Getting fit is good business

As many of you know my hobby is fitness. I teach a fitness class twice a week at 5:45 AM. Why? It forces me to stay in the habit of early morning work outs. More importantly, it allows me to live out what I believe is one of the best solutions to our healthcare crisis in the US, personal responsibility for a healthy lifestyle. I gain a great deal of satisfaction watching the class achieve their progressive fitness goals. I have heard it said “the early morning indoor cycling class is better than a cup of coffee and more addicting”….. we have some 3+ year veterans….

I listened to regional candidates for the Virginia General Assembly answer questions about a range of subjects in a candidates’ forum last week. One of the questions related to reducing health care costs. I was pleasantly surprised by one of the candidates’ answer. He suggested that we need to encourage fitness and healthy lifestyles. As business, this is one of the best examples of a powerful win-win concept. Potentially lower costs combined with higher productivity and creativity.

John Barrett at the Culpeper Department of Parks and Recreation is leading the way for our community. He has a slate of programs this fall that are very cool. Literally, as the weather turns from summer to our famous autumn temperatures in the Northern Piedmont of Virginia, there are some “must try” outdoor events to sign up for. Plus they are family friendly for appropriate age groups. Here are a couple of John’s picks:
Saturday, October 1 – the 4th Culpeper Cycling Century is fast becoming a premier event for the county.  Last year 207 riders took to the roads of Culpeper to enjoy the excitement of the county’s beautiful vistas and camaraderie.  This year the department is expecting over 300 riders.  There are three distances offered, 33, 65 and 100 miles.  The ride starts and finishes at the Bike Stop (rentals available), 120 W. Culpeper Street.  All funds raised go to the Culpeper Recreation Foundation, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization to help with park capital improvement projects.  The ride begins at 8:30 AM.

Sunday, October 2 – 2nd Annual Culpeper Fall 5K – the event will be held at the Culpeper Sports Complex and Eastern View High School.  All profit goes to support the UVA Division of Neuroradiology.  This will be a cross country course event and begin at 8 AM.”

In addition, Culpeper is a great location to launch your fitness interests regionally. I will be at the Giant Acorn Triathlon at Lake Anna on October 2nd for the Sprint Triathlon by Setup Events. I marvel at the athletes that are woven thru the business community in Culpeper. One of my favorites just completed a ½ Ironman Triathlon last weekend, braving the current and tides of the James River near Williamsburg. The race is a raw 6 hour workout encompassing a mile+ river current swim, 72 mile bike ride, and a ½ marathon run. Congratulations Ed.

Culpeper - where fitness is smart business.