{"id":4535,"date":"2026-08-26T17:26:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T15:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitenso-darmstadt.de\/brain-in-motion-how-does-exercise-get-our-brains-going\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T16:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T14:28:40","slug":"brain-in-motion-how-does-exercise-get-our-brains-going","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitenso-darmstadt.de\/en\/brain-in-motion-how-does-exercise-get-our-brains-going\/","title":{"rendered":"Brain in Motion: How Does Exercise Get Our Brains Going?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exercise is good for the body\u2014but 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\u2019s exactly what the 45-minute \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d workshop from VITENSO Workplace Health Promotion is all about. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>

Workplace Health Promotion<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Peter M\u00fcller from the VITENSO online editorial team speaks with Christina F\u00f6rschner, the Workplace Health Promotion Coordinator and Head of the Workplace Health Promotion Department at VITENSO<\/b>, about what the workshop entails, what teams experience during it\u2014and why \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d can be an attractive offering for managers to provide to their employees.<\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: Christina, the title \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d really piques my curiosity. What exactly does the workshop entail? <\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> The name actually describes very well what it\u2019s all about: We want to get the brain going through movement. In \u201cBrain in Motion,\u201d we combine physical activity with coordination, attention, and simple mental exercises. Through this, participants directly experience that exercise isn\u2019t just about physical fitness\u2014it can also support our mental stimulation. <\/p>\n

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\u2019t just listen, but actually try things out for themselves and experience what happens when movement and thinking are combined. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: Why is this topic so interesting, especially in everyday work life?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> 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. <\/p>\n

This is exactly where \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d 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\u2019t require a complicated workout or special workout clothes. Exercise can be simple and easily incorporated into a normal workday. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: What exactly can a team expect when a manager books \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> First of all, 45 minutes full of variety, during which everyone can get involved together. After a brief technical introduction, we\u2019ll quickly move on to the practical part. <\/p>\n

We combine movement and coordination exercises with attention tasks and small cognitive challenges. Some exercises look quite simple at first\u2014but suddenly you realize that your brain has to work hard when it\u2019s asked to do several things at once. <\/p>\n

This often leads to shared laughter and a relaxed atmosphere. No one needs to be athletic or meet any specific requirements. It\u2019s not about performance or who\u2019s the best at something. Instead, the focus is on trying things out together, staying active, and having fun moving around. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: Does that mean \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d is also a special form of workplace health promotion for entire teams?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> 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. <\/p>\n

\u201cBrain in Motion\u201d combines several elements: physical activity, mental stimulation, and the shared team experience. It is precisely this combination that makes the program so interesting. <\/p>\n

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\u2019d like to see an offering like this for your team, talk to your manager about it and simply bring up the idea. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: But \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d isn\u2019t quite over after 45 minutes. You\u2019ve developed a take-away challenge. What\u2019s the idea behind it? <\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> 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<\/b>. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s exactly what we hope for: a 45-minute workshop can spark something that continues to have an impact afterward. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: Does \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d have to be the same for every team, or can you adapt it to different needs?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> We want to tailor our offerings as closely as possible to each team. That\u2019s why we\u2019re happy to consult with managers in advance and work together to determine: What\u2019s a good fit for your team? What are its needs? And what format makes the most sense for that? <\/p>\n

\u201cBrain in Motion\u201d naturally has a clear framework in terms of content, but VITENSO\u2019s workplace health promotion program also offers a variety of other options. Our goal is not simply to offer an \u201coff-the-shelf\u201d 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. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: What would you say to a manager who is considering booking \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d for their team?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> 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. <\/p>\n

What I particularly like about \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d is that it doesn\u2019t preach about health. We want to spark curiosity, encourage people to get involved, and show how easy it can be to get active. <\/p>\n

And, of course, we\u2019ll be available afterward to answer any questions you may have about the VITENSO Health Center and our other services.<\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller: And how exactly can managers or interested employees take action now?<\/b><\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> It\u2019s very simple: Managers can contact us directly to inquire about \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d for their team and book the program for a fee.<\/b> We\u2019d be happy to advise you and work with you to determine how the program can be tailored to your team\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

And if you, as an employee, think, \u201cThat would be just the thing for our team<\/i>,\u201d then bring it up with your manager. Often, all it takes is someone to get the ball rolling. <\/p>\n

Just send us a message bgf@vitenso-darmstadt.de<\/b><\/a><\/u><\/span>. We look forward to hearing from you\u2014and to working with you to get not only your body but also your brain moving. <\/p>\n

Peter M\u00fcller:<\/b> Christina, thank you very much for the interview.<\/p>\n

Christina F\u00f6rschner:<\/b> I’d love to\u2014and maybe we’ll see each other soon at \u201cBrain in Motion\u201d!<\/p>\n<\/div>

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