CONNECTING MIND AND BODY: In Conversation With BODY BY BERNER
A series of conversations with women who inspire, teach and support us on a journey through wellness, movement and leading a more conscious and mindful lifestyle.
This is a community of women for women, inspiring self-synergy within the physical, emotional and intellectual parts of our being.
Introducing Bernadette Fahey, founder of BODY BY BERNER.
First, we'd love to start this off with a gratitude practice. What’s something you’re grateful for today?
Today, I am grateful that the sun is shining and I am doing something (Body by Berner) that I truly love.
Tell us a bit about BODY BY BERNER, how did you get started?
My love for movement and the connection between mind and body began 10 years ago when I went to my first Pilates class. At the time, I was living in New York and worked in the fast-paced world of Public Relations, spearheading campaigns for global fashion brands. Working around the clock meant wellness took a back seat - but, from my first Pilates class, I was absolutely hooked.
In early 2020, I was on a routine trip to Australia to renew my visa and due to Covid-19, I got 'stuck,' during lockdown my love for movement was reignited and I decided to take the leap and undertake my teacher training with Polestar Pilates. For 6 months, I lived, eat and breathed all things Pilates and received my certification for reformer and mat! It was during this time that I started to flesh out my plans for Body by Berner.
We love your beautiful wall mural, can you share the story behind this?
One of my favourite restaurants, Bistrot 916 (located in Potts Point) has an incredible art installation of female line paintings. I tracked down the artist, Daniel Knew and set him with the following brief: to create a piece for my studio that celebrates the human form and provides something interesting for clients to look at. After a few conversations, we decided that he would live freeform draw me on the wall doing a series of Pilates poses - it was an incredibly collaborative process and I am so pleased with the result.
What's your daily non-negotiable self-care routine that makes you feel good? (is there a skincare routine you follow, an exercise you do each day or something you do to unwind?)
Recently, I have been using Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Nourish & Smooth serum - it leaves my skin feeling really hydrated and I have never had more compliments about my skin. I also practice Vedic mediation twice a day this helps me unwind and be my best self for my clients.
What style advice would you give someone who's going from a workout to a busy day i.e running errands, going to brunch, a meeting etc...
To go from workout to work - team your activewear cute pair of sneakers or slides, a gold chain and an oversized blazer or shirt.
What advice or practices would you give someone who has just started on their movement journey?
Find a form of exercise that you connect with, be consistent, and listen to your body when you need a break.
In the form of a short session, can you show us how you incorporate movement in your every day?
Here's my 6 part Arms & Ass workout which can all be done without equipment but here's what I would use:
Equipment
- 1x booty band & 1 KG hand weights (all exercises can be done without)
- Legs: *tip, keep all four corners of the feet connected to the floor, drive down through the heels
- Squat with booty band, slight press out on band, stand
- Squat static hold, press out on booty band
- Arms: *tip, squeeze abs in, stay stable through the core
- Serving: extend arms palms up to ceiling, sweep arms beside hips
- Shoulder Press: opens arms and squeeze behind shoulder blades
- Arm Sweeps: reach arms inline with shoulders and sweep arms open through chest
- Find a hip hinge:
- Rows: narrow row elbows behind waist
- Tricep Kickback: extend arms behind hips, bend and lengthen at elbow
Discover BODY BY BERNER to keep up with Bernadette and her journey through movement.