Shannon Center Member Spotlight of the Month -- January 2017
Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Shannon Center has been open to the community for over 17 years! As a way to show appreciation of the community's support, the Shannon Center will highlight one loyal member each month. Members will be chosen by a full-time staff manager or student manager and will be featured on the Shannon Center's website.
The Member Spotlight for the month of December is Colette Fitzgerald. As an avid exercise enthusiast, she strives to help motivate others through her profession as a certified personal trainer. Fitzgerald has been a member at the Shannon Center for over 15 years and truly enjoys the convenience of the center.
"The Shannon Center is convenient for me because it's close to home," said Fitzgerald. "I love the indoor track for runs in the winter. It's never too crowded and it has everything that I need to get in an efficient and effective workout; the Shannon Center is a great addition to the community!"
A typical workout runs an hour long and includes 45 minutes of cardio -- running, Stairmaster, Matrix Stairclimber, or elliptical -- something different every day; 15 minutes of abdominal work and strength training. Fitzgerald believes that your habits, good and bad alike, serve a purpose that makes you emotionally and behaviorally attached to them, which she uses to push herself (and her clients) to stay motivated.
"I feel I need to be a good example for my kids so they will stay motivated and healthy as they grow up," said Fitzgerald. "Research has shown that it takes just 21 to 30 days to change a bad habit into one that improves your health or exercise level. It takes about seven weeks to really see visual improvements. The effort required to attain and maintain the motivation to exercise promotes perseverance and positive action, which you need to increase your level of effort while you exercise."
As a certified personal trainer, Fitzgerald offers four motivating factors to help keep her clients working towards their fitness regime.
"First, identifying someone who can help 'feed' you more motivation, a mentor of sorts," said Fitzgerald. "Second, reinforce good behavior by exercising good form when you perform your exercises so you get the results you want. Third, find someone to discuss your exercise goals so you stick with them and are held accountable for them. Lastly, always be open for advice and try new workouts continuously so you always keep your muscles confused and challenged because you will see better results faster; but most importantly, try to enjoy your workout!"
Congratulations, Colette! Check back to see the Shannon Center Member Spotlight for the month of February!