MEMPHIS, TN.,- Realty Title & Escrow of Memphis congratulates its associates for a successful 2008 Fitness Challenge which generated more than 60-thousand minutes of exercise. The challenge, involving 26 employees consisted of each participant performing at least 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week. At the end of the year the minutes were added up and so were the pounds lost in the process.

"This was a real achievement for everyone involved and it is so gratifying to see how the activity has benefited everyone who participated," said Matt McDonald, Realty Title & Escrow President. "We may have been so bold as to keep track of the weight loss, and we had a few employees last year that actually lost in excess of 40 pounds."

Based on the popularity and success of the 2008 Challenge, McDonald says for 2009 the goal each week will be 120 minutes of exercise. Last year employees incorporated all types of workouts including: running, walking, weight training, yoga, Pilates and team sports.

"The state of the real estate market in 2008 only compounded the stress that our employees faced on a daily basis," said Matt. "It was the perfect year to get them physically active and focused on something personal - something that always seems to linger in the back of everyone's mind - getting in shape."

For many years the owner of Realty Title & Escrow, Harold Crye, CEO & Cofounder of Crye-Leike, REALTORS has been impressing upon company employees and associates to get in shape. As a fitness enthusiast himself, Crye leads by example based on his own regular weekly workout routine.

"I commend the employees at Realty Title for their commitment to live healthier lifestyles," said Crye. "It's a proven fact, if you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet you will feel better, live better and work better. I encourage all of our associates to pair-up for walks or workouts which is a lot like having a fitness coach and an accountability partner to keep you on track."

Workers participating in the Realty Title Fitness Challenge post weekly progress reports as a way of holding everyone accountable and motivated.

"While not everyone participated, the success we experienced exceeded my expectations," said Matt. "I truly was amazed with the progress that some of the employees made. Now that we have momentum, we've raised the bar for 2009's Challenge.

For all your real estate closing needs and personal referrals contact Realty Title & Escrow president Matt McDonald by phone at 901-260-4055, email: mmcdonald@realtytitle.com and you can find Realty Title & Escrow on the web at www.realtytitle.com.

In business since 1985, Realty Title & Escrow has closed over 43,000 transactions. Realty Title & Escrow was formed in 1987 and recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. The company maintains Regional Headquarters in Brentwood, Memphis and Chattanooga Tennessee, Little Rock Arkansas and Northwest Mississippi.

Today, Realty Title & Escrow is serving the real estate title and closing needs of primarily residential lenders, buyers, sellers and Realtors in 28 communities across the Mid South region. In Middle Tennessee, Realty Title & Escrow serves clients in over 20 counties including: Williamson, Davidson, Rutherford, Wilson, Maury, Hickman, Dickson, Cheatham, Sumner, Montgomery, and Robertson.