Airbus Makes Fitness A Priority

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Airbus Helicopters offers an on campus workout facility and fitness program for their employees to freely use.

Corey Martin, an exercise specialist, is in charge of Airbus’ wellness program.

She believes there are many positive things that come from a company going all-in for their employees.

“First I think it’s beneficial having it at the work site,” said Martin. “And two I think that it being free and the company paying for it that’s another win win right there, and another thing is working for a company that cares enough about their employees to offer such a program I think is another benefit to the employees.”

Martin makes monthly schedules for Airbus that include yoga, kick-boxing, and Martial Arts, and also brings in health educators to help employees with specific needs.

Kim Collins is benefiting from this in house gym.

“I use it as an outlet for stress,” said Collins. “You know with our hectic lifestyles with the hectic work environment and personal environment it really does help relieve the stress that can cause a lot of health complications.”

She also appreciates having a company that cares this much about their employees health.

“Oh I am extremely grateful,” said Collins. “I’ve never worked for a company that has provided this kind of employee support or support to encourage their employees to take care of themselves and to be happy at work and to enjoy their lives outside of work the way this company has.”

Airbus has also changed the life of Roy Sweeney.

Roy broke his neck and back in a motorcycle accident in 2011. He credits his recovery to his company – and Corey Martin.

“When I had the accident she was able to understand what I could do and not do,” said Sweeney. “And she geared the exercises and programs to me. When we first started out we had Pilates and yoga and I took yoga, where now I can do Cross Fit or I can do boot camp.”

And Corey hopes this movement will not only continue to impact the lives of Airbus’ employees, but also send a message to other companies as well.

“I hope that other companies will see the benefits of a program like this because it’s a win-win situation for the employers and employees,” said Martin. “Not only will the employees be healthier and happier and more productive but I think attendance will improve.”