Exercise is good for the body—but what actually happens in the brain when we exercise? And how can we use this knowledge to bring more alertness, focus, and renewed energy to our daily work lives? That’s exactly what the 45-minute “Brain in Motion” workshop from VITENSO Workplace Health Promotion is all about.
Peter Müller from the VITENSO online editorial team speaks with Christina Förschner, the Workplace Health Promotion Coordinator and Head of the Workplace Health Promotion Department at VITENSO, about what the workshop entails, what teams experience during it—and why “Brain in Motion” can be an attractive offering for managers to provide to their employees.
Peter Müller: Christina, the title “Brain in Motion” really piques my curiosity. What exactly does the workshop entail?
Christina Förschner: The name actually describes very well what it’s all about: We want to get the brain going through movement. In “Brain in Motion,” we combine physical activity with coordination, attention, and simple mental exercises. Through this, participants directly experience that exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it can also support our mental stimulation.
The workshop lasts 45 minutes and consists of a brief, scientifically grounded introduction and, above all, practical exercises. It is important to us that participants don’t just listen, but actually try things out for themselves and experience what happens when movement and thinking are combined.
Peter Müller: Why is this topic so interesting, especially in everyday work life?
Christina Förschner: Many of us spend a large part of our workday focused on a screen, in meetings, or on tasks that require a high level of attention. At the same time, we often don’t get enough exercise.
This is exactly where “Brain in Motion” comes in. Even small bursts of activity can help you consciously take a break from your daily work routine and recharge your energy. We want to show that this doesn’t require a complicated workout or special workout clothes. Exercise can be simple and easily incorporated into a normal workday.
The key point is this: The participants experience this connection for themselves. As a result, the topic often sticks in their minds much more firmly than if we were to discuss it purely in theoretical terms.
Peter Müller: What exactly can a team expect when a manager books “Brain in Motion”?
Christina Förschner: First of all, 45 minutes full of variety, during which everyone can get involved together. After a brief technical introduction, we’ll quickly move on to the practical part.
We combine movement and coordination exercises with attention tasks and small cognitive challenges. Some exercises look quite simple at first—but suddenly you realize that your brain has to work hard when it’s asked to do several things at once.
This often leads to shared laughter and a relaxed atmosphere. No one needs to be athletic or meet any specific requirements. It’s not about performance or who’s the best at something. Instead, the focus is on trying things out together, staying active, and having fun moving around.
Peter Müller: Does that mean “Brain in Motion” is also a special form of workplace health promotion for entire teams?
Christina Förschner: Absolutely. Workplace health promotion is particularly effective when health isn’t presented as an abstract concept, but is instead something employees can experience firsthand in their day-to-day work.
“Brain in Motion” combines several elements: physical activity, mental stimulation, and the shared team experience. It is precisely this combination that makes the program so interesting.
For managers, the workshop can be a great way to offer their employees a health-focused initiative that is both accessible and practical. And, of course, employees can take the initiative as well: If you’d like to see an offering like this for your team, talk to your manager about it and simply bring up the idea.
Peter Müller: But “Brain in Motion” isn’t quite over after 45 minutes. You’ve developed a take-away challenge. What’s the idea behind it?
Christina Förschner: It was important to us that the workshop not end the moment participants left the room. That’s why the team is given a small coordination task as a take-away challenge.
It is intended to motivate participants to keep at it together even after the workshop, to challenge one another, and to incorporate movement into their daily work routine in a playful way.
Maybe this will even turn into a little ritual within the team, or colleagues will motivate each other to keep getting better at the task. That’s exactly what we hope for: a 45-minute workshop can spark something that continues to have an impact afterward.
Peter Müller: Does “Brain in Motion” have to be the same for every team, or can you adapt it to different needs?
Christina Förschner: We want to tailor our offerings as closely as possible to each team. That’s why we’re happy to consult with managers in advance and work together to determine: What’s a good fit for your team? What are its needs? And what format makes the most sense for that?
“Brain in Motion” naturally has a clear framework in terms of content, but VITENSO’s workplace health promotion program also offers a variety of other options. Our goal is not simply to offer an “off-the-shelf” workshop. We want to work with the people in charge to determine how a wellness program can provide the greatest possible added value for each specific team.
Peter Müller: What would you say to a manager who is considering booking “Brain in Motion” for their team?
Christina Förschner: Just give it a try together! 45 minutes is a manageable amount of time, yet long enough to make a real impact. The team gains new knowledge, works together actively, and takes concrete ideas back to their daily work.
What I particularly like about “Brain in Motion” is that it doesn’t preach about health. We want to spark curiosity, encourage people to get involved, and show how easy it can be to get active.
And, of course, we’ll be available afterward to answer any questions you may have about the VITENSO Health Center and our other services.
Peter Müller: And how exactly can managers or interested employees take action now?
Christina Förschner: It’s very simple: Managers can contact us directly to inquire about “Brain in Motion” for their team and book the program for a fee. We’d be happy to advise you and work with you to determine how the program can be tailored to your team’s needs.
And if you, as an employee, think, “That would be just the thing for our team,” then bring it up with your manager. Often, all it takes is someone to get the ball rolling.
Just send us a message bgf@vitenso-darmstadt.de. We look forward to hearing from you—and to working with you to get not only your body but also your brain moving.
Peter Müller: Christina, thank you very much for the interview.
Christina Förschner: I’d love to—and maybe we’ll see each other soon at “Brain in Motion”!
This article was researched using AI and edited by our editorial team.
