Athlete of the Month: January 2016

Bridgid Rooney

Member Since: April 2009
Nickname: B
Website:  www.LakeviewPT.com

Windy City: B has been with Windy City a long time. Initially joining the gym at our second location almost seven years ago, she has progressed from skeptical newbie to consistent class participant to specialty track member. B currently is a part of the STACKED program. In addition to being one of our favorite members, Bridgid is also the unofficial Physical Therapist of Windy City. She has helped countless Windy City members and staff in the last six plus years to come back from injury, recover from pregnancy and/or just maintain an active, athletic lifestyle. We're thrilled to recognize Bridgid as AOM as we begin the new year!

“Pain is inevitable.  Suffering is optional.”

Bridgid:  I joined Windy City six years ago after being diagnosed with low bone density. I was also frustrated with my chronic back pain and injuries from long-distance running and had been feeling pretty rundown and out of shape since having kids. I’m not at all competitive so I’m surprised that this has been such a good fit for me, but the constant challenge, variation, and camaraderie keep me coming back for more. I also appreciate being in the company of like-minded people who are proactive about health and wellness.  In the past six years, my deadlift has increased 44% and my back squat 62%. More importantly, I’ve increased the bone density in my hip by 14%, and I rarely have back pain. I am sleeping better and have way more energy at work and at home. I also see my efforts reflected in my teenage daughter who values being strong and adventurous, and hasn’t succumbed to the negative pressures of being a girl in today’s society. Some would say that the biggest accomplishment has been getting my husband into the gym- it took about five years to convince him but he is now hooked!  

Recent Adventures

Six months after joining WCSC, I ran my third marathon- 20 minutes faster than my previous PR with no injuries and an easy recovery.  In the past few years, my adventures and challenges have been more family oriented.  Last summer we went on our first backpacking trip - a strenuous four day hike in the U.P.’s Porcupine Mountains.  In the past few years we also had active vacations off the beaten path in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ireland, Yellowstone, and Hawaii.  My favorite activity while on trips is to go on long hikes in remote areas, but we also ride horses, surf, snorkel, and kayak.  We also enjoy running 5k’s and doing Murph Day together.  

Future Adventures

My next adventure is coming up in a few weeks. I’ll be traveling to rural Port-de-Paix, Haiti to volunteer in a physical therapy clinic for a week.  It is going to be a physically and emotionally challenging trip, but also very rewarding.  In June I will be going on an eight day river rafting and rock climbing trip with the Chicago Waldorf School 8th grade class.   As a family, we are planning a road trip to Maine this summer with activities TBD- I’m open to suggestions!  We plan to backpack across Isle Royale this year or next as well.  I’ve always said that I wanted to hike the Napali Coast for my 50th birthday- which is now only a few years away!  Other bucket list adventures include exploring Alaska and Brazil.  When Kevin and I retire, I envision us trekking across Europe with winters spent somewhere tropical.

Personal Goals

At the gym: My goals in the gym this year include being able to do strict pullups consistently, breaking 200 with my deadlift, and continuing with the Stacked program which I LOVE!  I’d also like to get back to running for time as my kids are starting to kick my butt during races (ok, maybe I’m a little competitive).  I think I might have one more marathon in me- but not until I retire and/or the kids are out of the house.

Professionally: Many of my professional goals are on track to be met this year including co-authoring a book (my responsibility was to write about trigger point dry needling and cup therapy), my service trip to Haiti, and restructuring my business to adapt to recent changes in health care.

Personal: My personal goal is to improve my eating habits with better planning and consistency.

I want to thank the coaches at Windy City for putting up with all of my questions and requests over the years.  Thank you also for treating me like an “athlete” even though I have never viewed myself this way.  I am immensely stronger both physically and mentally since starting my journey here and I am grateful to have found such a great community to be a part of.  -B