EMPOWERING EXCELLENCE: Better work-life balance through fitness

Regular exercise is important for health. That is why Marc O'Polo offeres a wide variety of fitness benefits to its employees. Doing sports constantly not only strengthens the heart and circulation, but also mental health benefits from exercise. Physical activity releases endorphins that trigger feelings of happiness. As sport leads to increased blood circulation. Positive consequences are a better stress reduction and a higher ability to concentrate.

EXERCISING IN THE MORNING, AFTERNOON OR IN THE EVENING - WHAT'S YOUR TYPICAL ROUTINE?

SOPHIE: Sometimes I work out in the morning, sometimes in the evening—and sometimes I work out twice a day. I don’t have a strict routine. It always depends on the weather, appointments and my mood and energy. My Wellpass membership allows me to take advantage of numerous sports and fitness offerings and is a really great benefit from Marc O'Polo. I go to Eisbachfit, an outdoor circuit training course, once or twice a week in the morning. By the time I sit in front of my laptop, I'm ready to start my work, feeling balanced and full of energy. In the evening after work I enjoy going for a ride on my road bike.

MAXI: I exercise in the evening during the week and in the morning on weekends. For me, it's important not to have any time pressure, so that I can fully concentrate on my session and enjoy it one hundred per cent. Currently, my weekly workout routine consists of two to three sessions in the gym and one or two cardio sessions. These can be running, cycling or cross-country skiing in winter.

HAS REGULAR EXERCISE IMPROVED YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE OR HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR DAILY WORK?

SOPHIE: In particular road cycling has improved my work-life balance enormously over the last year. When I’m riding my bike, I can switch off completely. You are in the moment and only focused on yourself, your fellow cyclists and your surroundings. If you have workout plans it ensures that you finish work on time. It’s generally known that sports and exercise lead to the release of endorphins and a good mental balance. When I don't exercise for a long time, it ultimately affects all aspects of my life.

MAXI: For me, the biggest benefits are a better sense of well-being, greater self-confidence and a certain serenity throughout everyday life. In addition, the ability to challenge myself in sports and to push my boundaries has a positive effect on my mindset and character.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO ROAD CYCLING, AND WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT IT?

SOPHIE: When I started working for Marc O'Polo two years ago and I moved from Hamburg to Bavaria that’s when I got into road cycling. After a colleague let me try out their bike, I immediately ordered my own. The HR benefit “bike leasing” made the purchase much easier. Since then, I have also been able to finance a gravel bike for the autumn/winter season.

MAXI: I have always loved sports with an emphasis on cardio, such as running and swimming. So it was only a matter of time before I bought a road bike. What I like most is the sense of speed you get from cycling and that I can cover a long distance in nature in a relatively short time. I’ve been able to explore many new places that I would never have discovered otherwise.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FITNESS HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?

SOPHIE: In May this year, I cycled the mountains of Mallorca for five days with 13 other young women. We cycled 600 km with a total elevation gain of 7,700 meters, and with ascents of up to 10 km in length. As it was still the beginning of the season, I was sometimes pushed to my limits. But that makes me even more proud when I look back at it.

MAXI: My personal fitness highlight was probably how I felt after my first marathon, which I ran all by myself. It was actually a mistake; I got lost as I had recently moved. I was going through a rough patch at the time. Through my physical endurance, I was really able to prove to myself that I could master any situation.

HOW WELL DOES YOUR PASSION FOR SPORTS FIT WITH YOUR JOB AT MARC O'POLO?

SOPHIE: For me, my enthusiasm for sports and my job at Marc O'Polo work very well together. I get a lot of positive encouragement and support from my colleagues.

MAXI: Very well. Many employees on campus are also sports enthusiasts. In addition, the Wellpass provided by Marc O'Polo allows me to visit the best gyms in Munich and to recuperate better thanks to discounts on massages and physical therapy.