Our Aevitas Fitness family is full of the most amazing people! This Aevitas Athlete Spotlight segment is all about Bernadette O’Brien, a longtime member at Aevitas Round Lake.
If you don’t know Bernadette yet, this should give you a peek into who she is, and why we decided to spotlight her!
If you do know her already, keep reading – you might learn something you didn’t know before!
Question: Hi Bernadette, tell us a little about yourself (Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? Family? Career? etc)
Bernadette: I was born in London and grew up in Ireland. My whole family emigrated to the USA right after I finished high school. In Ireland, I lived in a tiny village, then moved to Brooklyn, NY and now happily I have gone full circle and I live in the village of Round Lake.
Q: What was your experience level with athletics and exercise prior to joining Aevitas?
Bernadette: I was always heavily into cardio fitness. I had done very little with weights.
Q: How long have you been a member here at Aevitas?
Bernadette: 8+ years
Q: Could you share some positive outcomes about your health and fitness from your consistent work in the gym?
Bernadette: I have lost over 20 pounds and feel really fit and strong!
Q: What is your favorite thing about Aevitas?
Bernadette: The wonderful sense of community. The 9 am class is like family. They inspire me every day. And of course, the coaches who ensure we all have a great experience.
Q: Favorite movement we do at the gym and why?
Bernadette: Ski Erg, feels like I am training for winter
Q: Least favorite movement we do at the gym and why?
Bernadette: Burpees- I’m just not flexible
Q: What skill/ability are you hoping to improve on?
Bernadette: toes to bar and pull-ups.
Q: What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of the gym?
Bernadette: cross-country skiing. I am an instructor at Lapland lake. I also do a few races every year including the world masters. I’m off to Switzerland next March to compete.
I volunteer for Markets at Round Lake, the New York State Ski Racing Association and Saratoga Battlefield.
Q: You recently celebrated your 70th birthday and are an inspiration to others at the gym. What advice do you have for our younger members who aspire to be as active and fit as you when they are 70?
Bernadette: No matter how busy life is, always make time for yourself and exercise.
Q: What famous person, dead or alive, would you most like to sit down for a meal with?
Bernadette: Sean Mac Diarmada, a leader of the 1916 uprising in Ireland. He grew up in my village and was executed for his role in the uprising.
Bernadette, thanks so much for sharing a bit about yourself with the rest of us. We are so happy to have you in our community!
