Alec Miller, 44, Chicago, IL, Executive Producer for Butterscotch’s Playground
How often do you exercise? I try to exercise at least six days per week.
Brief description of your workout routine: I do a regular Ashtanga yoga practice. I also have a pull-up bar on my ceiling and do a variety of exercises on that and the set of gymnast’s rings that go with it.
Brief description of your eating habits: I try to eat smart, but am not a calorie counter or carb counter. I just try to maintain a nice balance among whole grains, fruits, vegetables and free range, organic meats. My breakfast is typically organic yogurt with Mexican granola. For lunch, I usually just have something easy like a sandwich, fruit or leftovers. And dinner is typically something grilled—like free-range chicken with fire-roasted tomatillos, poblanos and jalapenos (blended into a salsa verde). We love grilling and do it all year—even in the Chicago winter.
Favorite Workout: My favorite workout is an advanced Ashtanga yoga practice with John Vitarelli. It’s actually a free video from my cable provider’s VOD assets.
Least favorite way to workout? I am not a big fan of running because I often get shin splints.
How does fitness affect you as a professional? Fitness gives me more energy, focus and clarity. It also helps me to manage stress.
Would you be as good at what you do if you didn’t pursue fitness? I think so, but being fit gives me more energy and helps me maintain focus for longer periods of time, especially in environments like music or film studios where you can spend a lot of hours.
How do you squeeze fitness in on a crazy busy day? I try to ingrain fitness into my daily routine so it becomes part of my hygiene—something as important as taking a shower. Although that can be difficult with two young kids, my wife is a great teammate and we will cover for each other to get a workout in.
How do you fight the urge to skip workouts? I think maintaining a variety in what you can helps a lot, as does doing little things whenever you can. In some cases, I have done a short 12-minute workout that still had me sweating, despite the brevity. I will also do exercises while playing with my kids. For example, they will ride on my back as I do push-ups, or I will hold them up in the air as I do leg lifts. They love that sort of thing…and so do I!
If you travel, what kind of workouts do you do on the road? I usually stick to yoga because I can do it anywhere—on the beach, in my hotel room, etc. When I am in places like Australia or other scenic spots, I like to add in outdoor activities or even long walks.
What other obstacles do you face (health-wise) as part of your work? Have you found a way to overcome them? I have carpal tunnel from years of keyboard playing and mouse clicking. Since I started a regular fitness routine, I have been able to stretch out and work that area of my wrist and completely alleviate the pain.
Does your company offer incentives for exercising or eating right? If so, how do you take part? Yes. We have a health club in our building and my firm pays for half of the membership dues for anyone interested in joining.
Must-have training equipment: A yoga mat is my must-have equipment.
Favorite training tune: My four year-old got me into Jónsi – Where No One Goes from How to Train Your Dragon 2. I love the energy.
Favorite healthy food: I would say that my favorite healthy food is the chicken dish I mentioned above or anything with quinoa.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: My favorite not-so-healthy dish is Lou Malnati’s deep dish, Chicago pizza. I also have a sweet tooth for dark chocolate.
Do you think fitness is a factor in being successful in business? Why or why not? Fitness is definitely a factor in being successful because being fit gives you increased energy to pursue your goals, greater confidence in your abilities, enhances your mental acuity, elevates your mood, and helps you to manage the stress in your life.
What fit professional inspires you? Fitz! And Anthony Field, the Blue Wiggle.
Advice for others trying to become more fit: Find something you love and do it. If you try doing a program that you detest, it will not last long.
Best piece of business advice you’ve ever received: Try to get through the door. If it’s locked, try a window. If that’s locked, go to the back door. If that’s locked, break it down…
