don's report archive
Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)
Tuesday May 18, 2004
I recently interviewed D. Randy Adolphs, Manager, Lands' End Comer Center and the long-time leader of the company wellness program. The Comer (Wellness) Center is available for all employees, their spouses and dependent children. It has basketball and racquetball courts, a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, an 1/8 mile indoor track, free weights and machines and ample cardio equipment. Participants can view television programs or listen to "cardio-theatre audios." The Center also contains an aerobics room for classes ranging from yoga to cardio kickboxing. For the competitive types, the Center offers a variety of intramural sports including basketball, soccer and volleyball (sand volleyball in the summer). Kids camps, swimming lessons and youth programs help keep the whole family engaged. An on-site health and fitness staff educates employees on a variety of wellness skill areas, and provides health screenings along with fitness assessments and personal training.
Randy, as you can see from the photos, does more than preach healthy lifestyles. He blazed his way through last month's Boston Marathon, though he modestly noted that a few Kenyans and about 10,000 other runners finished before he did! However, few runners started so far in the back that half an hour passed before crossing the STARTING line. What's more, not many paused along the way to shoot hoops at a playground, as Randy did. Randy, you see, is a relaxed kind of guy. I asked him to list his credentials in a bio statement and he replied, "I don't have any." Of course, that's not true. Credentials come in many forms--Randy's include a "21 year undergrad plan -- in and out of school and construction for several years and then several more years as a boat captain, mostly on racing sailboats." From '82 to '87, Randy sailed with company founder Gary Comer on cruising sailboats. When he started in '82, Randy was single, but four years later he had a wife and two children following him around the globe. One day, his friend Gary Comer said; "It may be time to put an anchor out, Randy. I'm building a little exercise room for employees at Lands' End in Dodgeville, WI. It might be a good fit."
Well, the rest is history. Randy is still there managing the "little exercise room."
Randy, how long have you been with Lands' End and what do you do there?
I have been with Lands' End 21 years. I manage the Comer Center, an 80,000 sq. ft. "state-of-the-art" facility, named after our founder, Gary C. Comer. This facility is the centerpiece of our comprehensive wellness efforts. Our role in health promotion is to provide the tools - the supportive staff, materials, facilities, programs and encouragement - to assist employees and their families pursue wellness. We say to our people, "Our job is to help and encourage you to take care of yourself."
How important is exercise in the Lands' End wellness program?
It's one of the key components. Lots of employees have seen me on a "soapbox" on more than one occasion extolling the benefits of more fruits, veggies and EXERCISE! More than ever before, the media has become very supportive of healthy lifestyles. Recently, it seems, the rest of corporate America is getting on the "soapbox," too. Why? Healthcare costs are about to derail the world economy! At Lands' End, we have been interested in employee lifestyles for two decades because we care about well-being.
Where do you stand, or rather what kind of exercise role model are you?
I'm 55 years old now (you can call me "Speed Limit Randy"). Last month, I ran the Boston Marathon--my first Boston. Where do I stand? Well, my sentiments are captured in a poster handed out at the pre-race expo with these words: "Sweat, pain and exhaustion are only temporary. Finishing Boston is forever." I didn't win (the Kenyans and 10,000 other runners nipped me at the finish line by two hours!) but I did finish--and I really enjoyed being in the world's greatest footrace. It was an absolutely INCREDIBLE experience! I think the expression "sweat, pain and exhaustion are only temporary" is important for all of us to consider.
What major changes in terms of thinking about exercise have you noticed in 21 years as a wellness promoter at Lands' End, if any?
The exercise pendulum has been swinging from the "no pain, no gain" theory to "take the stairs instead of the elevator" and "park your car in the back of the lot" thinking. We don't all need to run marathons but we ALL do need to exercise. We ALL need to be "fit." It's okay if we sweat, if we experience mild discomfort, even pain and feel a little tired--or exhausted from regular and vigorous exercise! It is "only temporary!" We need to exercise to burn calories to manage weight and, more importantly, we need to exercise to become "fit." Fit bodies burn more calories all the time (not just while exercising) than unfit ones. And "fit" bodies have stronger immune systems, more energy, vitality and just plain more fun! And having more energy and vitality will serve you well at home and at work!
Any parting words of wisdom?
Even though it will take some effort, let's all make exercise a priority and remember that the "sweat, pain and exhaustion are only temporary!"
(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)
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