Balanced fitness starts with good support.

When Dr. Elizabeth Green was 8 years old (and just known as ‘Liz’ then!), her fitness life got off to a fantastic start. From the playground onto the soccer field, thanks to her father she learned not only how much fun sports were, but that she should never let anyone tell her girls can’t be tough and strong. This message stuck with Liz throughout her life. Today, she continues her fitness with these truths in mind.

In fact, Liz has always been something of a self-diagnosed fitness fanatic. “I tend to go to the extreme,” she says, and her list of sports played though her educational years is a testament. In High school she played soccer, joined the volleyball team, and even founded the women’s lacrosse team. “I also dabbled in club rugby as an undergrad as well as intramural softball and volleyball in grad school.” Says Liz. “After grad school, I started running (running road races with friends and completing a half marathon).” For a long time, Liz’s life was full-to-the-brim with fitness and sports!

Your balance may not stay the same forever.

But then – as it tends to happen from time to time – life changed. Enter: the doctoral program. As many can relate to, finding time to eat, sleep, study and work out can be hard. At first, it certainly was for Liz. “I stopped working out and put my physical fitness on the back-burner,’ admits Liz. So much of her workout time got eaten up by studying, it left almost none.

But she would not be beaten. Determined to find balanced fitness even with her busy schedule, she turned to the MIT Recreation facilities and trainers, which were now very conveniently located right near her office. “It took me about three years to figure it out. But I did! About six months ago, I recommitted myself to my physical fitness,” she says. “Since then, I’ve lost weight, gained muscle, and had fun doing it!” Even though it took her three years to find the right balance, Liz didn’t give up. Now, it was all worth it.

Balanced fitness means a goal you can achieve – and maintain.

These days Liz’s favorite fitness activities include Group Exercise classes and working with a personal trainer. Together, she and her trainer are working on keeping the right type of balance going. “My goal for the next 6-12 months is to continue to work out consistently and in a sustainable and balanced way.” Says Liz. “I don’t need to be in the gym three hours a day. One hour a day, five days a week is what I aim for.”

Life can be so unpredictable. New jobs, new towns, new babies, new degrees! Incorporating the right, balanced fitness routine into your life might hit the back burner now and then. Don’t let it discourage you. Give yourself time to find your way and let Liz’s determination be an inspiration for you. It may take a few days or even a few years, but MIT Recreation and other, friendly members like Dr. Green will be there to welcome you when you do.

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