Sport among colleagues: motivation and cohesion

Why get active with your colleagues?

Taking part in physical activity with colleagues has many benefits for physical and mental well-being, both professionally and personally. Firstly, it strengthens team cohesion. By sharing moments of sport at work, colleagues get to know each other better outside the strictly professional context, which fosters better communication.

What's more, sport with colleagues is an excellent way of staying motivated. Physical activity releases endorphins, the "happy hormones", which help to relieve tension accumulated at work. By exercising together, colleagues can support each other, reinforcing a sense of belonging and solidarity.

Finally, sport can boost motivation and regularity. By incorporating regular sports sessions into the week, with a specific time slot and commitment to others, participants are more likely to maintain an active routine and avoid procrastination. It can also make exercise more fun and less monotonous if it's shared with people you enjoy.

Which sport for team spirit?

Choosing a sport to practice with colleagues depends on individual preferences and abilities. Here are a few suggestions:

• Running or walking: Organizing running or brisk walking sessions during a lunch break or after a day's work can be a simple and accessible option. These activities require no special equipment and can be enjoyed almost anywhere.
• Team sports: Soccer, basketball or volleyball are excellent choices for building team spirit and encouraging cooperation.
• Dance: Dance is a great way to work on coordination, endurance and flexibility. Whether it's salsa, zumba, hip-hop or contemporary dance, it's a great way to work out and have fun at the same time.
• Racquet sports: Padel, tennis or badminton are perfect for improving coordination, speed and endurance, while offering a good dose of competition between colleagues.
• Strength training: Strength training sessions are ideal for developing strength and stamina. They can be adapted to all levels and are often more motivating when practiced in a group.
• Wellness activities: Yoga and Pilates are perfect for those who prefer gentler activities. These disciplines help improve flexibility, concentration and stress management.
• Swimming and other water sports: Swimming is an excellent activity for building endurance and muscular strength without impacting joints.
• SPART Challenges : If you're short of ideas for activities, there's nothing like taking on the challenges our community managers set you on the app.

Alternatives for maintaining an active routine

Sometimes it can be difficult to get together physically for a sporting activity, especially in the context of teleworking or geographically dispersed teams. Fortunately, there are alternatives for maintaining motivation and commitment:

• Calls and visios: Organizing sports sessions by videoconference can be a practical solution. It keeps you motivated and allows you to share a moment of well-being together, even at a distance.
• The SPART application: Using SPART to track your performance and set common goals can be highly motivating. Colleagues can complete the challenges, track their progress and motivate each other. Our app lets you measure yourself against your colleagues in a variety of sporting challenges. Whether it's races, fitness or yoga sessions, or daily step challenges, SPART offers a multitude of options for staying active and engaged, even at a distance. Rankings and virtual rewards add a fun, competitive dimension that can boost motivation.

Whether face-to-face or remotely, there are many ways to integrate physical activity with your colleagues and reap the full benefits.

So, are you ready to slip on your sneakers with your colleagues? 🏃‍♂️🏀

By Candice Lhomme

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