Healthworks Workplace Warrior Motivation – Margaret “The Reformer”

I asked my Healthworks Workplace Warrior Challenge teammates to tell me what motivates them to work out and what prevents them from working out.  I always find it interesting how people get motivated because it can be different for everyone.  I am hoping that you find either some inspiration in one of my teammates or someone you can relate to!

First up on the team is a current Healthworks member Margaret, “The Reformer”.  One of Margaret’s favorite way to get a workout in is using the Pilates Reformer machine that she was introduced to at her Healthworks location at Coolidge Corner.  This class inspired her to visit Btone Fitness to discover the Megaformer, the super version of the Pilates Reformer.  But she hasn’t stopped there-she has found other Healthworks classes that she has been attending regularly that have helped her make fitness a fun habit not just a chore.  I am pretty pumped to give all these classes a try starting next week when our Healthworks Workplace Warrior Challenge officially commences and see what all the hub bub is about!

Even though Margaret has gotten her workout routine down to an art, she hasn’t always been a fitness fanatic.  After 5 years of being focused on school and not giving herself and her health adequate attention, she decided it was time for a change.  This past year and a half, she has made her health a priority.  She was amazed at how much better she feels now that her fitness has improved.  Let’s be honest-even if you love school and/or your job-if you get to fit in some hobbies, you will be much healthier AND happier.

Occasionally, she gets sidetracked from workouts if she doesn’t go straight to the gym from work as anyone does-the couch looks so much more appealing then trekking out to the gym.  However, she has found that if she packs her bag with everything she needs the night before and goes straight to the gym, she works out consistently.

Another way Margaret keeps workout motivation high is by keeping a workout journal.  She says that it not only keeps her honest about how much she is really working out but also reminds her of important milestones like weight lifted, number of reps or weight lost.  At the beginning of each month, Margaret writes down goals and at the end of the month she rewards herself if she meets those goals.

The journal also serves as a means to plan out her month in advance, figuring out what workouts will fit in which days.  Planning and her journal have actually something fun for her and helped her find out that she has worked out 48% of the past year.  Her new overall goal is to increase this percentage for the next year…and the next year…and the NEXT year!

So, let’s recap what some of Margaret’s tips for staying motivated:

• Pack your gym back the night before
• Go straight to the gym after work-no pit stops at home!
• Write down goals and reward yourself when you meet them.
• Be proud of your progress and take some time for YOU and your health-you deserve it!

I don’t know about you…but I’m so proud of Margaret for making a change and realizing that school/work can’t be your life.  Your health and happiness have to come into play as well and overall if you live a balanced lifestyle between these, you will be better off in the long run!  AND you too can become a Workplace Warrior!

Stay tuned for more motivation from my Healthworks Workplace Warrior Challenge Teammates and friends!

How do you stay motivated to work out?

I sign up for a race or a challenge.  I always like to have an end goal or end date to aim for.  Then I move on to the next race or challenge!

What are tips you have for making sure you get to the gym?

Find a workout buddy!  You are multitasking by working out and hanging out with a friend!

Do you like to plan out your workouts?

YES!  When I am in the midst of marathon training, I will often analyze and re-analyze my plan each week, or even each day!  I LOVE planning…hm…runner…engineer…type A personality?  UNHEARD OF!