In training for life

November 5, 2010

By Colleen MacPherson

To describe Karen Chad’s life as busy may be an understatement, but no matter how booked her calendar gets, the vice-president of research always makes time for the one thing that helps her manage everything else—exercise.

It was a couple of years ago, said Chad, that she took stock of her life in general, her exciting career, her busy and full home life that includes a partner and three teenage kids, her volunteer and community activities. When she tallied it all up, she discovered that what was missing was physical activity, and the exercise she was getting was not providing the benefits she needed to “keep up on that treadmill of life.” What Chad also realized was that a critical missing piece was motivation.

“Long gone are the days when I had that true grit to motivate myself. That true grit was being used up in other ways. It was very hard because I pride myself in being self-motivated. What I realized was that I needed somebody to kick my butt. I needed a taskmaster.”

That taskmaster turned out to be personal trainer Gray Ferguson who, for one hour three times a week, puts Chad through her paces in the Physical Activity Centre (PAC) – a cardio warm-up and then an exercise circuit. And it didn’t take long for her to rediscover the true benefits of more intense and focused physical activity.

“It was as if I was back in terms of energy; it rejuvenated me. Physiologically we know why people who exercise have enhanced confidence and self-esteem – it’s the endorphins. I feel optimistic and energized about life.”

Then Chad started to talk about her experience, about how a scheduled training regime was the perfect solution for a busy person. To her delight, quite a number of colleagues – deans, vice-presidents, directors and others – have found the motivation they need to hire their own personal trainers; some have even joined Chad at the PAC. Today, Chad’s trainer has become a class instructor for a group that all work out together. And having gym partners is an added bonus, she said. “I really draw on the energy of the group. It’s all about team. I also love being in the PAC with students, faculty, staff. I’ve be able to meet new people and see people I hadn’t seen for ages all in a different context.”

Having an exercise routine is not about work-life balance, she said. Chad never uses that phrase. “To me, it’s all my life – work, family, community, the whole kit and kaboodle. It’s about ensuring you are who you want to be morally, spiritually and physically. It’s about physically being able to withstand the demands of your life, having a healthy body and being a role model.

“It’s also empowering to know you can still push yourself to do the things you did in your youth.”