Leading from the top, Otago District Health Board chief operating officer Vivian Blake donned an orange pumpkin suit and pounded the treadmill, while staff and managers sweated it out to see who could do the most press-ups or pedal an exercise machine the hardest in one minute.
Healthy Eating Healthy Action manager Ruth Zeinert said the new policy was all about "walking the talk".
A survey showed 78% of health professionals thought it was important they acted as good role models for living healthy lifestyles.
The aim of the policy is to make it easier for employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors to make good choices about the food they eat and the amount of physical activity they do.
Guidelines in the policy include offering fruit and vegetable choices at every function or meal, providing safe off-street bicycle parking, and providing areas for breastfeeding babies.
At least half the food available in food vending machines was now a healthy option, and that would soon be increased to 70%, Ms Zeinert said. They did not plan to take away all "treat food", but sought to make the healthy choices the easy choices.
"We take our commitment to well-being and to act as a role model for the community seriously."
The board hoped other Otago organisations would be inspired to create healthier environments.
