Wellness Profile: Janet Crowe
When you first meet Janet Crowe you are struck by her vibrant energy, unending enthusiasm and zest for life. She has been involved in the TELUS wellness program from its inception, beginning as a volunteer fitness instructor. Janet works very hard both at the gym and in the office but works just as hard to strike a balance in her life along the way. Janet’s dedication and work ethic as well as her passion for Wellness culminated into her role as the TELUS National Wellness Manager, where she continues to practice what she preaches. Even though Janet has extensive background and experience in the fitness and wellness field, she sees the value in working with coaches, trainers, practitioners and experts to gain inspiration, motivation and excitement to support her in making healthy lifestyle choices and achieving success. As such, Janet works with a personal trainer 2 times per week and partakes in the services of a massage therapist, active rehab therapist, structural intgrationalist and others. She truly believes in the importance of working with experts to obtain the latest health and fitness advice and achieve her goals.

LWHS: Have you always been a fitness buff?
JC: I was always involved in sports but was never one to go for a jog. School sports like Track and field, volleyball, basketball etc. I didn’t become involved in fitness until I starting working at BC Tel/ TELUS over 20 years ago.

LWHS: What inspired you to become a fitness instructor?
JC: Cheryl Nielsen was a fitness coordinator at Mobility when it first opened in 1986. She made me believe that you didn’t have to be a “perfect model” to be a fitness advocate and leader and she inspired me to be the same. She made me realize that you don’t have to be thin to be fit and healthy.

LWHS: What did you enjoy about TELUS Fitness Volunteer program?
JC: I enjoyed the friendships, being involved as a contributor to the program and being able to participate in conferences and being involved as a contributor to the program. The program and everyone involved is so positive, it made it really fun to be involved!

LWHS: When did you start working with a trainer and Why?
JC: I started working with a trainer in the Fall of 2003 because I was in a fitness slump. As a volunteer and in my job I was the motivator. I had the education of being a programmer instructor but wanted to mix it up and be pushed. I needed someone to be my “Janet.”

LWHS: What was that experience of being trained like?
JC: My experience as a client has always been really good. Being trained is a mental dedication as well as physical. My trainer keeps me accountable and won’t let me get away with not putting my best effort forward. It’s nice to have a trainer that is experienced and knows my limits, but still pushes me right to that limit, which helps me achieve my goals!

LWHS: Why do you continue to work with a trainer?
JC: working with a trainer keeps me on track and really allows me to set myself as a priority. I’ve taken weeks off in the past but what I find is that I quickly fall back into my slump. Something always comes up when you don’t have that appointment to keep you accountable.

LWHS: Why do you choose to work with other health and wellness professionals and practitioners? (ex. massage therapists, active rehab, Hellerwork, etc)
JC: I think it’s good to be proactive and take care of your body. Wellness practitioners help me to stay as healthy as I can. Even though I am a fitness and wellness professional I recognize that I’m not an expert. I think that often times you may have an idea that something is wrong or not feeling right, and by going to the massage therapist, chiropractor or other practitioner you can get to the root of the problem.

LWHS: On a personal note, how have you enjoyed working with LWHS fitness/wellness professionals and practitioners?
JC: They’re great! Their schedules are accommodating; they are friendly, personable and treat you like a friend as opposed to just a number. From the trainers to the student interns to the practitioners are always so engaging and truly care about your well being. You feel like you’re friends. It feels like home.

LWHS: On a corporate note, what do you enjoy about working with LifeWorks?
JC: The team is dedicated and always going the extra mile that we as the client are always happy both personally and professionally.

LWHS: What does LifeWorks bring to your TELUS Wellness Program?
JC: LifeWorks brings a well rounded portfolio of services. For TELUS it is professional one stop shopping for Wellness Services.

LWHS: What does wellness mean to you?
JC: Wellness means a lot of things to different people. To some people it’s managing a headache without a medication, to others it’s being able to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. To me wellness is not just physical but also emotional. Wellness is about being happy fulfilled and completely present in your life, and feeling satisfied that you’re doing everything you can to fulfill that. Wellness is really about being physically, emotionally and spiritually accountable for your own state of well being.

LWHS: What does wellness mean to TELUS as a corporation?
JC: I can only speak to the vision that we have as an organization. “The TELUS culture inspires and supports team members to improve their quality of life and actively engage in wellness pursuits. At TELUS we take a holistic approach to personal and organizational wellness. We encourage positive movement toward optimal well being through opportunities for awareness, education and growth.”

LWHS: What inspires you to lead a balanced life?
JC: My Mom inspires me. At 71, my Mom is active every day. Everything from aerobics and swimming to tai chi, yoga, and pilates. Even when she was on a cruise she was active every day. When I was younger I said I wanted to be just like her when I grew up and I still do. I want to be healthy and active in my 70’s. Taking care of myself in my 40’s is part of that.

LWHS: What is your best piece of wellness advice?
JC: I have so much! You’re never too old to start. If you’re just starting out, start off slow. Take baby steps. Wellness is a lifestyle, not a fad. That lifestyle is a conscious decision to be fulfilled and happy with the vessel you’ve been given and take care of it, because there aren’t replacement parts available!