Meet a Health Hero: Suzanne Allaire
Suzanne Allaire
» You can vote for Suzanne on our Facebook page October 14th through 20th. Mark your calendar!
Name: Suzanne Allaire
Role: Co-founder of November Project Philadelphia, a grassroots fitness movement that offers two free workouts in Philly every week.
Who or what motivates you to be healthy?
My daughter motivates me to be healthy. We only have this one life together and I want it to be something magical. Also, all of the smiling faces that show up at our November Project workouts keep me VERY motivated to stay on top of my game.
Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life.
When I turned 30, I had a lot of internal struggles and a pretty low self-worth. I was walking away from some unhealthy relationships, and I began running solely for the ability to do something for myself and to feel “free.” As time passed and my fitness level increased, running and working out were still about a sound mind, but they transformed into a desire to live in a sound body as well.
What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?
Philadelphia is such a “movable” city. I would institute more methods to get people in motion. To simply get up and get out. We have one Bike to Work Day and we just celebrated our first Run to Work Day, but what if those days were much more frequent? Bike to work once a week or once a month, even. Employers should take more initiative to instill healthy habits into the daily lives of their employees. Extended lunch hour for workouts once or twice a week, perhaps? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all had the time to get in a workout or two every week, even when work or life deadlines are weighing us down?
What’s the most important part of your health or fitness regimen?
Health and fitness is an everyday thing for me. I pay attention to what I put into my body so I can put out my best self everyday. But the most important is Wednesday and Friday mornings with November Project, working out with the group. The more people we have, the greater each workout gets. Connecting people and encouraging them to get fit is a priceless motivator for me.
What is your number one piece of health related advice/encouragement?
The only person you are ever competing against is yourself. Find what works for you and have fun doing it!
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