Cumming doctor replaces wait with workout

Most doctors stock magazines in their waiting room to teach patients how to improve their health and fitness. But Thomas Eberhardt outfits his office with equipment to actually improve the health and fitness of idle clients.

A few years ago, the Cumming orthodontist replaced a broken dental chair with an elliptical trainer for staff and parents to utilize while the doctor examines his young patients. Exercise balls and workout videos are also available in the room.

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LOUIE FAVORITE/AJC Staff

Suzy Downing works out on an elliptical machine after Dr. Thomas Eberhardt’s office had closed Tuesday. Downing, an orthodontic assistant, has not taken a sick day in the 24 years that she has worked for him.

DR. THOMAS EBERHARDT

• Reason nominated: Elliptical machine in office
• Who benefits: Staff and patients
• Lesson that can be learned: Combat idleness with fitness

More Golden Carrots

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• TOPIC Atlanta corporate fitness
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“It’s a good thing,” said Nancy Zimmerman, who spends 30 minutes on the elliptical when her three daughters visit the doctor. The Alpharetta mother works out at the gym four to five days a week but “enhances” her normal workout with the elliptical at Eberhardt’s office.

“We’ve had a good time with it,” said Eberhardt, a practicioner for 35 years. “I just do anything I can to encourage the staff to stay in shape and optimal condition.”

Their physical conditioning pays off as the staff of four efficiently manages the non-stop, rapid pace of the office — patients coming and going while phones are constantly ringing — until the last child leaves in the early afternoon.

“We hit the ground running,” the physician said of his bustling office. “I want those girls moving.”

Eberhardt, 64, describes himself as hyper and full of energy. He wakes up at 4 a.m., reads the newspaper for two hours while drinking coffee and takes his first patient at 6:30 a.m. Twice a week, he rides his home elliptical trainer for an hour, runs six to 10 miles at least two or three days a week and trains for half-marathons. He also works out with a personal trainer.

The doctor’s example of fitness resonates with orthodontist assistant Suzy Downing, who credits Eberhardt with motivating her to lead an active lifestyle.

“He’s such an inspiration to be healthy,” said Downing, 48, who has maintained the same weight for about 30 years and says she has not taken a sick day in the 24 years she has worked for him. She walks and runs about three times a week and also hikes several times a month. The elliptical in the office enables her to exercise during cold winter months.

“Being in good shape is infectious,” said Eberhardt. “We’re not nutty about it, but we’re reasonably intelligent and know that you need to stay in good shape.”

WHO DESERVES A CARROT?

Fortune 500 companies are not the only ones bringing people together to promote health and fitness. Neighborhood groups, offices, schools and churches also are finding ways to get people moving and to encourage a healthier lifestyle. In this regular feature, Better Health recognizes those organized efforts, large and small, that might inspire other groups to initiate their own programs. And we want to hear about them. Submit your Golden Carrot nominations to betterhealth@ajc.com.