An Interview with Fitness Instructor Donna Bird

Certified personal trainer Donna Bird knows quite a bit about fitness and motivation. Working at the Chubb Insurance Company as a Fitness Specialist, Donna understands that having the right mental attitude can make or break a decision to work out.  In the case of preparing for the MS Society’s “Coast the Coast” Bike Tour, Donna has first-hand experience with the fitness side of this important advocacy program.  Her fiance Tom participated last year and helped raise money for the National MS Society.  Donna noted that Tom overcame his fear of being an inexperienced biker who hadn’t ridden for years.  He road 11 miles to raise funds because he made a strong mental commitment to get on his bicycle and ride.  Donna believes that the right mental attitude and having a supportive environment to train will motivate individuals to commit and prepare for the "Coast the Coast" Bike Tour.

A strong advocate of exercise, Donna believes her daily regime has helped keep her MS in check, and she encourages all people to look at the Vitamin Shoppe’s “Cycling for Health” program as a way to commit to bicycling as part of a healthy lifestyle. “All of life is based on choices and then committing to ideas.  Having MS, I am always touched by people who want to help support programs to find a cure and improve the quality of life of those with MS and their families,” says Bird, who has certifications in nutrition and step training.  “Thank you to all the people who signed up for the Vitamin Shoppe’s Cycling for Health Program.”

Because The Vitamin Shoppe is providing a “tune-up” program to get cyclists ready with training rides and motivational messages, Donna thinks “weekend bikers” can keep five important points in mind as they get ready for the MS event.  According to Donna, success on the MS Bike Tour comes down to fitness and attitude, and she offers this critical insight.

Train with a Support Team – "cycling for Health" allows bikers to join together and begin a pre-bike tour training regime.  Riding with others is a key to success.

Find Support in Your Family & Friends – The people in your family and social circles can help you succeed by applauding your progress and encouraging your continued training.  Ask them to “help” you by doing exercises with you. They can also assist you in signing up neighbors, workplace colleagues or other friends to make pledges, and share in shifting your diet to have a healthier nutrition intake.  Encourage them to be creative in how they can support you. Quotes hung around the house, encouraging words, and support during the bike tour are all a great inspiration!

Little Steps (and Rides) Lead to Big Things -   Take it one day at a time, and recognize that by getting on that bicycle, you are committing to help others and yourself.
Have Fun in Training -  The Vitamin Shoppe is providing a six week healthy living program for you and others to get ready for the "Coast the Coast" Bike Tour.  Have fun together in this program by joining with other cyclists to train with you.

This Ride Will Help Change Your Life – Change works. Biking together while sharing your time and resources to help those with MS will help change your life.  Your new attitude will permeate throughout your personal and professional life.  Congratulations!

Donna stresses that every person who gets on a bicycle is a winner, and we agree.  One final bit of advice from Donna that can help us all get more out of life.  She shared one of her favorite quotes:  “Dream as if you will live forever, live as if you will die today.”  Thank you, Donna!