Congratulations to Amy Bergquist, our January member of the month! Amy is a loyal member of our 5am class, and loves being outside. Amy enjoys reading non-fiction, and is super proud of being able to press 100 lbs overhead. Learn more about Amy below!

• What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
  I really enjoy getting outside and moving as much as I can. Our vacations and day trips are usually focused on being in nature or exploring cities on foot. I am not one to relax at the beach. My favorite books are historical non-fiction or biographies, usually bent towards personal tragedy. Grim, I know, but I feel like there is resilience to learn from these and hopefully it will help me in the eventual zombie apocalypse. Finally, I am an excellent baker. I would love to bake more than I do but my pants appreciate me keeping it focused to only around the holidays.

• Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
  I grew up 15 minutes from Killington, but have never downhill skied. I have done the Spartan Beast race at Killington twice though.

• How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
  Since September 2019

• Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel?
  Remember the workout? I was excited to join Viking, and a little bit nervous. I had been at a local HIIT class gym for a few years, so was in relatively good shape and comfortable with many of the movements and equipment, but also had no experience with barbell and Olympic lifts and gymnastic-type things. I knew I would be learning, which is always good because it keeps it interesting, and I figured it would help me get stronger. I think the first workout had snatches. Holy hell, that was so humbling. I didn’t know what was going on and my mobility was so poor. It was a hot mess. But the coach was great (here, just start with power snatches with this training barbell) and everyone in class was supportive. That made attending the next class a lot easier.

• What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
  Finally being able to press 100 pounds overhead was a big one.

• Design your perfect workout?
  Snatches for the strength work because those always need practice. I love AMRAP workouts for the metcon because they push you to pace yourself properly so you’re working just hard enough not to blow up.
  AMRAP12:
  18 Dumbbell snatches (50/35)
  18 box jump overs (24/20)
  36 double unders

• What is your least favorite movement?
  Heavy deadlifts in a metcon. They bury me every single time.

• Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
  Squeeze the fun, every day.

• Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
  Yes! I’m staying more consistent with protein and diet because I can see the results with increased strength and just feeling better overall. I have gotten a lot better about listening to my body. I’m definitely not in my 20s anymore and take rest days when I need them. At night I tend to do mobility when I’m watching TV and that seems to help too.

• What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
  Just do it and keep showing up for class. There are movements and sometimes entire classes that you’ll find frustrating and difficult, but you will get better at them. I promise. You’re always learning something new and improving, so it keeps it interesting. All of the coaches are fantastic at coming up with modifications if you can’t do something and your classmates will cheer you on, no matter what level you’re at. I would say I show up every day not only just to do the workout, but to connect with my gym buddies. I really enjoy our community.