Workplace advice inspires Andy to take big strides to better health

Lanes Group director Andy Brierley is known for his boundless enthusiasm and energy – and now a workplace health and wellbeing test has inspired him to focus that energy on personal fitness.

He is supporting the company’s wellbeing campaign to find out how physically active staff are across all functions in the organisation by measuring how many steps he takes during February.

His Apple Watch fitness app recorded that in February – month seven of his personal fitness programme – he achieved a weekly output of 38,541 steps, covering 32.32km, in the process burning 5,456 calories. In subsequent weeks he kept up similar activity levels.

Andy had already taken giant strides towards better personal fitness and health, thanks to taking advantage of a workplace wellbeing campaign he championed.

He approved funding for a wellbeing kiosk to be set up in operational offices run by Lanes Group’s Utilities Division operating the wastewater network services maintenance contract for Thames Water.

When he underwent the health and wellbeing check in spring 2015 – among them aerobic fitness, blood pressure, weight analysis and cholesterol levels – he took immediate action.

Andy says: “The test results told me I needed to take much better care of myself. I joined a gym that same evening and went to my first gym session the following day. I am a goal-orientated person and don’t like to do things by halves. From that moment, I was determined to make a big change.”

He had already given up smoking in January 2015, switching to e-cigarettes. Now staff watched him undergo another major personal and physical transformation.

The upshot is that he has lost over three stones in weight, and has transformed how he feels, and works. Andy says: “My working day is now more structured and focused. I have ensured every day I attend the gym without fail.

“I feel calmer and happier. I am still enthusiastic and energetic, but in a way that’s better focussed. Colleagues say I am easier to work with and I don’t worry so much about unnecessary detail. I have a better perspective, and I feel much better. Getting fitter has had a massive impact.

“I am pleased to be a positive example of how companies that show concern for the wellbeing of their workforce can make a real difference, which is both good for the individual and their performance at work.

“I have become a bit of a health convert. I remember a health and safety professional I work with once said in the future fish and chips will be as socially unacceptable as drink driving, and I like to encourage colleagues to be concerned about their fitness.

“But I hope I do it in a way that’s supportive. I have certainly had a lot of support and encouragement from colleagues, so I want to share my enthusiasm with others.”