October Health Hero: Janet Palmer, Metro Operator (Atlantic/Central Base)

“Make your worksite a gym”

Janet Palmer has been a Metro operator for nearly 20 years, but it wasn’t until recently when she turned 50 that she was motivated to change her behavior and start moving more. “I decided I needed to do something to get in shape and be healthy, so I bought some shoes and started running. You really don’t need any special equipment – just keep moving!”

Janet started with 5K runs and has now completed six half-marathons and three triathlons. She proudly wears the medal from her most recent event – the Trek Women’s triathlon – where she finished with her personal best time of one hour, 40 minutes. She stays motivated by participating in running groups two days a week, and uses the gym at her base when she can. But Janet often finds it most convenient to sneak in exercise while she’s on the bus. And true to her word, as the Health Matters team followed her onto her bus for this Health Hero interview, Janet ran to the stairs on the doorway of the bus and began doing step-ups. “From the minute I come to work I can use the bus as a gym!”

Janet’s enthusiasm for exercise and healthy living is absolutely contagious. “We all need to move more. I understand that everybody’s busy and it’s hard to work out at the end of the day when you feel tired. So why not get your exercise during the day on your breaks or lunch-time?"

Janet’s coworkers often observe her doing lunges down the center aisle of the bus, jumping rope or running up hills during her breaks. They jokingly tell her they need a “Janet Cam” to get ideas about how they too can creatively fit exercise into their work day. Janet’s advice for her co-workers and other employees is to “Just keep moving – even walking. I can’t emphasize how good for you walking is.”

Janet has lost weight with all her activity, but points to another benefit of exercising throughout the day at work – more energy. “You might feel tired or think you don’t have enough time on your breaks, but five or 10 minutes really adds up. Do some lunges…or use a resistance band to do the ‘John Travolta’ with your arms. You can even stretch out your back by bending backwards over an object like the bus seats. It all really helps when you spend as much time sitting as we do. And you really will have more energy afterwards.”

Janet noted that many of the activities she fits into her breaks can easily be adapted to just about any worksite. “Of course I’m fortunate because I get to wear comfortable shoes and clothing to work.” But whether in a cubicle or on a metro bus, there are many exercises and stretches that require minimal (if any) equipment or special clothing. Activities like lunges, walking, jumping jacks or tricep dips can be done anywhere.