Erasmus+ Project
Gymno'bus

As part of the ERASMUS+ Sport program, Gymno'bus is dedicated to researching and promoting the benefits of workplace physical activity. Our work focuses on how structured exercise programs can enhance employee health, increase productivity, and improve job satisfaction. The project is supported by a diverse and experienced consortium, including:

• The Municipality of Águeda (Portugal), which provides expertise in community-driven health initiatives.
  The Municipality of Agueda is an institution of local public administration. It aims to pursuit the interests of the population in the territory of Agueda Country. The Municipality of Agueda has an extension of 335km2, and is situated in the Center Region of Portugal (NUT II), the Aveiro Region (NUT III). The city assumes itself as the north limit of the region denominated Bairrada. It has approximately 46 000 inhabitants that are distributed by the 11 civil parishes of the municipal territory. Agueda plays host to a variety of national and international cultural and sport events. The most well known of these is AgitAgueda Art Festival, which annually attracts thousands of visitors throughout the month of July (www.agitAgueda.com). In the sports area, the Municipality of Agueda seeks to respond to the following requirements :
  - Coordinate and develop sporting activities in the Municipality, promoting the participation of associations, organizations and local communities;
  - Organize, coordinate and ensure the success of sporing events promoted by the municipality;
  - Manage and ensure the maintenance of sports facilities in the municipality, as well as promote its use by the population and under collaboration agreements with other sports institutions;
  - Encourage and support sports associations;
  The Municipality provides support to 30 sports clubs located within the borough. The « Sport for All » program aims to allow free access to sports activities for its citizens, including a number of sport opportunities for those with disabilities.

  Website: www.cm-agueda.pt

• Copenhagen University (Denmark), a leading institution in health and sports sciences, contributing research and scientific validation.
  The University of Copenhaguen (UCPH) is the largest university in Denmark and one of the most important institutions for higher education in Scandinavia. The university has around 23 500 undergraduate, 17 000 postgraduate and 3 000 doctoral students and more than 9 000 employees. It has 6 faculties ans numerous departments. The department of nutrition, exercise and sport, which is a part of the science faculty has 6 units in the areas of human, social and natural sciences. BSW UC staff are from the unit « Sport, Individual & Society » whose members work particularly on « sport promotion » among the general population with a specific focus on the involvement of vulnerable target groups. Aims are also to provide an understanding about the developments, meanings of physical cultures and about the significance as well ont the propagation of sport and recreational physical activities in the past, the presence and in the future. The members of the unit emphasize not only the health aspects of sport and exercise, but also their potential to provide amusement, pleasure and personal freedom.
  Therefore, main areas of research, dissemination of results and of teaching are social inclusion and equality. They approach these aims via the application of problem oriented concepts and various relevant theories and evaluate their studies with regard to the impact that they can make on life and leisure of the general public, of all demographic and all age groups, including those in employment.

  Website: www.ku.dk

• The European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS), promoting corporate well-being through sports initiatives across Europe.
  EFCS is a non-profit organization working since 1962, based in Paris and gathering national company sport federations from 39 different countries (40 federations) of which 22 EU are member states. Theses national federations are referent associations in their own countries to organize activities related to company sport. Most of these federations members are companies which differ in size, form and activity. The EFCS main objective is to promote and develop sport practice in the professional environment across Europe.
  
  Company sport covers all types of sport and physical activities that can be organized by a company in and outside its premises. EFCSE represents : 17 million athletes, 150 000 clubs related to company sport, 41 000 companies, 900 employees in national federations. More than 100 sport disciplines from soccer, volleyball and golf to bridge, mountain biking, pétanque and sailing as well local and national sports, 24 summer company sport games since 1977 (average figures : 7 000 participants, 30 disciplines, 1 000 staff, employees and volunteers), 15 winter company sport games since 1990 (averages figures : 500 participants, 7 disciplines, 100 staff, employees and volunteers).
  
  Physical activity within the workplace is part of EFCS DNA and sport and PA are tools and solutions to engage into more active lifestyle for employees with already very high recognized benefits. EFCS could bring its expertise and knowledge to improve the Gymno’bus program and contribute to BSW deliverables as well expanding it at European level (especially in the training phase).
  
  Thanks to EFCS, we could be able to target the major stakeholders at national level concerning company sport with EFCS national company sport federations members. As a result, EFCS agreed to be involved as partner and be the intermediary between LCSE and them. As an example, EFCS will organize the training workshop where we will introduce to different EFCS members all details around the BSW program and how they could implement it directly in their country. Without them, we cannot have the possibility to enlarge the project at European level with such a simple and efficient access.

  Website: www.efcs.org

• Ligue Centre-Val de Loire du Sport d’Entreprise (France), ensuring local implementation and alignment with workplace wellness strategies.
  

  Website: www.lcse-sportentreprise.fr

This collaboration enables Gymno'bus to create evidence-based, sustainable solutions that encourage a more active and healthier workforce throughout Europe.

• Health Improvement: Regular physical activity is proven to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and prevent chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. According to the National Health Insurance, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 87% of occupational diseases, making workplace fitness programs essential in reducing long-term health issues.
• Increased Productivity: Employees who engage in regular physical activity demonstrate higher levels of concentration, improved cognitive function, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. A more active workforce contributes to greater overall efficiency and reduced absenteeism.
• Stronger Team Cohesion: Sports and physical activities provide opportunities for employees from different departments to connect, improving communication and collaboration. Team-building exercises and friendly competition encourage a sense of community, enhancing workplace morale and cooperation.

Through our partnership with ERASMUS+ Sport, Gymno'bus aims to:

• Assess the impact of workplace physical activity on employee health and overall workplace well-being through data-driven research and case studies.
• Develop adaptable and scalable exercise programs that cater to various professional environments, ensuring inclusivity for all fitness levels.
• Raise awareness and advocate for movement integration in daily work life by demonstrating the long-term benefits of active workplaces.
• Provide training and resources for companies to implement sustainable wellness programs, empowering organizations to support employee health effectively.

Gymno'bus offers a range of structured and engaging activities designed to accommodate the needs of employees across various industries:

• Prevention and Wellness Programs: Muscle strengthening, posture correction workshops, and stress-reducing exercises designed to minimize work-related health risks.
• Recreational and Relaxation Sessions: Including Pilates, stretching, Tai Chi, Boxing Fit, and Nordic walking, helping employees unwind and stay active.
• Flexible On-Site and Remote Solutions (@work) : Combining in-person coaching with digital tools and resources to ensure long-term engagement and accessibility for all employees.