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October Vibe

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Bring Mike Home

Our BAC family is facing a very difficult time, and we have an opportunity to come together to help one of our own.

Mike Collins, husband of BAC employee Wanda and members of Bellingham Athletic Club for more than 50 years, recently suffered a stroke while in Laramie, Wyoming, following the heartbreaking loss of their daughter. After battling cancer, Mike was by his family’s side at his daughter’s celebration of life when this medical emergency occurred. He is now hospitalized in Denver, where he continues to receive care.

Our goal is simple: Bring Mike Home.

We are starting a fundraiser through BAC to help Wanda and Mike with the significant expenses for the transportation home, and the many unexpected costs they are facing.

For more than 50 years, Mike has been part of our BAC community. Now it is our turn to surround Mike and Wanda with the same support, kindness, and generosity they have shared with others over the years.

If you are able, please consider contributing to the Bring Mike Home Fund. Every donation, large or small, will help.

You may donate either through this link (please put Wanda and Mike in the Tag line), or come donate in person at the club. Cash or checks can be turned into the front desk staff. Please make checks out to “Cathy Buckley BAC”.

Thank you for helping us bring one of our own home.
With gratitude,

Cathy Buckley
             &
The BAC Family

Personal Trainer Tip

When working with clients, one of the most common issues that pop up is pain with movement. There is a misconception that we must push through the pain to get stronger and show improvement when really it is a matter of angles. If you experience chronic pain with specific movements, consider changing the angle at which you pull or push. For example, if using the dual axis chest press machine causes pain or pinching in the shoulder joint, the main motion of that machine has you pushing outward from the body at a 45° angle. Instead, use the plated chest press which pushes straight forward for a secure motion. If you feel confident with form, use the mini barbells or hand weights while laying down on the benches to create the same effect with an added stabilization element to work balance and include more widespread muscle activation. Same goes for the dual axis shoulder press machine.

Different grips can change the angle at which the muscle extends, causing more or less pain, but the machine still pushes at a 45° upwards from the body. Try using the plated machines for a more straight up motion or free weights for the same motion to see improved growth with minimum repercussions. Strengthening is not supposed to cause pain, only fatigue. For more inquiries about minimizing pain with strengthening and conditioning, please reach out.

Krystal Tegarden

BS Kinesiology | ACE Personal Trainer | ACE Sports Performance Specialist | ACE Weight Management Specialist

Member Spotlight: Marjie George

I joined BAC in early 2024 to get back into the pool. It had been years since I had regular access to swimming and I missed it. At BAC I’ve found a wonderful, supportive community of morning swimmers who encourage, check in, and genuinely care for one another. It’s become one of the best parts of my day.

After starting my day with some laps, I head to work as the Co-Executive Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County. I always find that I’ve found some insight to help a colleague or come up with a new way of asking for people to support us while I’m paddling back and forth in the pool. When I’m not swimming or working, you can find me playing (or cuddling) with my senior dog or my rambunctious cats.

July Vibe

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Member Spotlight: George Kaas

I have been a regular of BAC for several decades now, long enough to win a trivia t-shirt during the recent 50th celebration! BAC is very important to me because of the supportive and friendly staff – even when Brian critiques my style and form! A real community is present with everyone I have encountered at BAC over the years and I always look forward to being at the gym. The facility and equipment is top of the line and I really appreciate having the lap swim opportunity. Regularly visiting the gym is essential for me to maintain core strength and healthy aging.

I have been in the area for close to 50 years. I am a retired horticulture and science teacher from Bellingham Tech and Blaine High School. I wrote a gardening column for the Bellingham Herald for years and production for Cloud Mountain Farm. When I’m not at the gym, I volunteer for Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection, and the Noxious Weed Board.

Indoor Pickleball Times

 

 

 

Gold and Platinum members can sign up to play indoor pickleball during one of the timeslots. At each time slot, there are 6 spots so you’ll play with whoever else signed up during that time. You can check with the front desk staff to see who you’re playing with.

Indoor pickleball rules:

  • Members can sign up online through their member account, in person with the front desk, or over the phone.
  • Members may sign up one week in advance.
  • Members may only sign themselves up, they may not sign up another member.
  • Members may only sign up for one timeslot per day (waitlist is considered a spot)
  • There are two waitlist spots who will be moved up automatically if a spot opens. They’ll receive an email when they get moved up.
  • Members should choose the level that fits them best.

The outdoor pickleball courts are available to use during club hours. No reservations are required. Just check out a net at the front desk and set it up outside.