Gerald Coon, Executive Director
St. Francis Children’s Center
Glendale, Wi
www.sfcckids.org
What does your daily or weekly fitness regime consist of?
"Up at 5:00 a.m., at the gym by 5:30 a.m. and to work by 8:00 M-F. Focus is on weight training and aerobic exercise. This is not social time for me, this is my time to gather my thoughts and focus on overall fitness and my health. I also alternate pilates/yoga on Saturday and Sunday during the winter months and do lots of yard work and walking in the warmer months."
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
"The mental benefits are as great as the physical benefits. I feel really good about the fact that I am taking responsibility for my good health and fitness. Being fit and healthy improves the quality of all aspects of my life – I just feel good about my fitness level at age 48 and that permeates all aspects of my life."
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
"I do my best thinking early in the morning and this is my time to mentally prepare for the day. By the time I get to work at 8:00, I am ready and eager to go! Staff here will tell you that I am a fast walker and always on the move, we joke about needing mirrors installed at hallway corners so I don’t run in to anyone as I make my rounds."
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
"No."
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
"We are so aware, as are most employers, of the serious impact good health and fitness can have on our health insurance costs. There are so many things we can not control in the course of the day, but our personal committment to living a healthy lifestyle is a choice we can make, and one that pays such dividends."
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
"Such a cliche, but "just do it!" I would be the first to acknowledge that it is not easy to deny ourselves so many of what we consider the good things in life, but in the end good health is the best gift of all."
