More employers are discovering the benefits of encouraging their staff to keep fit. Exercise at the workplace not only improves fitness, but can also boost staff morale. Li Qiong looks at some workplaces that have revived the decades old tradition.

Staff at Beijing's Xidan Department Store begin their exercises at 9am, half an hour before they open for business.

Wang Ying,employee of Xidan Department Store, said, "After the exercises, we feel more energetic, and can concentrate on our work for the whole day. "

Xu Min, vice manager of Xidan Department Store, said, "It only takes five minutes. The exercises aim to make our shop assistants provide customer service with greater vigor."

Just a few minutes daily exercise has many physical benefits.

Experts advise people to find their own appropriate exercise to maintain good health and fitness.

Zhou Xianliang, director pf Outpatient Dept., Fuwai Hospital, said, "Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce weight. We encourage everyone to find their own suitable sports activities."

Exercise has proved an efficient method of relieving staff stress at China Mobile's Beijing branch.

Li Jianjun, Labor Union V. chairman of China mobile, Beijing, said, "We have more than 2-thousand employees and their pressure at work is rather heavy. We encourage them to exercise at work to help release that pressure."

The history of work-break exercises dates back to the 1950s.

But the practice fell by the wayside as people's lives became busier.

It's hoped the revival of exercise at the workplace will highlight the benefits of keeping fit and foster unity among employees.