In early 2022 Kinetic Energy was approached by a business director Richard Jacobs of Driveline GB Ltd a St Austell based in Cornwall. A company that offers van and truck rental across the South West, driver hire as well as LGV driver training and extensive commercial garage services. Richard was keen to focus on staff wellbeing within the workplace and wanted to utilize space within the confines of the business premises to provide gym facilities for his employees.

Having previously spoken to Richard and his organisation he wanted further advice and guidance on where to start and how to go about setting up a staff gym. After an initial consultation with Richard and viewing the building in which the gym was going to be set up, a plan was made to move forward with some ideas in regards to costing of equipment, the type, and the renovation of the empty unit as it was. Richard wanted to create a modern facility with a gym area, changing rooms, toilets and showering area.

The key points were to create an environment that was inviting to all, regardless of exercise knowledge, levels and abilities with a view to support staff welfare through becoming more active. A report and plan were created to utilize the space well, an area for both cardiovascular fitness as well as an area for strength and resistance training. Consideration was given to the type of equipment required to fit both the business budget but also the safety aspect especially in regards to weight training. Equipment that would be safe to use, from the novice to the most experienced to give both benefit in use but to also reduce the risk of injury or harm.

Continued guidance and support was given to Richard as the purchases were made in regards to the equipment and flooring, where to place the equipment in consideration for best use as well as safety. Once the new gym and locker rooms had been completed each member of staff completed a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) to determine their safety and to assess the possible risk of exercising based on health history, current symptoms and exercise knowledge. Once all members of staff had completed the PARQ forms Kinetic Energy then conducted gym inductions for all to ensure greater awareness of how to use the equipment, procedures for warm up, cool down and stretching to ensure safe use of the workplace gym.

Ongoing help and guidance for use of the gym, as well as conducting further gym inductions for new staff is part of the ongoing support.