Staying competitive in the business world these days takes more than just strong marketing and sales.

Scott Edmunds, President and CEO of Chico's personally values the benefits of a daily exercise program. "I might leave very stressed, very tight neck, headache, go to the gym, run a 5K, come back and feel totally different. Refreshed and ready to go for the afternoon.

Scott created a "fitness challenge" for his 700 employees encouraging them to bring a positive personal health philosophy into the mindset of the corporate office place. "If you challenge your employees to improve their health, they'll feel better, they'll feel more productive, as well as give you a better day in the office."

Cardiologist Steven Longobardi says that one of the key components for the long term success in all corporate fitness programs comes from the employees themselves, they'll feel better and work harder if their employees are side by side. "When the company is involved there's generally improved compliance when the individual themselves embarks, it rarely is successful in the long term."

Scott teamed up with health club owner Troy Demond to help develop what officially became known as the "Chico's challenge." Troy says "Research has shown that if a company invests a minimum of one dollar per employee in a corporate wellness program, the return is about 6-7 dollars in savings for them."

And the value of a healthier lifestyle for everyone is priceless. According to government statistics, only about 15% of Americans exercise enough on a regular basis to reap health benefits.