New gym dedicated to supporting women is officially opened
Deputy Martin Daly cuts the tape officially opening EmpowerFit in Ballinlough. Also pictured are Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Yvonne Ryan, chairperson of Enterprise Kiltullagh and gym owner Olivia Prendergast. Pic: Liam Reynolds
The official opening of EmpowerFit in Ballinlough was performed last week by Fianna Fáil TD Dr. Martin Daly.
Owned and run by Olivia Prendergast, EmpowerFit developed out of a “vision” she had as she began running small fitness classes at the local Michael Glavey’s GAA Club. “Those early sessions showed me just how much need there was locally for a welcoming space where people could come together to train,” she said.
Within weeks of looking for a premises in Ballinlough, and with the help of Enterprise Kiltullagh, EmpowerFit was ready to open its doors.
“I built EmpowerFit with one purpose, to support women,” stressed Olivia. “Too often we put everyone else first, children, partners, family, work and feel guilty for carving out time for ourselves. I wanted to create a space where women could feel comfortable, safe, and supported, a place where strength training and wellness sit side by side, because both are needed. When the body never slows down, it holds onto stress and that makes everything harder. EmpowerFit is about giving women a place to both lift and let go.”
She went on to say that part of the reason she started the gym was “because I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and not recognise the person staring back especially as we move through midlife. Strength training gives us the chance to find ourselves again, or even to find a new version of ourselves. That process is empowering. It builds confidence, self-belief, and the reminder that anything is possible when you put the work in. I often hear women in class say, “I can’t lift that.” My answer is always, “You can’t lift that yet.” Because it’s not about limits it’s about progress.”
She stressed that EmpowerFit was about so much more than a number on a scale. “It’s about women discovering their own strength and realising they are capable of more than they ever thought possible.”
Looking ahead, Olivia's hope is "that EmpowerFit continues to be a place where people grow stronger in body and in mind. Stress will never go away, but strength gives us the tools to face it. Strength makes everyday life easier lifting, moving, living and it builds resilience for the future."
•For more information about EmpowerFit Strength & Wellness in Ballinlough, contact Olivia on 086 102 5469 or email empowerfitstrength@gmail.com.
