Alain Lagacé

Name: Alain Lagacé
Title: Manager
Faculty: International Office

What motivated you to take control of your health?
For several years, I’d been using my responsibilities at work and at home as an excuse for neglecting my health. Every year, my health was deteriorating, and I didn’t realize it. Last year, after several years of effort on her part, my doctor told me that she strongly suggested I find a different doctor, because she had not managed to motivate me to lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

That was a shock. Throughout the years, I had found, invented and imagined millions of excuses not to take care of myself. All my excuses were solid, as far as I was concerned. That day in October 2011 changed my life, and I decided to take my health seriously.

I decided to surround myself with people who would help me on my new adventure. I have a nutrition coach and a trainer at the gym, and a whole host of friends and colleagues who keep me motivated every day.

Since that day, I’ve lost 50 pounds, I now take 3 fewer pills (pre-diabetes and blood pressure), and I have a new wardrobe.

Everyone is different, and I know that for me, a support system is the key to success. I am pleased with the results so far, and I’m continuing to make progress.

How do you feel after exercise?
I feel happy that I did it, and especially proud that I’m staying committed. Also it’s a great way to relieve stress.

How do you manage to fit physical activity into your schedule?
It’s a matter of deciding to do it and being confident that you can achieve better health. Now it’s a priority for me; I have to do at least four physical activities per week. For me, that means the gym, curling, skiing, yoga, swimming and cycling. I decided to limit the time I spend in front of the TV and to be active.

For me it’s been about making different choices. It’s not always easy— often I’m tired, or other things come up—but despite that, I manage to stay committed.