DEMAREST, N.J. — A 2012 transition from corporate life to parenthood is what Demarest mother Xiomara Gallego Bernard said set her on the path to getting back in shape.
Bernard quit her full-time job to be home with her son but sank deeper into a depression each day.
One day, she hit a wall.
“I just couldn’t do it anymore,” Bernard said. “I realized I needed to take better care of myself.”
And she did, starting with workout DVDs and a balanced diet full of nutrients.
Soon enough, Bernard’s mood began to stabilize and the heart problems she’d been suffering from since childhood became less and less.
Bernard has since added two new goals to her bucket list: finishing the New York City Marathon and helping other moms get fit.
She's looking for other like-minded people to train with her.
“It can be difficult but I make sure I honor my time to work out and don’t back out,” said Bernard, who goes on several-mile-long runs at least three days a week and cross trains on the others.
Bernard and other local athletes launched a running group for moms looking to train for the Demarest 5K in 2014.
She hopes that children will begin to pick up on their parents’ healthy habits too.
“It sets an example for kids,” Bernard said. “They’ll see that if you’re really dedicated and want something, you just put in the effort and with consistency, you will get results."
Bernard’s 4-year-old son is already grasping the concept.
“He already gets it,” she said. “And that’s my goal.”
CLICK HERE to get in shape with Bernard.
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