John Scheibel, CEO
Scheibel Halaska, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wi
www.insidesh.com
What does your daily or weekly fitness regime consist of?
"I will answer this question shortly, but, first, some quick background. I am a 53-year old male, who just recently ceased a 30+ year addiction to cigarettes. As part of a self-invented smoking cessation program, I have registered to participate in the Chicago Marathon on October 7, 2007. To support me in this endeavor, my two sons (who live in Chicago) have agreed to participate with me. With the above in mind, my current fitness regime (which really began in earnest in January) involves power walking, some running, and stationary bicycle riding four times per week. In addition, I have migrated to a lower calorie diet, and am beginning to adopt low-glycemic eating habits. My short-term objective as part of my marathon training program is to have the capacity to run five miles, a minimum of three times per week by June 1. Thereafter, I will be following a marathon training program recommended by one of my sons. If you’re still with me on this application, I am certain that I will not qualify for your awards program this year. However, being in the communications business myself, I am pitching a story angle for you to consider in order to prepare for next year’s competition – a log, blog, or synopsis of my journey from being an overweight, smoking-addicted couch potato to having completed a marathon, all in slightly more than nine months. In order to gather the information to make this future story powerful, I am hoping that you will allow me to go through the assessments and tests sponsored by the Wisconsin Athletic Club."
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
"At this moment, I am down 12 pounds (in six weeks), my body is much more flexible (tying shoes, working around the office, etc.), I am much more energetic in the mornings (porbably due to sleeping more soundly at night), and, psychologically, I hold a much more positive self-image."
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
I am much more productive – higher energy level discussed above, as well as no more wasted time having to leave the office, smoke a cigarette, and then try to get back into whatever I was involved in before I left."
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
"No."
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
"We have a somewhat younger workforce, many who actively pursue exercise throughout the week. I cannot speak for other companies’ experiences, but I observe lower sick days, more positive moods within the company, and an ability to work in a focused manner for longer periods of time."
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
"I agree wholeheartedly with one of your claims – if a company wants to do something about the cost of healthcare in our region and for their finances, they need to begin to influence the life-habits of employees and their family members. And, as with any strategic corporate initiative, employees will look for their directions from top leadership’s beahviors. I am a member of a local TEC group. In our November meeting, we listened to an MD; his topic was "No One Dies of Old Age". His premise was – of almost all the non-catastrophic causes of death, almost all of them can be avoided, if not eliminated, by adopting a healthy life style. I therefore conclude that if a healthy lifestyle can defer death, just think about the positive impact it can have on life – yours, your employees, and your company!"
