Fitness Tips from Equinox’s Sarah Robb O’Hagan
Top fitness executive New Zealand-born Sarah Robb O’Hagan, president of New York-based Equinox Fitness, tells Fortune how to set realistic goals and get fit in 2016.
Robb O’Hagan personally became a daily fitness fan as early as 13 when she was a swimmer. She subsequently became a runner – an activity that became her sole focus for many years. That changed after she joined Equinox three years ago.
“Once I got this job, I kept hearing, ‘you have to mix it up,’” Robb O’Hagan says. “It has made a tremendous difference.”
Today, Robb O’Hagan typically works out six days a week. She runs for three days and mixes in trainer and group fitness classes for the rest of her workouts. Whenever possible, Robb O’Hagan does Pilates.
Robb O’Hagan says disrupting your routine is key. She also advises newcomers set a minimum amount of change that they can commit to, because meeting a goal of working out twice a week can propel gym users to other healthy habits.
Another tip? Declare your goal publicly on social media.
“If you don’t tell anyone, you are the only person that knows you didn’t make it,” Robb O’Hagan says. “On the days you don’t want to get up to go to the gym – say so publicly on social media. There are always people that will encourage you.”
O’Hagan has worked for Nike, Virgin and most recently, was global president at sports brand Gatorade. O’Hagan has been recognised by Fast Company as one of the Most Creative People In Business, by Advertising Age as a “Woman to Watch” and by Forbes as one of the Most Powerful Women In Sports.
O’Hagan, who was born in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, and who is a business graduate of Auckland University has worked for Nike, Virgin and most recently, was global president at sports brand Gatorade. O’Hagan has been recognised by Fast Company as one of the Most Creative People In Business, by Advertising Age as a “Woman to Watch” and by Forbes as one of the Most Powerful Women In Sports.
Original article by John Kell, Fortune, December 30, 2015.
