Hagerty employee pursues healthy living
By Glenn Puit, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Rickman is a website developer at
"At my worst, I was severely overweight," Rickman, 27, said. "I went to a doctor who sort of gave me an ultimatum, and that was when reality set in for me. I had to do something."
Rickman committed to living a healthier lifestyle and found assistance from his employer. Changes in his eating habits and exercise, combined with a workplace culture at Hagerty that encourages healthy living, made a huge difference in Rickman's life.
He's dropped more than 150 pounds in the last two years.
"My wife was involved too, and when you are doing it together, it makes it much easier," Rickman said.
Hagerty installed a comprehensive fitness gym at its headquarters off
Hagerty Chief Executive Officer
"The gym was a leap of faith ... that's come full circle," Hagerty said. "You really want people to recognize it's okay to do well in business, but it's more important to do good."
Rickman said the on-site gym is a huge asset for him. He previously was a member of a gym "that was all the way across town" from his residence and offered him "all kinds of excuses to not go."
Now he can stop by the gym before or after work, during a lunch hour or on weekends. He became familiar with fitness trainers on-site who counseled him on his eating habits and exercise routine.
"It's made a huge difference," Rickman said. "I try to do various classes, usually three times a week or so. A lot of group classes, usually kind of a boot camp style."
Rickman said he's also taken advantage of a workplace climate in which his co-workers are regularly planning fitness events with one another. More than 40 Hagerty employees recently joined Rickman to participate in the
Rickman said this shared belief in healthy living is invaluable.
"Don't give up trying," Rickman said of his advice to others who struggle with their weight.
"Every once and a while you will have a setback," Rickman said. "You are human ... right it and keep on going. We are only human."
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