Congratulations to Eric Patenaude, our September 2021 member of the month here at Viking Athletics! Eric is a loyal member of our 4pm class (with the occasional attendance at 530pm). He recently learned how to eat adequate protein as a vegetarian, and has also embraced lifting as an important part of fitness. Read more about Eric Patenaude below!
1) What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
Hiking, reading, PC gaming, poker with my family
2) Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I translated The Aeneid from Latin when I was in college. I don’t tell anyone about it because it’s not really a conversation starter, and I’ve forgotten most of it by now.
3) How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
Since July of last year.
4) Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
I had taken a few months off from the gym due to the pandemic, so I was a bit out of shape. The first week was challenging, but everything felt right as soon as I got back into it. I remember my first workout was just rowing. I was very thankful for that.
5) What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
Hitting Personal Records. Most PR days I am able to do better than I did before, even just a little. It can be difficult to see the achievement of a 5 lb PR, but when I look back at when I first started, it amazes me how much more I can lift now.
6) Design your perfect workout.
4 rounds for time:
5 Heavy Front Squats
10 Handstand Push-ups
20 Sit-ups
7) What is your least favorite movement?
Wallballs. My aim is terrible.
8) Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Casually committed to being better
9) Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
I was part of a body recomposition program earlier in the year, and it taught me a lot about eating mindfully and getting more protein. I never thought I could get a lot of protein in my diet as a vegetarian, but now I find it easy. Also, exercise makes a huge difference in my sleep and mental health.
10) What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
I was very nervous when I started lifting weights. I used to go to a local gym and just do some cardio and basic exercises. Once I learned the movements and attended a few classes, it was a lot less intimidating, and it empowered me to push myself knowing that I was exercising my body in the right ways. The workouts are scalable to every fitness level and I’ve always felt welcomed no matter where I was on my journey, so I’d say just take the leap and only think about improving yourself.