Name: Sarah Hankins
 
Age: 24
 
Exercise/Sport: Running, Yoga, Spin Classes
 
 
 
 
 
When this week’s ExerciseToronto.Com Athlete of the Week was asked to describe her ideal day she couldn’t help but include exercise at the top of her list. Like many other Toronto residents, Sarah Hankins, 24, balances a schedule of full-time work, socializing and daily fitness.
 
Growing up just north of Toronto, Hankins remains actively involved in the Toronto exercise community and is now focused on tackling new fitness achievements and milestones as the summer approaches.
 
“Last summer I ran the Sporting Life 10km in just under an hour. I was very proud of this time because it was my first 10k race. This year I want to improve on that time, and will be using the Achilles Canada, St. Patricks Day 5km run as a tune-up and exercise benchmark.”
 
The always modest Hankins is a recent graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton and since moving to Toronto has developed a passion for group exercise activities as well as holistic therapies that she feels has added to a well-rounded health approach.
 
“I’ve really become involved in yoga over the past few years. Since I’ve started, I notice a difference in my core strength and overall flexibility. In addition to running and yoga, I’ve developed a passion for spin classes. I find a lot of value in exercising in a group environment. It helps me to not only keep my focus, but also makes the exercising fun.”
 
We sat down with Sarah to get a better understanding of what motivates her to be exercise savvy and remain dedicated to her fitness goals in Toronto:
 
 
ET: You mentioned the Sporting Life 10k is an important date on the calendar for you this year. What are your expectations?
 
Hankins: For me, it’s really about challenging myself to always be better. I would be really happy this year to shave a couple of minutes off my time from last year. I’ve already started training for this year’s race with the hope that I will beat my time from last year, finishing the race in 48m 50s. I’ve also been following a strict training regime to help me achieve this goal.
 
 
ET: What type of training are you doing to prepare for the run?
 
Hankins: Basically, I’m following a training guide that was provided to me upon signing up for the run. I’m running three times a week for between 35 and 45 minutes and strength training two times a week. I also like to make sure I throw in a spin class and yoga class into the mix to keep things interesting.
 
 
ET: Balancing a full schedule can have its challenges, what motivates you to exercise when you just don’t feel like doing it?
 
Hankins: No matter how busy my schedule gets it is essential for me to exercise. I know the personal benefits of working out and how good it makes me feel physically and mentally. It’s also great when you are surrounded by active people as it helps push you and inspire you to commit to a healthy lifestyle, so I really enjoy doing a yoga class with one of my girl friends or spin class with my boyfriend.
 
 
ET: What type of music do you listen to when working out?
 
Hankins: I listen to anything that is fast paced, must have a good beat and it’s great if the song I’m listening to can push me to my limit of intensity.
 
 
ET: Do you have a favorite song/artist you enjoy exercising to?
 
Hankins: Some of my favorite artist’s right now are Lady Gaga, Tiesto and Rise Against. Rise Against is a new favorite I just started listening to, but they really get me going at my maximum.
 
 
ET: What’s your favorite post-workout meal?
 
Hankins: Having a great meal after my work out really completes the whole exercise regime for me. So hands down, after a workout I love a good chicken breast, seasoned to perfection with a side salad and steamed asparagus.
 
 
Exercise Toronto Staff