Jo Anne Sturiale, Owner, Market Research Consultant
Sturiale & Company LLC"
Madison, Wi
What does your daily or weekly fitness regime consist of?
"Spring, summer and fall–I’m a long distance biker and average about 100 to 150 miles per week of riding. This past year, I logged 4,000 miles of riding–nearly all of it in Wisconsin–with the exception of a 500-mile trip in Michigan. Winter–I spend training for spring, summer and fall biking. I try to exercise an hour a day. I take a pilates class twice a week to build core strength, then on other days rotate between a stationary bike, cross trainer, treadmill, swimming or walking 5 miles at a time. I have to be careful about my activities–as I herniated a disk in my back several years ago, and therefore have to avoid impact sports. I also had to modify what I ride. I can no longer ride a "road bike" and be down on the "drops" because of my back. So, I now ride a Volae recumbant bike–a Wisconsin-made bike which has components from around the state (Wausau, Waterloo), but is assembled by the Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point. And yes, the hills are tough on a recumbant, but I catch up to my friends on the downhill. This bike can fly. I’ve gone as fast as 40 mph downhill, but don’t like riding that fast. My average speed this year was about 15.5 mph."
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
"Exercise greatly improves my attitude–those endorphins are wonderful!!! Sometimes I feel too tired to exercise, but go anyway..and end up feeling better after I’m done. Biking has opened up an entirely new world for me–a wonderful community of people in the Madison area…and actually around the country. Bikers have a long time on the road with each other, so I’ve had very interesting conversations and experiences on the road with a wide variety of unsual people. Plus, it’s great to see Wisconsin from the back seat of a bike. I think Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. The quiet and lightly traveled "milk roads" make for great biking …and the wildflowers throughout the summer are a feast for the eyes. I like the way biking and exercise make me feel. At the peak of my season, my body feels very much alive. I can feel the blood coursing through my veins–especially in my legs."
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
I find I’m more focused in my work when I take time to exercise…I have more energy, stamina and find I can be up in front of groups and on my feet for a long time–transferring my energy to the group as a whole. As a market researcher and a focus group moderator I have to exude a certain amount of energy to engage people. When my body feels good, I can concentrate on the task at hand and the people in front of me."
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
"No."
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
"I’m a single person firm, but I can tell I influence those around me (clients, subcontractors, colleagues). I’m an un-intimidating role model because I don’t look athletic, yet I’m out there and I have a deep passion for biking. I’m 53-years-old and took up long distance biking at the age of 49. My passion has helped others start and/or deepen their exercise programs. Exercise programs are great ways to find common ground with people. People who exercise love talking about what they’re doing..and it’s fun to hear about and celebrate milestones reached. It also helps to talk about how to handle injuries and to get words of encouragement and support from others who’ve been injured, but have returned to the playing field."
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
"Start with small steps and progress to larger ones as you develop more strength. Don’t try to get in shape overnight. It takes time. Have patience with yourself. Reward yourself when reaching certain milestones. Find ways to work exercise into your schedule. Make time. It’s easy to say you don’t have the time. You can find the time for anything that’s a true priority. I also find it’s important to set a goal. For me, it’s important to work towards a long distance bike trip–whether it be a week-long trip or a day-long century ride. Also, find a buddy to exercise with. I have several biking friends who I can call and make arrangements to meet and hammer out 25 to 30 miles. We encourage each other, support each other, exchange information, educate each other and have become just darn good friends."
