How Executives Relax and Stay Healthy

By Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: March 11, 2004 - 10:00 PM

It could be ping-pong. Perhaps it's a crossword puzzle. Most likely, however, if you're an executive, the way to let off steam is through a round of golf. No matter how executives do it, relieving stress and taking advantage of relaxation opportunities is important for both personal and professional well-being.

Accountemps, a national staffing service, surveyed executives to find out how they relaxed. The most popular way was by playing golf (so said 21 percent of respondents). Other popular modes of relaxation include:

Reading (14 percent)

Playing team sports (10 percent)

Working out (9 percent)

Going to the movies or theater (9 percent)

Participating in adventure sports (9 percent)

Fore!

Golf is popular with executives nationwide, but may be even more so in Minnesota. According to the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance, Minnesota is the most popular golf state, per capita. It also has the distinction of having hosted all 13 USGA championships and is home to more than 450 golf courses.

Courses Benefit From Minnesota's Natural Resources

Says the alliance, "The natural beauty and diversity of terrain in Minnesota has provided perfect land for many of the top designers to build spectacular golf courses throughout the entire state."

As the weather becomes more golf-friendly, golfers might want to take in a few holes at different courses this year, or plan a golf outing as part of a trip. The alliance makes finding a course easy with the online locator tool on its Web site at www.exploreminnesotagolf.com.

Work Out, Downtown

Exercise is a popular way to destress. And, while it might be difficult to fit in 18 holes of golf during the day, many executives are finding time to exercise. A popular place to do so is at the Minneapolis Life Time Athletic Club, www.Mltac.com.

"It's located in the heart of Minneapolis," said Jason Thunstrom, Life Time Fitness's director of corporate communications. "Because of its location and specific membership, it's geared 100 percent around the needs of busy executives."

According to Chris Fazi, the club's manager, the club's unique amenities attract its executive clientele.

The club is decorated in granite, slate and dark cherry wood, providing a soothing ambience. There are also many additional services and for those who wish to upgrade to the "resident membership" - a private, full-size locker with an engraved nameplate.

"It's about customer service," said Fazi. "(Executives) are coming from a stressful situation at work. The last thing they need is more stress."

For executives who don't think they have time to work regular exercise into their schedules, club staff can help by performing a lifestyle assessment, and then customizing a program that will fit in with their workday and fitness needs.

"If you're working 60 to 70 hours a week, you don't have two hours a day to work out," observed Fazi.

It's a proven fact that exercise improves health and quality of life. It's also a great stress reliever and improves productivity on the job.

See you on the golf course.

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine, MN.

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