Community invited to free group fitness classes today to celebrate
Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, joining more than 800 visionary businesses from across the country.
The effort to make bicycling an attractive transportation alternative is just one of the many ways we’re partnering with employees and the community to focus on wellness and preventive health to achieve our aim of helping people in our region improve their health,” said LRH President & CEO, Larry Schulz. “And to help celebrate this designation, all of our group fitness classes at Phatty Nattie’s today are free & open to the public,” he added. A full schedule of the classes is available online at www.phattynatties.com.
With the announcement of 150 new and renewing BFBs today in 39 states and Washington, D.C., LRH joins a cutting-edge group of more than 800 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.
Visionary business leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of businesses for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their employees.”
LRH encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as convenient bike racks and incentives such as bike punch cards that reward bikers with healthy lifestyle prizes. “We are also working with a local Boy Scout who is building a covered bike gazebo on our campus as his Eagle Scout project,” said Karoline Gustafson, one of the lead LRH organizers of the Bicycle Friendly Business efforts.
Moving forward, LRH will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. “When our employees bike, great things happen: we decrease the carbon foot print, reduce health care costs, connect more closely with our community and contribute to a fun & healthy work culture,” Gustafson said.
To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses
About the Bicycle Friendly AmericaSM Program
The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit <www.bikeleague.org></www.bikeleague.org>. The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional health care partner. With over 80 medical staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.