Since 2013, my wife and I have lived in four different states. From Florida, to Arizona, to California, to presently Maryland. That may sound a little excessive to some, but it’s not without reason. Nevertheless, our tendency to move around has unexpectedly honed one very important skill, the ability to connect with good people. Of course, my wife oversees the family’s Communication Department, because if it were up to me, we would only know work colleagues (she would be bored with us talking “Shop”) and people from the local real estate investor meetups (again, boring to her). It’s a big deal to me when dads connect.
I think the key for us is being open to getting out there and just moving!
Bernardy Darguin
As a family of four, 99% of all social gatherings must involve kids and/or be kid friendly. So when my wife mentioned someone invited our family over for a get-together, I was ready and willing. I was happy to meet Bernardy and his family of six (four kids, him and his wife) and enjoyed spending time with them. Not to mentioned they opened up their home! Bernardy not only has a good handle on Prioritizing Physical Activity, he is well vested in it. As the Showroom Manager of the Peloton Bethesda Row Retail Store, he lives, breathes and eats Prioritizing Physical Activity. Now that all gyms and fitness centers are closed, don’t you wish you had a Peloton?!?!
Check out his story!
- What is your physical fitness background? Did you play sports growing up? Were you physically active throughout your life or is this a new learned habit/behavior? I practiced a little Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (check out Black Belt Diogo Gomes’s take on fatherhood and BJJ) for the last couple of years. I’m currently really into my Peloton. I didn’t play sports growing up. My mother didn’t really encourage fitness that much. My brothers and I just got into mischief. Physically Activity is a new learned behavior for me as I try to keep up with my children.
- What is your profession and what does your daily schedule consist of? I am the Showroom Manager at the Peloton on Bethesda Row (Leadership and Sales Professional). My day to day is picking up/dropping off the kids to activities, conference calls, dropping off dinner, and coaching my staff on best practices.
- How big is your immediate family and how old are your children? Sophia is 12, Gabriel is 11, Phynix is 3, and Kailo is 1. My Wife Camila has been 25 for a couple of years now. *Clears throat*
- Are your wife and kids physically active? If so, how so? Gabriel does Jiu Jitsu, Soccer, and basketball. Sophia does Jiu Jitsu, Lacrosse, and Soccer. Phynix and Kailo are professionals at the playground right now. Camila is finding her groove with the Peloton.
- Throughout your stages of fatherhood, what are some things you just could not do without to stay consistently active? For example, when your child was an infant, what did you use to keep you going? When your child became a toddler, a pre-schooler, etc.? The double stroller is the S&$%! When we take the littles to the Zoo, I knew I was going to burn some calories pushing the babies around that day. Amusement parks were also a welcome challenge. I’m looking forward to Heresy Park this summer.
- What motivates you to prioritize physical activity? Seeing how older folks can’t keep up with their grandchildren is scary. I want to stay as active as my kids so I can be their biggest cheerleaders!
- What have been your biggest challenges in Prioritizing Physical Activity? Getting acclimated to the newborns was rough and I gained some extra weight as a result. Not sure if we ever got a solid rhythm to it but the extra trips to the park chasing the littles helped. Also regulating my intake on food and drinking more water. When the kids take a nap my wife and I alternate on the Peloton when we can. We put the littles in toddler soccer, so now we try to kick the ball inside the house as much as possible.
- What is the biggest reason for your success in Prioritizing Physical Activity and why? Not sure I’m successful at it just yet. I think the key for us is being open to getting out there and just moving! If I’m now up to riding on the Peloton Bike, then maybe 15 minutes of Peloton Yoga. For me I just want to make sure I’m doing some type of movement.
- What impact has Physical Activity had on your life? Staying active has allowed me to feel like I’m still young! When we feel sore, achy, and rundown we equate that to getting old. Between eating in moderation and trying to outperform my kids, I think I’ve found the recipe to feeling good for myself.
- What suggestions would you give to people who say they “don’t have time for physical activity” and how do they stay motivated? I’d suggest asking yourself “Do you want to look back when you get older and regret not doing a little physical activity?”. Find peers that can help hold you accountable and get moving!
- Where can people find you/follow you? As the Showroom Manager of the Peloton Bethesda Row Retail Store, you can find me at 4823 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814; by Phone at (301) 321-8483 or email him at bernardy.darguin@onepeloton.com.
Shelter In Place
Fitness Centers are closed. Some parks and playgrounds closed, with potentially more to follow suit. Most of us have been told to #StayAtHome and only go out for essentials. You can only go outside for a run or bike ride (and be enthusiastic and excited about it) a finite number of times. Even then, the weather is not always favorable. Wish you had a Peloton Treadmill (“Treddie”) or a Peloton Bike right about now!?!?! We don’t have one, but now more than ever we are considering it. Check out Steve Galvez’s Home Gym set up.
Prioritize Physical Activity!
All dads should be ACTIVE-DADs!