5 Tips for Fitness From Sarah Robb O'Hagan

#1: Cut Out Processed Foods

My friends and family will tell you that I have a serious sweet tooth. Cutting back on my processed foods intake—which included kicking a 20-year diet-soda habit—has been a relatively small change that has completely transformed my energy levels. It’s overwhelming to overhaul a diet, so I make one change at a time instead. Replacing soda with seltzer was an easy first step.

#2: Prioritize Sleep

For too long, getting by on just a few hours of sleep has been a bragging right of a the business class. I read an article on our Q editorial site that changed my opinions of red-eye flights: So many of us squeeze as much into a trip as we can, at the expense of sleep. But according to the piece, the sleep deprivation of an all-night flight impedes your innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, makes you less alert, and even makes other people perceive you as less attractive! I’ve officially retired from the red-eye.

#3: Mix Up Workouts

Disruption is such a buzzy word in the business world and little did I know I needed it so badly in my workout routine. Before coming to Equinox, I was pretty much running—and only running—all the time. Since I’ve introduced personal training, Pilates and other group fitness classes into my regimen, I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been.

#4: Exercise With Friends

As much as I love a solo run, I’ve come to appreciate the amazing effects of working out with someone else…. A little friendly competition is good for business and good for the body.

#5: Track the Results

I’m a big fan of the Apple Watch, not just as a fun new toy but as a workout tool. Before I started tracking my workouts, I felt like each session went into an abyss. Now I use the data I collect to evaluate my progress and help set new goals. It makes each session much more efficient, and it’s fun to geek out over the numbers.