reach for sugary foods a quick fix."

Experts believe that just 20 minutes of exercise a day is enough to make you better equipped to deal with stress.

To find out more about health and fitness in the workplace, visit website physiosculpt.com or lafitness.com.

• If you have ever wondered what alternative health and beauty treatments are really like - here's your chance to find out without forking out a small fortune.

St Michael's Primary School in Somerville Road, Bournemouth is hosting a fund-raising ladies pamper evening on Friday, March 23 from 7 to 9.30pm.

There will a wide range of taster sessions plus manicures, skin care advice, and self-defence demos. Tickets cost £3 (includes a glass of wine) and are available on the door.