Physical exercise and conferences

Abstract

Conference planners often overlook the physical needs of conferees. They pay attention to the social and the learning needs of adults and then wonder why conferees appear groggy and lethargic by mid-afternoon. This article discusses a pilot study in which 82 conferees participated in an experiment to examine the effects of an exercise break during a conference. The results from the study shed light on the kinds of exercises that might be conducive to conference settings. Conferees who participated in the exercise expressed feelings of rejuvenation and exhilaration. They also preferred mild, short exercise breaks rather than prolonged activities.