In a world where the hustle and bustle of retail work can take a toll on the body, one group of Kmart employees has taken a proactive approach to their health and well-being that has left shoppers both surprised and impressed. A Sydney man, Zane Ammar, recently stumbled upon a sight that is not typically associated with the retail environment: Kmart workers engaging in group stretches before starting their morning shift.



As the clock struck 8 am, Mr Ammar, who was perusing the aisles for sporting goods, couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the staff members standing in a circle, diligently stretching their necks and limbs. Curiosity piqued, he approached the group, filming the encounter, and was met with a warm invitation to join in. 'Excuse me, sorry to interrupt the workout,' he said, only to be greeted with a friendly, 'Not at all, would you like to join today?'


The interaction that followed was nothing short of heartwarming. Mr Ammar, now part of the circle, inquired about the purpose of the stretches, to which a staff member replied, 'Yep, pretty much,' confirming that it was indeed a warm-up for the shift ahead. As he participated, the staff member complimented him, saying, 'Aren't you a lovely young man? Very handsome and everything. Great personality.' She even extended an open invitation for him to join the group sessions every day.



This unexpected moment of camaraderie and concern for employee well-being has sparked a conversation on social media, with many users expressing support for the practice. Retail work, often underestimated, can be physically demanding, with long hours on one's feet, repetitive movements, and the occasional heavy lifting. Stretching can be a crucial routine to help mitigate muscle strains and reduce the risk of injuries.

Indeed, many retail workers chimed in, sharing that their employers also mandate daily stretches to prevent time off work due to injuries. 'Where I work, it's mandatory to do stretches before we start our shifts,' one social media user commented. Another joked, 'I work for another big Aussie retailer, and we do it too, so many people complain, but I need those stretches.'

Even a health and safety officer praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of such practices in the workplace. It's not just retail workers who find value in this; a construction worker humorously admitted to doing the same, hoping not to be seen.



The science behind the stretches is solid. Australian company Primal Physiotherapy advises workers to warm up before their shift to get the blood flowing and reduce the risk of injury. Their website states, 'When we begin work, it's important to warm up our body and muscles so we can move smoothly and lessen the risk of injury.'

Daily Mail Australia reached out to Kmart for comment, but the story of the Kmart staff's pre-shift ritual is a reminder of the importance of taking care of one's health, even in the least expected places. It's a practice that perhaps more companies should consider adopting, not just for the physical benefits but also for the positive impact on team morale and customer relations.

You can watch Ammar's video below:


To our dear Seniors Discount Club members, have you witnessed any unique or heartwarming practices during your shopping trips? Or perhaps you have your own pre-activity rituals to share? Let us know in the comments below – we love hearing about the ways people and businesses are making the daily grind a little lighter and healthier for everyone involved.