Robert Gross, President / CEO
Gross Automation
New Berlin, Wi
www.grossautomation.com
What does your daily or weekly fitness regime consist of?
"As a member of Wisconsin Athletic Club (Wauwatosa), I workout 3-4X/week and have a personal trainer (Jill). Wednesday is a Stride and Strength class, Saturday is Open Masters Swim. Have trained for and competed in a couple of club based Triathlons. In the last 3 months, have run in the Jingle Bell run over at the zoo in November and swam in the New Years Eve Swimming Challenge."
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
"As the owner of a small business, I sometimes need to go for long periods of time without proper rest and nutrition. Exercising helps "reset" my clock during domestic and European travel and helps me to keep going. My food intake is inconsistent and terrible and trying to keep fit is the only way to offset some of those continuing poor choices, particularily while traveling."
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
"It helps clear my head. I work out first thing in the morning so that I am awake and ready to go promptly each day. It is the one appointment that I know I can keep – and do! I also set mini-goals, just like in the business. Currently, I’m at 427 miles in a 500 mile challenge walk/run program at the WAC. Success helps bring on more success – and to feel good about yourself."
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
"Yes."
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
"For those employees who take advantage of it, we have a re-imbursement program for their health club dues. We also as a group have gone and done Al’s Run, Waukesha River Walk for Breast Cancer and a couple of others. It builds team, it gets us out in the community and it’s the right thing to do."
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
"An easy way to start is to join something fun like a Tri-Fit class at your local club. Get used to swimming, treading and spinning while meeting others and keeping each other motivated. Then, build from there. Just jump right in and make it happen. It’s well worth it!"
