This year, CEO Jim Goodnight released our new “Core Values.” Authentic, Accountable, Curious, and Passionate were the words chosen to describe SAS, influence our work here, and showcase who we are as a company. While these values can and will certainly guide our actions in the workplace, I couldn’t help but notice how closely they also relate to the amazing work-life balance that we proudly encourage at SAS.

Throughout the last several months, the Recreation & Fitness Team decided to dig into the new set of values a little deeper by focusing on one value at a time, noticing how it pertains to our specific work, and using it to shape our goals. During this reflection, I kept coming back to how these four words hold value for everyone when developing and/or maintaining an active lifestyle. Here’s what I mean:

Authentic

How it’s defined as a SAS Core Value: “We’re genuine, we’re transparent, and we lead with integrity.”

How it relates to your fitness routine: Authentic can also be described as real, legitimate, honest, or realistic. These are perhaps the most important characteristics to look for when setting our fitness goals. While it is absolutely great to shoot for the stars, making your first goal too far out of reach can make it seem overwhelming and unattainable. We are more successful when we start small and take one step at a time.

As a trainer, I often prompt the use of the “SMART” goal-setting method. In order for a goal to be valuable,  make sure it is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-focused. For example, an excellent long term goal is to lose 30lbs. To get to this goal, set a smaller, SMART goal like  “for the next 2 weeks, I will go to the gym 3x per week for 30 minutes." Once this routine has solidified, continue to contribute to your overall weight-loss success by building on your SMART goal.

Authentic can also relate to fitness goals in the sense that it’s important to stay true to yourself and realize that you do not have control over everything life brings. Things will get in the way and we will fail. Detours and failures are a part of life so don't throw in the towel. Tomorrow is a new day and you can always start fresh!

Accountable

How it’s defined as a SAS Core Value: “We’re responsible, we do things right, and we exceed what’s expected.”

How it relates to your fitness routine: It probably goes without saying that both establishing and maintaining a fitness routine requires some sort of accountability.  It may be as easy as committing to working out “x" number of times per week.  If you need a little more than that, here are a few more ideas to help you stay accountable:

• Schedule your workouts in your calendar or phone just like you would a work meeting.
• Lay out your workout clothes or pack them the night before.
• Work with a personal trainer.
• Find your favorite group exercise class and attend it every week.
• Plan to work out with a friend so that someone is counting on you.
• Keep a workout log and develop a reward system for when you reach a certain number.

When it comes down to it, many of us just need to realize that exercise is an important component of a healthy life, and we are responsible for making it a priority. Without your own health, your job, family, children, and other responsibilities will suffer too. Keep in mind taking care of yourself, like exercising, is taking care of them too!

Curious

How it’s defined as a SAS Core Value: “We’re relentless problem solvers, unafraid to challenge assumptions by being creative and forward-thinking.”

How it relates to your fitness routine: “Great things never come from comfort zones.” Growth will not continue to happen without change. At one time or another, we will feel stuck in a rut or bored of our regular routines. When this happens, try setting a new goal for yourself such as increasing your best plank time or running an obstacle race or change things up by trying something different like Pilates or a TRX class. I like to challenge myself by working towards mastering new yoga poses!

Passionate

How it’s defined as a SAS Core Value: We’re committed to excellence in everything we do and thrive on meaningful work.

How it relates to your fitness routine: It’s important to note that if you’re not enjoying or have purpose behind what you’re doing, it is very unlikely that you will make it a habit. First, find a form of exercise you genuinely enjoy: Zumba? Walking with a friend? If you find yourself smiling while getting active, you’ll certainly want to continue to do it!

Second, focus on the results that you can FEEL. Instead of harping on the way you look in the mirror, observe the positive effects that exercise has on your well-being. Is your mood enhanced? Are you sleeping better at night? Have you noticed that you don’t get as winded? People who are passionate about exercise (you know, those crazy people who wake up crazy early or go get sweaty on their lunch break) are likely that way because they feel the incredible benefits of it. Keep those thoughts in mind on the days that you just “don’t feel like it!”

Which of these core values can you relate to most in your fitness routine?