About the exec:
Bucky Gardner is the Director of Risk Management at Green Mountain Energy Company.
Green Mountain, the nation’s leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, was founded in 1997 to “change the way power is made.” The company is the longest serving green power marketer in the U.S. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, such as wind, as well as a variety of carbon offset products.
Green Mountain combines healthy and environmentally-friendly living options for all of its employees. The company has a green commuter program, where employees commute in environmentally-friendly ways to work since the program was launched in 2006.
Since 2006, Green Mountain employees have saved over 215,000 miles of driving and avoided more than 194,000 pounds of CO2 by biking, walking and using other healthy types of commuting to work.
Green Mountain knows the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Follow Green Mountain Energy on Facebook here.
Follow Green Mountain Energy on Twitter @GreenMtnEnergy.
Why are you excited for 2012 Fittest Exec?
I want to show other local professionals that it is possible to maintain healthy living and a busy work schedule. I want to show other local professionals that it is possible to maintain healthy living and a busy work schedule. You don’t have to open a fitness camp or gym to combine work and working out!
What is your strategy for staying fit with your demanding schedule?
I am fortunate to be part of a work environment that supports healthy living. My Green Mountain co-workers enjoy working out, and Green Mountain creates opportunities for leading an active lifestyle with programs like the Green commuter program, walking programs at lunch, discounted gym memberships and an office location that’s close to the trail around Lady Bird Lake.
What is your current favorite workout to do and why?
I love playing tennis. Not only does the sport work out your entire body, particularly the legs, but it exercises your mind. As a tennis player, you have to learn how to be intensely focused and relaxed simultaneously. This ability can be a great asset in the business world as well. Another benefit of tennis is that it’s lifetime sport. No matter your age, you can always find a partner, grab a racket and enjoy a great workout.
What is your favorite gym, studio, or fitness class in Austin?
I play tennis at the South Austin Tennis Center. It’s well maintained facility with a great staff and plenty of players looking for matches. I try to get out there at least four times week.
Why is being a fit exec important to you?
Being a fit executive is important because I am in a position to influence others. Hopefully my healthy lifestyle inspires my co-workers to do the same. If I can help foster a healthy level of competition within the company with regards to staying fit, I believe Green Mountain and its employees will benefit.
What is your largest fitness accomplishment in the past year?
Every year I write down personal goals for the year including health goals. This year I committed to lose weight. I set a manageable goal and track my progress on a daily basis via an app on my phone. I am proud to say that I have lost 15 pounds since January by eating healthier and exercising almost every day. The hard part now is keeping that weight off.
Give one piece of advice to others looking to get fit and healthy as a busy professional.
Set achievable goals, write them down and track your progress. It’s like watching the S&P 500 Index except you want your weight index to move in the opposite direction.Also you do not have to go to the gym to stay fit. Try to incorporate healthy activities into your daily routine: Walk or bike to work, prepare your lunch, and drink plenty of water. In the office, rather than sitting at your desk all day lobbing emails to your co-workers, walk over to them to discuss/resolve issues. This serves three purposes: you get exercise, you get to know somebody and you get things done.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
I love Latin chipotle quinoa salad. It’s a great tasting meal that helps keep me fit.
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