Feb 08, 2023
These days, just about everyone is focused on ways to stay healthy. It has been proven, time and again, that good physical health leads to good mental health and improved immunity. Funeral directors come face to face with mortality every day and are often reminded how unhealthy habits can lead to a premature death. As a result, many funeral directors are deeply focused on maintaining their health and tracking fitness goals over time. This got us thinking about some of the different methods funeral directors use to stay in shape.
Here at ASD, we make health and fitness a central part of our workplace culture. All of our employees are given a free membership to a Planet Fitness gym and free, unlimited access to the Headspace meditation app. We also make workout equipment available to staff who work in-house and participate regularly in athletic competitions. Leading by example is so important -and that is why you will always find one of ASD’s Family-Member Owners taking part in these annual races and competitions.
Clockwise from the left: ASD Family-Member Owners, Kevin Czachor, Kathy Kelley and Marty Czachor Jr at the 2022 Spartan Race; work out equipment available to employees working in the office; photos shared by ASD staff of them enjoying their free gym memberships.
To celebrate the start of a brand-new year and to spread positive encouragement to everyone in the profession who is focused on maintaining their physical health, we are launching a new series with helpful fitness tips for funeral professionals, by funeral professionals. From personal stories that will inspire you on your fitness journey to practical tips you can apply to your own regimen to ideas for encouraging your entire funeral home staff to stay healthy, ASD’s Health and Fitness Series will help keep you motivated. Most of the tips and stories we share will come from funeral directors like you, but we’re also pulling back the curtain at ASD to show you a few of our own secrets for staying healthy.
This is Part 2 of a multi-part blog series. Click here to read Part 1.
Got a health or fitness tip for us to share? Email Jessica Farren at jess@myasd.com to be included in our blog and social media series.
ASD Health Tip #4: Experiment with Different Therapies to See What Works For You
Watch the video above to see ASD National Sales Manager, Craig Meehan, discuss what prompted him to adopt a new mindset in his approach to health and fitness. Craig also explores the benefits of cryotherapy and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at his experience in the cryo tank.
Our friends at Martin Funeral Home in Mt Morris, MI also recommend trying out different therapies that help soothe the body and mind: “In November, we took our full-time staff to our spa for a 6-hour day of pampering. Everyone was able to pick the services they wished to receive, from massages to aqua, light, and salt therapies,” shared Jennifer Martin.
ASD Health Tip #5: Participate in Charity Walks and Runs
This idea is one that many funeral homes across the country have already implemented. A great way to engage with the community while promoting healthful habits is to participate in local charity walks and runs that bring awareness to important causes.
Here at ASD, we have been proud to take part in the Autism Speaks Walk, the Philadelphia Starry Night 5k to Cure Childhood Brian Tumors, the Care to Carry On Run/Walk which benefits Camp Erin and the Providence Animal Shelter Bark in the Park event. We have taken inspiration from the many funeral homes who participate in similar events.
“We do the charity walks and things that most funeral homes participate in such as the American Breast Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and March of Dimes Walks,” shared Jennifer Martin of Martin Funeral Home in Mount Morris, MI. The staff at Martin Funeral Home is pictured in the collage above taking part in various charity events.
ASD Health Tip #6: Overcome Challenges with New Routines
Sometimes, injuries, medical issues and other unexpected circumstances may prevent you from engaging in your preferred sport or exercise. When this occurs, it is often as devastating as losing something you love because you are no longer able to do thing you enjoy most to keep fit and active. Finding an alternative routine that works for you is so important. Just ask Funeral Director, Jordan Mayfield, of Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home in Plymouth, IN. Jordan shifted from being an avid runner to a dedicated weight lifter after sustaining an injury during his time serving in the army.
“Before I became a funeral director I served in the Army and retired medically after some injuries sustained while serving in combat. I was a huge runner in the military but after getting neuropathy in both legs I wasn’t able to run anymore,” Jordan shared. “I wanted to find a way to relieve stress and stay in shape as working out obviously was huge in the military. I continue to lift weights which includes the kettlebell. Russian swings and throws which can work just about every muscle in the body. I lift free weights still, do push-ups with a perfect push-up bar and dips. I do this at least 3 days a week. Being on-call and funerals can be a challenge but I make it work.”
Be sure to check our blog next month for more health and fitness tips from funeral directors. Got a health or fitness tip for us to share? Email Jessica Farren at jess@myasd.com to be included in our blog and social media series.
Related Reading
Health and Fitness Tips for Funeral Directors: Part 1
6 Resources to Keep You From Breaking Down While Working as a Funeral Director
14 Funeral Directors With Olympic-Sized Athleticism
About The Author
Jess Farren (Fowler)
Jess Farren (Fowler) is a Public Relations Specialist and Staff Writer who has been a part of the ASD team since 2003. Jess manages ASD’s company blog and has been published in several funeral trade magazines. She has written articles on a variety of subjects including communication, business planning, technology, marketing and funeral trends. You can contact Jess directly at Jess@myASD.com
