• Feature Article - Eight Great Ways to Exercise at the Beach
• Fran Recommends - Reboot Your Body
• Wellness at Work - Boost Your Wellness Program with Incentives

A Note From Fran
Creating a Healthy Work Environment - Part Two

Master Your Energy at Work

What if each day you left work feeling more energized than you did when you started the day? Sounds impossible right? But for many people it's actually true. Now I'm not speaking only of those of us who happen to work in professions that we truly enjoy and are passionate about. I'm actually speaking of just about anyone no matter what type of work they are involved in, from teaching to training, managing or double duty construction...how might you master your energy at work?

In one of my favorite books, "Mastery, The Keys to Success and Long-term Fulfillment, author George Leonard challenges readers to effectively tap their energy stores in all aspects of their lives; as a primary means of achieving mastery or lifelong learning. Since we spend a great majority of our time at work or commuting to and from it, shouldn't we be impelled to look for ways to maximize our energy and stamina during the workday?

One of the key ways to increase mental and physical energy during any given day is to "set priorities". Leonard writes, "Should you clean out that messy closet or start reading that new book or write that letter? An affluent, consumer-oriented way of life multiplies the choices that face you." By facing endless opportunities, we often choose none which leads to indecision, low energy and even depression. "You can't do everything, but you can do one thing. In terms of energy, it's better to make a wrong choice than none at all."

Begin by making a list: 1, 2, 3. List one are things we must do today; list two are midterm commitments and list three, long-term commitments. By setting priorities, albeit even making a list of them, we shift our lives from overwhelm to mental and physical clarity. Clarity creates energy...and energy gives us the power to live more fully!

In love and good health,



Fran Dean Bishop, Award winning Coach and Trainer 
franb@aerobodiesfitness.com

Amanda Williams
Corporate Health Team

Most people think of vacation as a break away from their normal routines. These normal routines include work, cooking meals, cleaning up the house, running errands and exercising. Even as a fitness professional, I've felt the occasional guilt of falling off track a time or two while vacationing.

However, vacation is the best time to exercise! A daily workout, particularly while on vacation, often doubles as reflection time. So I make a list of the things that I want to accomplish for the day while striving not to rush my workout. Think about it on vacation, aren't you more relaxed, clear headed and consciously awake as opposed to going through the motions of your day.

No matter where or when you vacation there are simple, quick things you can do to stay healthy, alert and in shape. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Go for an early morning walk before the crowds emerge.
2. Go for a relaxing, fun run on the beach.
3. Wade in the waves for 30 minutes for a bit of exhilaration, while working unused muscles.
4. If running/walking isn't your thing, no problem. Try packing some small exercise equipment in your beach bag. Wake up early and after a brief warm up, do 5 to 6 strength training exercises for the upper and lower body.
5. Pack an exercise band, a small Yoga/Pilates ball, a set of light hand weights and/or your yoga mat and head for the beach!
6. Need equipment for the trip? Head to www.myequilibriumcoach.com and check out numerous types of compact equipment that is easy for travel!
7. If you're like me and you like to sleep late while vacationing, wait until evening or mid day and get your workout on.
8. Grab a game of volleyball. Go for a quick swim or body board with your kids; hours will feel like minutes and the family time will be valued as a lifetime of memories!

No matter the time or activity - with a spouse, a friend, your kids, or on your own - your vacation can be a comfortable and relaxing time to unwind, stay healthy and active!

Boost Your Company Wellness Program with Incentives

Cassie Trotter
Corporate Development Team

The concept of providing fitness related activities at the office is nothing new. Companies across the country recognize that in order to curb rising health care costs employers need to take a more active role in their employee's health and well being. Increasingly, companies are offering services such as free health screenings, fitness classes, fitness challenges and weight loss classes to employees in an attempt to promote healthy and active lifestyles and affect the bottom line.

Problem is, after the initial hype of the program, some employers have a difficult time retaining participants and signing up new employees. Depending on the culture of your organization, providing incentives might be the perfect solution to keep participation numbers high and health care costs low.

Incentives can be used to promote program registration, reward program completion and reward fitness challenge participants and champions.

Here are some of examples of incentives that work:

Fitness tools: Wristwands, Fitness Fans, Pedometers
Gift Cards
Lower Insurance Premiums
Fitness Programs
Wellness Baskets
Spa Packages
Personal Training Services