I’d like to start introducing some of our regulars working out in Community Medical Centers’ employee fitness center. These are gym regulars who want to encourage their fellow co-workers to step up and give it a go!  So without further a due I introduce Xochitl Valenzuela, a care coordinator at Community Regional. Here’s our fun, light-hearted Q&A:

Tim: What got you motivated to start working out?
Xochitl: I was not happy with my physical appearance and I felt weak and tired all the time. I wanted to join physical activities but I knew that I would not be able to keep up.

Tim: What if anything has stopped you in the past from starting a healthy routine or derailed you from continuing one?
Xochitl:  Honestly, the fear of failure and the lack of commitment. I knew that it would take hard work and I was not willing to put into it. Also at first I wanted to have a “work out partner” and no one was willing to join me but now I’m ok working out alone. What has derailed me in the past was trying to go on a “diet” and then I would fall back into bad habits and give up.

Tim: How many times a week do you work out?
Xochitl: I try to stick to 5 times a week, Monday to Friday

Tim: Grab your iPod, hit shuffle on your favorite gym playlist. What is the song and artist that came up first?
Xochitl: Probably Eminem or Linkin Park, lol.

Tim: Do you work out at any other gyms in town? 
Xochitl: No

Tim: What is your favorite part of the Employee Fitness Center?
Xochitl: All of it! I love the setting, love the machines, love the staff! I enjoy having options and even though it’s a small space, I think it was well set up, I never feel like it’s a small space.

Tim: Do you regularly workout outside of a gym?
Xochitl: No, but I am now motivated to join a hiking club and/or bike club. I feel more confident that I will be able to keep up with others. I feel stronger and I want to make a complete life style change which includes physical activities outside of the gym.

Tim: How has the use of the Employee Fitness Center benefitted you?
Xochitl: Not only has it improved my health but it has allowed me to find a place were I feel like I belong and I can continue to challenge myself. It also has built my confidence and overall well being. I’ve had to develop structure in order to fit it into my schedule so it’s helped with becoming more consistent. I’m more aware of what I eat since I know I’m going to have to work it off.

Tim: What is your favorite workout or machine in the Employee Fitness Center?
Xochitl: I tend to change things around and I get a good use of most of the machines. I like to say the weights, bike and treadmill. I do wish it had a sauna but with all the equipment provided and given that it’s free I don’t like to complain.

Tim: Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?
Xochitl: So it does not hurt when it hits you? Lol.

Tim: What motivates or pushes you during your workouts?
Xochitl: I try to focus on building up my endurance. I tell myself that if I just push a little harder it can get me to the next level. I also focus on my ultimate goal in terms of how built I want my body to be and I tell myself that I will never achieve it if I continue to settle for what feels comfortable.

Tim: If you could sing one song on American Idol what would it be?
Xochitl: I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe

Tim: What shift do you work in the hospital?
Xochitl: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tim: Do you prefer to work out before or after your shift?
Xochitl: I prefer to work out in the morning before my shift

Tim: What is your ‘Go to’ healthy meal?
Xochitl: Raw Revolution Organic Live Food Bar by Raw Indulgence

Tim: Do you know what paleo is without using Google or Wiki?  How about gluten?
Xochitl: Yes to both.

Tim: Chocolate or vanilla?
Xochitl: Chocolate, always!

Tim: What fitness bucket list items are in your sites for the coming year?
Xochitl: Continue going to the gym on a regular basis. Join a hiking club and maybe get a bike

Tim: Do you believe in Bigfoot?
Xochitl: No but I know people with really big feet, lol.

What a good sport you are Xochitl!  Thank you for spending the time with me to allow others to get to know you and see your motivation. I want to encourage you to step up to that next challenge and join Community’s hiking champion, Joon Nguyen, on Saturday, April 25 for a great hike in the Yosemite. And for all Community employees looking to start somewhere, come see us in the Fitness Center on Community Regional’s campus. 

Tim Clark
Fitness Center Manager
Community Regional Medical Center