The benefits of physical preparation

Today, we are fully aware of the benefits of physical preparation in sport. It enables athletes to develop and optimize their physical abilities, such as strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility, so that they are prepared to withstand the training load, repeat training sessions, and perform on the day. Physical preparation also helps to preserve the physical integrity of athletes in terms of their muscles and joints, thereby preventing the risk of injury. It is a key factor in the performance of athletes.

But what about the physical demands placed on employees at work?

Employees and athletes are not so different in terms of preparation

Although it would be very easy to draw parallels between an athlete who trains daily and an employee who performs intense physical activity at work (carrying heavy loads, repetitive movements, etc.), this is not always true when it comes to their preparation!

Let's take two examples

- Imagine a man in his forties who currently runs two to three times a week. He wants to participate in the next Paris Marathon, which will take place in three months. To prepare as well as possible, he will set up a meticulous training program alternating endurance work, muscle strengthening, and rest, with the sole aim of performing well on the day and, above all, avoiding injury.

- Now imagine a winegrower in his forties with 20 years of experience in the vineyards. The summer harvest is three months away. What do you think this employee will do to prepare for this event? Nothing, of course! In fact, it's a bit like the athlete deciding to run a marathon without any preparation. Crazy, you might say! So why would it be more acceptable for the winegrower?

We only have one body, whatever our occupation

In certain physical occupations, work places significant demands on the body, increasing the risk of injury and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the long term if the body is not sufficiently prepared. Adequate physical preparation allows the body to gradually adapt to the demands of these activities. It is therefore essential for workers in these sectors to practice muscle strengthening and cardio-respiratory development exercises to prevent MSDs. [1] Whether you are a winemaker or an athlete, physical preparation before exercise is essential to protect your body.

It would therefore be advisable for winegrowers to follow a muscle strengthening program three times a week, focusing mainly on the muscle groups used during the harvest, such as the shoulders, forearms, back, and thighs. In addition, doing aerobic exercise once or twice a week, such as cycling, Nordic walking, or running, will ensure you are fully prepared for the harvest.

Key points to remember:

➡️Physical preparation is not just for athletes.

➡️It is a key factor in performance, both in sport and at work.

➡️It allows you to gradually prepare your body for strenuous work and protect it in case of injury.

➡️It reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

SOURCES : 

[1] Bigard MX. Activités physiques et sportives au travail, une opportunité pour améliorer l’état de santé des employés. Académie nationale de Médecine 2022