It’s that time again—2025 is already here, and “New Year, New Me” resolutions are popping up left and right. But what about the goals your company is setting for the new year?

Let me throw out an idea: a «free» (subsidized), exercise program for your employees.

We all know that exercising is good for us. But if we take a closer look at the science, it becomes clear that physical activity isn’t just about staying in shape or losing a few pounds. It’s also an incredible way to boost brain health, mental performance, and long-term well-being. So, here’s the big question: why aren’t more companies offering this for free (or at least subsidized)? The potential upsides are huge—not just for employees, but also for the organization as a whole.

The Science Backing Exercise (Shout-out to Huberman Lab)

The last episode of Andrew Huberman’s podcast (Huberman Lab) broke down the research behind exercise and brain performance, digging deep into the neurobiological and endocrine reasons we should all be getting more active. Although I found the podcast a bit too technical for my liking, here are some highlights:

Two Big Buckets of Exercise:

• Cardiovascular Training: This includes everything from quick, high-intensity sprints to steady-state cardio at a lower intensity. It all helps the heart and lungs work better—plus it ramps up your metabolism and can even improve focus right after you finish.
• Resistance Training: Think compound lifts (squats, deadlifts) as well as single-joint moves (bicep curls, leg extensions). These forms of exercise help build strength and muscle endurance, while also sparking positive changes in the brain.

Immediate vs. Long-Term Brain Benefits:

• Acute Boost: Right after you exercise, your brain enters a state of higher alertness and improved cognitive function. Things like memory recall, attention, and even problem-solving can get a quick bump.
• Chronic Gains: Over time, regular workouts help protect against age-related decline and enhance learning capabilities. Translation: you stay sharp and agile, both mentally and physically, for the long haul.

Key Mechanisms Behind the Magic:

• Arousal: During exercise, heart rate and blood pressure go up, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This “high alert” state helps you focus and retain information better.
• Hormonal Helpers: Cortisol and adrenaline aren’t “bad” when properly regulated; they actually boost learning and memory—especially for information you’re exposed to right after you’ve exercised.
• Neural Pathways: The heart and brain talk to each other through nerve signals, keeping you tuned in. Adrenaline, for instance, acts on the vagus nerve, which helps control key brain areas tied to focus and alertness.
• Motor Network: Every time you move—especially when doing big, core-engaging exercises—you trigger the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which helps energize the brain and sharpen your mental clarity.
• Osteocalcin: When you move, your bones release osteocalcin. This hormone heads straight to the hippocampus (your memory HQ), boosting neuron growth and connectivity. It’s one of the reasons exercises helps you learn faster and remember more over time.
• Lactate: Produced during intense exercise, lactate can help suppress appetite and fuel your neurons for better brain function.
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Exercise ramps up BDNF, which supports new neuron growth and healthy synaptic connections. Essentially, it’s a key driver of neuroplasticity—a fancy way of saying your brain stays flexible and able to learn new things.

Why Companies Should Care

Let’s connect the dots: regular exercise isn’t just good for individuals (improved physical health, mental well-being, reduced stress and burnout, better work-life balance, and increased morale and satisfaction).

In the end, with exercise, employees can think faster, stay more focused, and stay healthier for longer. After about 10 days of skipping workouts, our brain’s oxygenation levels drop, which can dull mental sharpness and lower productivity. Imagine if the majority of your workforce is regularly missing out—how much-untapped potential is that?

Putting a «free» (subsidized) program in place can yield big returns for every company:

• Boosted Productivity and Performance: When employees feel energized and focused, they get more done in less time.

• Reduced Absenteeism & Healthcare Costs: Active people tend to get sick less often and recover faster.

• Improved Mood & Team Spirit: Exercising together fosters camaraderie. Plus, people in a better mood are more likely to collaborate and innovate.

• Improved Employee Retention: Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay with the company. Offering benefits like gym memberships can contribute to higher retention rates, saving the company recruitment and training costs.

• Positive Company Image and Reputation: Companies that prioritize employee well-being are often seen as more attractive and responsible employers, enhancing their public image and reputation.

• Stronger Company Culture: Promoting health and wellness can foster a more positive and supportive company culture, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie. When companies invest in employee well-being, it signals that they care about their staff. This can lead to higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and a stronger sense of belonging.

• Potential Tax Benefits: In some regions, there may be tax benefits associated with providing employee wellness programs, including gym memberships.

While «every company should» is a strong statement and might not be universally applicable in every single situation (cost, usage, alternatives, and accessibility), the benefits are significant enough that it’s a worthwhile consideration for most.

Given that, a more nuanced approach might be:

• Offer Subsidies or Partial Coverage: This can make gym memberships more affordable without the full cost burden.
• Provide On-site Fitness Facilities: If feasible, having a gym at the workplace can be highly convenient.
• Offer a Wellness Allowance: This allows employees to choose how to spend their wellness funds, which could include gym memberships, fitness classes, or other health-related activities.
• Partner with Local Gyms: Negotiating corporate rates with local gyms can provide discounted access for employees.
• Promote Wellness Challenges and Programs: Encourage physical activity through organized initiatives.

The Bottom Line

At this point, the evidence is crystal clear: exercising regularly is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to boost brain performance and overall health.

And if it’s so beneficial, why wouldn’t you want your employees to have easy (read: free/subsidized) access to it?

So, as you plan for 2025, and if it is under your responsibility, consider adding “Launch a Free/Subsidized Exercise Program” to your company’s list of goals. The payoff—for your workforce’s well-being and your company’s bottom line—could be massive.

Don’t wait. A healthier, sharper, and more engaged team is well worth the investment.

#EmployeeWellness #CorporateHealth #ExerciseProgram #Productivity #BrainHealth #AndrewHuberman #HubermanLab #WorkplaceWellness #MentalPerformance #BusinessROI