Final Workplace Gymnastics class closes the academic year with high participation

Safety, Health and Sustainability Office

2 min•Sustainability•22 July, 2026

Promoting health and well‑being in the workplace is one of the priorities of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, reflecting its commitment to creating a healthier and more balanced working environment for its entire community.

The final Workplace Gymnastics class of the academic year took place on 14 July, at Alameda Pedro Nunes, bringing together dozens of Faculty staff in a moment marked by energy, good spirits and a strong sense of togetherness.

Since mid‑September 2025, the Workplace Gymnastics programme has been offering weekly moments dedicated to promoting health, well‑being and quality of life at work. Throughout the academic year, the initiative brought together staff from different services, reinforcing the importance of physical activity as an integral part of a healthy working environment.

G3S expresses its great satisfaction with the remarkable participation recorded in this final class, which exceeded expectations and demonstrated the growing interest of the staff community in this type of initiative. The session took place in an atmosphere of camaraderie, joy and sharing, providing an excellent way to mark the end of the academic year.

The enthusiasm and participation shown in this moment reinforce the conviction that Workplace Gymnastics is a valuable contribution to staff well‑being and provide strong motivation for continuing this project in the next academic year. We hope that this initiative will continue to grow, involving an increasing number of colleagues and consolidating an institutional culture that values health, well‑being and the promotion of active lifestyles.

G3S thanks all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the year and invites even more staff members to join the initiative in the next academic year.

“Because taking care of our health also means building a stronger, healthier and more united Faculty.”

Testimonies

“For me, it is a moment of relaxation and good company, especially during periods of greater stress in academic life.”

Professor Carlos Marques Silva, C6 - Geology

“Workplace Gymnastics moments are much more than a break – they are an invitation to reconnect with the body and a true source of energy in the midst of daily routines. I feel my body lighter and my mind clearer after each session, and so I leave here a wish: that these moments may last even longer, because the benefits we gain are far too good to be brief. My sincere thank you for this initiative – it is a real gift for those who take part in it.”

Ana Bernardes, C8 - Administrative Support Centre

“Workplace gymnastics brings great lightness to the work routine. I feel that this pause helps me relax and maintain a more motivated attitude for the rest of the working day.”

Ana Vaz, C4 - Library

“A moment to decompress.”

Teresa Boa, C4 - Library

“I replaced my Tuesday coffee with this initiative, which represents a relaxed moment and a relief from stress.”

Frederico Teixeira, C4 - DSI (IT Services Unit)

“Sometimes what we really need is a 15‑minute break to exercise the body and mind.”

Ioana Santos, C8 – Administrative Support Centre

“Workplace gymnastics decisively contributes to one of the most pleasant moments of a working day, helping to relax the mind and give health to the body.”

Maria João Antunes, C8 – Administrative Support Centre

“For me, workplace gymnastics is that pause that allows me to stretch the ‘skeleton’ and provides a small bridge of social interaction with the community.”

José Figueira, C4 – Campus Area

“Workplace gymnastics is fun, it allows us to socialise and, at the same time, exercise our muscles.”

Cristina Bernardino, C4 - Library

“It is a remarkable and splendid initiative.”

Alice Carvalho & Catherine Prokhorov, C4 - DSI (IT Services Unit)

“Workplace gymnastics is something positive for workers’ well‑being.”

Miguel Santos, C4 - DSI (IT Services Unit)

“Workplace gymnastics is the break that renews your energy.”

Tiago Pereira, C4 - DSI (IT Services Unit)

“Workplace gymnastics is that moment when the body appreciates the break. I found the class very enjoyable, with lots of interaction with colleagues, between laughter and stretches.”

Marta Costa, C2 - GAL (Laboratory Support Area)