WorkWalk: Erik Scherder visits the Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, September 4th, exercise professor Erik Scherder, along with representatives from the Municipality of Utrecht, HU Utrecht University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, and the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, literally took a step towards more exercise. Together, they participated in a WorkWalk in the green surroundings of Utrecht Science Park. The walk was held in the lead-up to Vitality Week at the end of September and is part of a broader movement to better combine work and vitality.
In and around Utrecht Science Park, there are now three signposted WorkWalk routes, developed by HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Municipality of Utrecht, and the Utrecht Science Park Foundation. These walking routes encourage staff and students to literally get moving during their work or study day, for example, during meetings, bilateral discussions, or brainstorming sessions. Why meet in a classroom when you can meet in the green surroundings of the campus?
“Prolonged sitting is very unhealthy and harmful to the body and brain,” says neuropsychologist Erik Scherder. “We’ve known this for years, but too little is being done. Employers talk a lot about vitality, but behavior doesn’t change automatically. It’s time for action.”
Alderwoman Eva Oosters (Sports): “Exercise doesn’t just belong on the sports field, but also at the office or during your study day. A short walk not only helps you literally take steps, but also reduces stress, improves concentration, and stimulates creativity. These are small moments that can make a big difference.”
Gerard van Assem, member of the HU Executive Board, emphasizes the importance of small, achievable steps: “At HU, we don’t have a dedicated time for exercise; we’ve integrated exercise into our work,” says Van Assem. “The WorkWalks make that easy. We want to show that it can start small—with one step, literally and figuratively.”
Background information
Dutch people sit for an average of almost nine hours per workday, according to recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Sitting has a demonstrably negative impact on health and productivity. Neuropsychologist Professor Erik Scherder calls it “very damaging to the body and brain.” Together with the municipality of Utrecht, he is urging employers to make exercise a regular part of the workday. A low-threshold example is the so-called WorkWalks: fixed walking routes used in Utrecht Science Park for walking meetings.
View the WorkWalk routes and more information here.
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