Every Friday we ask somebody in Cumbria’s business community to tell us how they keep fit… today it’s the turn of Bex Cooper, Director of Crossbank Dental Care, Kendal

How many times a week do you like to exercise?

Something every day, not long sessions though or necessarily hard or high impact because I'm still rehabilitating my body after many years on crutches then a long-term problem with my hips and back.

What sort of exercise do you do?

Throughout the week I do a mixture of horse-riding, bike-riding, walking and weights. Our family holidays are water based - mainly surfing.

Do you have any fitness goals?

To be at my fittest when I reach 50 - so the clock is ticking but I still have hope to succeed! This encompasses horse riding goals including dressage, surfing some big waves and rock climbing.

What’s the most physically challenging thing you have done in your life?

"Shagadelic" rock climb in Tuolumne meadows in California - traditional climbing (not a sports route), 500 ft (152 m), 4 pitches - I don't like heights so this was challenging as it was exposed face climbing. I’ve also surfed some incredible waves throughout the world. Closer to home, I’ve run the Coniston 14. 

How does keeping fit impact on your work?

Essential - many people rely on me so I need to be fit to work. It has to be fitness first or else I get drawn into work and don't stop! And this includes my mental health, so I start every morning with meditation using MUSE technology and then do something physical. This helps my creativity and enables me to go into work at my best.

Which sportsperson/fitness expert do you most admire?

Jo Wilson, kite-surfer, 2 x British Champion and ranked number 4 on the PKRA World Tour. 

When in your life did you feel at your fittest?

I did the most "impressive" things when I was in my 20s, had children in my late 30s and suffered with severe pelvic girdle pain which resulted in my fitness being very restricted.  (I used crutches over 8 years, a stairlift for years, and there were long periods when I couldn't drive). I am aiming to come back fitter and stronger now I’m in my 50s, so I'm following structured training and I look after my body with regular myo-fascial release treatments, acupuncture and physio.

On days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, what motivates you to get up and go?

Coffee – I love a locally roasted, freshly ground coffee.

How do you ensure a work/life balance?

I struggle with this one as I genuinely love my work. My children and extended family grab my attention very effectively though and getting a horse was a strategic decision to make sure that I HAD to do something else away from the business.

What’s your top tip for remaining motivated?

Give yourself time to create a vision of where you honestly and truly want to be, then set small manageable goals every day so you get the buzz from achieving. Then just go for it! 

If you’d like to take part in the Fit For Business Q&A send your answers to the questions to fl-sue.riley@newsquest.co.uk