Mary Strupp
CEO/owner
Bardes Plastics, Inc.
Milwaukee
www.bardesplastics.com
What does your daily or weekly fitness regimen consist of?
- Masters Swim Team – 3 times/wk
- Spinning Class – 1 time/wk
- weights & machines – 1 time/wk
- biking (summer) 2 times/wk
- skiing (downhill or XC) 2 times/wk
What fitness clubs do you belong to, if any?
- YMCA at Pabst Farms
- Tribabes (Triathlon club- see www.tribabes.com)
- TEAM 4 (triathlon group for charity)
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
Fulfills competitve spirit; associations with wonderful, positive, inspiring workout buddies; takes us to exciting travel destinations;
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
I have great energy and I think it gives self-confidence to take risks. It provides for a more even temperament, a happier personality, and a spring in one’s step.
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
Yes
What health/wellness organizations do you contract with, if any?
We are not associated with a health or wellness organization. However we have early morning fitness stretches and warm-ups for our employees. It is a little like the Japanese system that provided time for morning workouts.
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
Our warmups provide core strength, balance, flexibility and ergonomic awareness for our employees. The warmup period is approximately 15 minutes – at start time – and it is company paid time at their hourly rate.
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
Take the first step if you aren’t already doing something. Put one foot in front of the other and start with a 10- or 15-minute walk. Build from there.
