Look Who’s Working Out: 6 Little Rock Locals Share Their Sport
From bank presidents to news anchors, everyone has a reason to stay fit.
I'm a Cyclist
Jim Cargill
President & Sales Manager, Arvest Bank-Central Arkansas
How did you get into cycling? I was trying to get back into running a couple of years ago. With my increased weight and knee and lower back problems, it was not going so well. A friend told me about his success in losing weight riding a bicycle on the Arkansas River Trail. I gave it a try and started losing weight without abnormal knee and back pain.
What results can you credit to cycling? Weight loss of more than 50 pounds in the last two years. I have built many new business relationships participating in cycling events like Big Dam Bridge 100 and the awesome Arvest Little Rock Gran Fondo!
I'm Into CrossFit
Bill Dillard III
Vice President, Dillard’s Inc.
How did you get into CrossFit? I was intrigued by how short the workouts were; I could break a sweat and be done in 20 minutes. I love that you can add a competitive element, which builds community and accountability. It’s like PE for adults.
What results can you credit to CrossFit? CrossFit makes me better at the stuff I love to do. I feel like I’m better at golf, tennis, chasing kids and dogs, and whatever else life throws at me.
Why do you recommend CrossFit to others? Constantly varied, functional movement, performed at high intensity, and a good diet, really are the fountain of youth. I’m 45, yet I feel like I did when I was in my 20s.
I Do Barre
Jennifer Glasgow
Research Analyst, Boyette Strategic Advisors
How did you get into Barre? I wanted to try something new and enjoyed taking ballet when I was growing up. After only a few classes, I was hooked.
How often do you do Barre? I take two to three one-hour classes a week at ZenStudio. The 5:30 a.m. classes are my favorite. It increases my productivity at work simply by starting my day early.
Why do you recommend Barre to others? The muscle tone is pretty impressive, especially since we only use 1- or 2-pound weights. It is a great full-body workout; you will work muscles you didn’t even know you have.
I'm a Swimmer
Noel Strauss
Managing Director, Stephens Capital Partners LLC
How did you get into swimming? I grew up swimming competitively at the Little Rock Racquet Club and continued through college at Michigan. After taking 15 years off, I gave up running and biking and got back into the pool.
How often do you swim? I try to swim four times a week for an hour with the Arkansas Masters program at the Racquet Club. We do a lot of interval training with high-intensity drills to improve stroke technique, as well as longer aerobic swims for general fitness.
Why do you recommend swimming to others? I see people of all ages and ability participating in the sport. It is a great workout; it works the entire body. Swimming has kept me at a good level of fitness and I’ve not suffered any injury that often comes with repetitive motion exercises.
I Swear by Yoga
Donna Terrell
News Anchor, Fox16 News
How did you get into yoga? When my daughter was going through chemotherapy fighting colon cancer, the hospital offered free yoga classes. We discovered yoga actually made her feel better. After she died, I created “Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer” to introduce yoga’s soothing benefits to others.
What results can you credit to yoga? I’m stronger and a little more at peace.
Why do you recommend yoga to others? I highly recommend it not only for people looking to build flexibility and muscle strength but people looking for relief from chronic illnesses. If my daughter, who was weak and often sick from her treatments, found extreme benefits from yoga, I know it can work for anyone.
I Play Tennis
Pete Yuan
President, Arkansas Region, IBERIABANK
How did you get into tennis? I started six years ago more as recreation with my wife but quickly caught the tennis fever. Now, I play between two to four times each week.
What results can you credit to tennis? I lost 40 pounds over a two-year period. I am more in shape today than when I was in college. I have much more energy and am mentally sharper throughout the day.
Why do you recommend tennis to others? Tennis is a thinking game, so you will get a great workout for both your body and mind. Tennis is also a social sport filled with nice people and opportunities to form new friendships.