The NJ Chamber of Commerce held its first-ever Business Summit in Atlantic City, NJ on Sept 17 and 18. Its mission was to address the most pressing issues stifling economic growth in the Garden State. Leading-off the discussion and welcoming the 500 business leaders, was NJ Chamber of Commerce president, Tom Bracken. Among his opening remarks was his statement saying that anyone who knows him knows that he is an exercise fanatic and that he is at the gym every weekday morning at 5am.
Of course my ears perked up when I heard that.
Tom’s 90-minute workout includes a variety of exercises such as treadmill walking, weight training and swimming. He says that it’s important to move everything, every day, and that exercise enhances your overall health.
During warmer weather, Tom gets out on the links twice per week, but doesn’t use the golf cart. Says Tom,
“Part of golf is to pace yourself, and walking from hole to hole gives me a mental edge”.
The “hurry up and wait” situation that occurs when using a cart is not for him.
Fish, chicken and vegetables are a mainstay in his diet, but the occasional pasta dinner prepares him for a long bike ride on the weekends. When traveling, he notes if his hotel has a gym, or finds out if there is a nearby facility that offers a daily pass.
Prior to his hip replacement twenty years ago, he participated in road races and sprint triathlons. Other high-impact sports including tennis, basketball and squash were also on his calendar, but now, after more than four decades of working-out, he has found that