March 2015

Ricky Walker is a fitness buff. He works out six days a week through running, strength training and cross-fit or plyometric (jump training) workouts. He’s also a certified fitness trainer who enjoys helping others reach their goals. Coworkers regularly seek him out for wellness advice and he’s inspired more than one to follow a healthier path.

How do you stay healthy?

I do a little bit of everything. I do a lot of running. I do a lot of strength training. I’m into any outdoor exercise. I do a lot of plyometrics and cross-fit workouts.

How often do you work out?

I’m a fitness buff and a certified fitness trainer. I work out six days a week.

Have you always been active?

I’ve been active since I was about 6. As a youngster, I played football and ran track. When I joined the military, I developed a love for long-distance running.

I was in the Army National Guard for seven years. I was deployed to Iraq. My sister was there at the same time. It was life changing.

My sister and brother are also passionate about running. The three of us run one to two races together a year, which has strengthened our bond. It’s pretty cool!

Do coworkers ask for advice on how to be healthier?

Coworkers ask me what to eat and which types of exercise will best help them reach their goals. One tip I share is to prep meals for the upcoming week on Sundays. It makes it much easier. I also stress that the diet part of it is very important. That’s probably the hardest thing to master. Preparing meals ahead of time helps eliminate temptations.

I recently went to lunch with a couple of coworkers and one passed up on dessert even though she really wanted it. She said if I wasn’t having any, neither would she.

I try to lead by example because I want to inspire people. I want people to look at me and say, because of you, I didn’t give up.

What other words of wisdom do you have to offer?

Small daily improvements are the key to long-term results. A lot of people give up when they don’t see results fast enough. They get discouraged. I tell people to set small goals. You have to start slow. It takes time. You have to be disciplined.

Are you an independent trainer or affiliated with a particular gym?

Currently, I’m an independent personal trainer. Employees who are interested in hiring a personal trainer should feel free to email me. A lot of people meet with a trainer just once to develop an exercise program and then do it on their own from there. Others need a trainer to help keep them motivated and accountable.