The Union is taking the initiative to bring in their own certified personal trainer with which employees can then organize with to customize a training schedule.  RMA is sponsoring them for contractor badges so that the training can take place as convenient to both parties.  The time spent must still be on one’s own time (before/after work, lunch or leave) and costs will be out of pocket for now.  However, we are excited to at least provide some additional services to those interested. The rates are not finalized but we believe it will cost under $10 for a 30 minute session, which is very low compared to most personal trainers.  As mentioned before, personal trainer costs can be covered by FSA’s.  Please contact Minja if you are interested so we can start forming groups.

Of course, those who already use the gym (or want to start!) can continue to do so at their own convenience at no cost, just like it has been.

No related posts.

1. This initiative is to add services and will not affect the current use policy for the gym. The gym will continue to be free and open to all employees no matter what comes of fitness classes.

2. Current gym users are quite friendly and several, both in person and in the survey results, have stated there are already small, informal groups that provide fitness knowledge and assistance for any that wish to come.

The survey results are below

2/3 of the respondents are not currently members at a gym or health club and of those that are members, only 1/2 currently take organized fitness classes!

Nearly 80% of respondents would like to see a fitness program organized in the building, however most would like a fully subsidized program, or simply like the initiative of creating a program and would not personally participate.

We were surprised at the response to the question about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) as it did not seem to register with most people. For information purposes, most gym memberships and fitness classes can be covered by these accounts. I would encourage everyone unaware about the program to read about it as it can save you a lot of money on all health care expenses.

There was a fairly even spread of the desired group size. Larger groups were slightly more preferred, but the differences were negligible.

Resistance training received the highest number of votes as the exercise of choice. A lot of employees would like to have cycling, aerobic, and Yoga classes available as well.  I misread the bargaining unit when writing this survey and failed to offer wheel chair racing as a choice, however, it received some support as a write in option.

We have wonderful facilities in the building, I am sure that employees currently using them enjoy the exclusive feel about it, but it would be nice to see it utilized by more employees, especially the room without the machines, which hardly, if ever gets used.
Again thanks to all of you who responded. Your input and thoughts, including positive criticism are necessary for us to be able to do our job as your representatives.

Related posts:

1. Fitness Survey
2. Fitness Program
3. Federal Employees Health Benefits Threatened

The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee quietly offered the amendment that would boot all federal employees, including members of Congress, as well as federal retirees from their current health insurance plans beginning in 2013. For now, it appears that feds have dodged a bullet as the amendment was modified to eliminate the word ‘require’ and replace it with language that says they “may” purchase on the exchange.”

By Jaime L. Hartman Sep 24 2009

Full Article:
Federal Employees Health Benefits Threatened

Related posts:

1. OPM Director Introduces Plan to Increase Telework among Federal Employees

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If you have any questions or comments, please email Chief Steward David Zanoni

Related posts:

1. New Chief Steward
2. Survey Results
3. Fitness Program