Mother, daughter compete at fitness event in Boston

Peterborough’s Theresa Moloney has been a fitness competitor, including at the world level, for the past 22 years and recently got to enjoy it on a different and more personal level.

The 48-year-old, who has been passionate about fitness for most of her life, was joined by her 19-year-old daughter Alex at the American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (ANBF) Natural Classic in Boston on Aug. 15.

Not only was it the first time they were together at a competition, it was the first time participating for Alex. They competed in different categories with mom placing fourth in women’s physique open, daughter taking third in figure. Theresa’s husband Tim and their son Tim Jr., 16, joined them.

Theresa, owner of the Body Toning Club, is a certified personal trainer and nutritional therapist. She has competed and fared well at about 25 events over the years.

Alex is in her second year of medical sciences at the University of Western Ontario in London. Her previous athletic involvement was mainly at the local team level, in hockey and soccer.

It was after the completion of her first year at the university in the spring, she approached her mother about doing something like this together.

The idea was readily accepted and they trained together for four months, including five days a week, about an hour each time.

“Getting to train together was really the best part,” said Theresa. “The event itself was icing on the cake. When she said she wanted to do it, I was all for it. I was grateful to spend time with my daughter like this. I learned some things about her I didn’t know before.”

Alex said growing up around her mother and seeing what she did was motivation. That and trying something new.

“I saw my mom do it for years and she was an inspiration to me,” said Alex, from London. “Training together was extra special and a real bonding experience. It was also a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone. The opportunity was there and I decided to do it. It was a lot of fun being together in Boston. Having my father and brother there was great, too. It was truly a family time.”

Theresa was also pleased to do it because she had actually retired from competition two years ago. She also said it might be a oncein-a lifetime opportunity because of what might happen down the road.

“Alex had the opportunity this summer but may be a lot of busier with school next year and can’t do it,” she said. “It was great to have the chance this year.”

She was also pleased being fit and healthy was important to all members of the family.

“I am thankful for my health and have been training all my life,” said Theresa. “It is great they also think about being physically active and good health.”