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As this year's Tour de France once again winds down, many of us have had the opportunity to watch one of the most grueling races in history. The race requires endurance, focus, strategy, balance, along with, of course, tremendous athleticism achieved only through thousands of miles and years of training. A bit of luck (both good and bad) is also thrown into the mix, exemplified by the occasional bike crash, equipment malfunction, not to mention wondering sheep, haphazardly crossing the race course. As I watched much of the coverage via Versus, I was struck by the incredible beauty of the French Pyrenees and surrounding countryside. However, I am as limited as any spectator to the real appreciation of the unforgiving toughness of this mountainous course.

How many of us have ever talked about trying a new sport or activity...one of these days? I know I have. I keep threatening to take up tennis, in-line skating, rock climbing someday...when I can find the time. Unfortunately, as we get older that someday never seems to materialize. Having been a runner for years, I'm not so easily persuaded to opt out of my daily trot down the road, in favor of an alternative activity.

Given the current emphasis on health and fitness, most people are aware of the health benefits of a daily dose of exercise, or at least exercise on a regular weekly basis. However, the importance of simple muscle activity through frequent movement, and the detriment of being sedentary for extended periods of time may not be so widely understood, and often overlooked. Many people believe that it doesn't matter what they do the rest of the day, as long as they get in some regular daily aerobic exercise.

Well, March is upon us and, as they say, "spring is in the air". Anxious to break free from the cold winter weather, spring conjures up images of afternoons in the park, long leisurely walks, breaking out the bike from its place of hibernation in the garage, and getting our legs in gear for a ride. For many of us who've been cooped up inside, sheltered from yet another snowstorm, we have long awaited the chance to see color blooming again and take in those familiar smells of spring. Perhaps we're also thinking about dropping those few extra pounds that have so easily sneaked up on us over all the fun food-filled winter holidays.

HiDef's Fitness Program, TeamFit, is well underway. We, at HiDef, are especially aware of the importance of developing a routine of exercise in our lives, where operating in a virtual environment has become more prevalent in today's workplaces. We're excited to share our ideas, and hope we can encourage others who are also interested in staying fit. Again, feel free to weigh in on any creative ideas you may have to get your team "up and running".

Remember how much fun exercise and sports were as a kid? You didn't need to think about it...schedule it...get geared out for it. You just did it. In our busy, hectic world today, it's easy for exercise to become pushed aside, and more and more difficult to take time to make it part of our lives.