The executive workout: what some of Indiana's top CEOs do to exercise.

• Author: Keaton, Joanne

When it comes to fitness, Indiana's top executives could invoke a number of excuses for bowing out: no time, too much stress, irregular schedules. Yet, a number of these achievers make staying in shape a priority.

We asked CEOs of some of the state's largest companies how they work out and found that using a Nordic-Track ski machine and running are the most frequent activities. Beyond that common thread, the leaders' routines vary considerably.

Stefan S. Anderson of First Merchants Corp., Muncie, is someone who both runs and uses a ski machine. Once on his high school track team, Anderson took time out from running until about 18 years ago. When he returned to the activity, he discovered the joy of private time with his workouts.

He runs two and a half to three miles a day, four days a week, but doesn't suffer for his sport as some runners do. In the winter, he runs indoors on the Ball State University track, enjoying freedom from cold temperatures, snow and icy surfaces, plus the camaraderie of others exercising there. By running on the outdoor track in warmer weather, he can escape the auto fumes that often accompany road workouts.

First Merchants Corp. is a vigorous competitor in the local YMCA's Corporate Challenge. "There's a connection," Anderson says, "between financial performance and the promotion of fitness."

Raj Rao, who heads Indiana Municipal Power Agency in Carmel, says he was "a lazy bug" until about eight years ago. Then, he took up jogging. That high-impact sport became hard on his knees, so he turned to the NordicTrack machine three or four times a week. During his after-work and weekend stints on the skier, he avoids boredom by watching television news. Or, he sometimes takes an opportunity for decision making, thinking while he puts in his fitness time.

"I want to live longer" is Rao's motivation. And he's pleased that he's kept his weight steady for the last decade. He says his company is "mortally" into encouraging fitness. Top executives set exercise examples, and if a person takes a little...