Bellingham Athletic Club

Bellingham Athletic Club Logo
(360) 676-1800
JOIN NOW
MEMBER LOGIN

January Vibe

by

Personal Training

We live in an age of unlimited access to information on health and fitness from a variety of sources. The challenge comes from trying to navigate through the volume of information we have access to and then having to sort out what is based on facts and what is not. Fortunately, we have a group of professionals here at BAC in our Personal Training department who can assist you in sorting out fact from fiction and provide you with sound strategies to meet and exceed your needs and goals.

Personal Training Staff

Lesley Jones – Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor
Lesley works with a wide spectrum of clients. She has a background in Personal Training, Group Ex Instruction, Pilates, Nutrition, and Corrective Exercise.

Rich Nodarse – Personal Trainer
Rich has a background in Performance Psychology, Track and Field, and Crew. His clientele include adults with zero exercise experience to long time athletes to adolescents.

Krystal Tegarden – Personal Trainer
Krystal, as a performance skater, has been exposed to strength and conditioning for many years. Her specialties include: individual and group personal training, injury prevention, and roller skating instruction and coaching.

Danaelle Mason – Personal Trainer
Danaelle brings her passion for health, fitness, and wellness to each client. Her attention to detail and communication skills allow her to work with a wide range of clientele of all ages.

Rolland Courteau – Personal Trainer
Rolland specializes in muscle growth, high intensity training, and weight loss. He believes the best investment you can make is in your health. His focus is on maximizing gains and minimizing risk.

Miles Tennant – Personal Trainer
Miles is a former collegiate soccer player, an avid runner, biker, and triathlete. He brings this knowledge along with his recently obtained degree in Kinesiology to help clients build toward their health and fitness aspirations.

Mike Locke – Director of Fitness/Personal Trainer/Sports Performance Coach
Mike has garnered over four decades worth of experience. His clientele ranges from individuals new to exercise to older adults, from pre and posttherapy patients to athletes elementary age through high school as well as collegiate to professional.

Anastasiya Monaco – Yoga Instructor and Holistic Health Coach
Anastasiya is offering 1:1 holistic health coaching and private yoga classes. She’s passionate about helping people become a healthier, more empowered version of themselves.

December Vibe

by

Toys for Tots 11/17/25 through 12/12/25

Thank you so much for all who have donated so far! Please bring in new unwrapped toys to contribute to Whatcom County children who you can help have a wonderful Christmas. This is also your chance to have fun Christmas shopping for kids!

Holiday Hours

Wednesday, December 24: 5:30am-2:00pm – regular morning

Thursday, December 25: CLOSED

Friday, December 26: 7:00am-7:00pm – NO classes, NO kids club, NO family swim

Wednesday, December 31: 5:30am-5:00pm – regular morning

Thursday, January 1: 7:00am-7:00pm – NO classes, NO kids club

Member Spotlight: Richard Maneval

I am a fourth generation resident of Whatcom County, living in Bellingham since 1974. Volunteering since I can remember. Working on public safety issues, our environment and economy.

I do a lot of research and reading. Enjoy learning about the history of Whatcom especially as a volunteer. Whatcom I have learned has one of the most diverse economies in the state of Washington.

I have met some very special people over the years, especially my wife who has Alzheimer’s. Because of that I have taken on the task of learning and reading about the brain. Working out at BAC and socializing with the other members helps a great deal in dealing with this Disease. Other members have expressed to me how important it is to be a member of BAC toward having a productive and safe life.

November Vibe

by

Celebrating 50 Years of Bellingham Athletic Club!

As we celebrate 50 incredible years of health, fitness, and community at Bellingham Athletic Club, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to every member—past and present—who has made BAC such a special place since 1975. Your loyalty, energy, and commitment have shaped this club into far more than just a fitness center—it’s a family.
To honor this milestone, we’re kicking off a series of special anniversary events running from November 1, 2025 through March 2026. We invite you to join us in celebrating five decades of strength, friendship, and fun!

Here’s what’s coming:

• Special Class Parties – Join your favorite instructors and workout buddies for themed workouts and celebrations.
• Weekly History Quizzes – Test your BAC knowledge and win prizes as we share memories from our early days to today!
• Staff Photo Features – Enjoy a look back at the incredible people who have kept BAC thriving over the years. See if you can remember their names!
• Pickleball Celebration – On November 15, from 11am-2pm, pickleball players of all levels will get together to play pickleball. There will be short games with rotating partners, skill challenges, ball machine demos, etc. We’ll have pizza & snacks and 50th anniversary T-shirts for prizes! Sign up online or at the front desk.
• Prizes & Giveaways – Participate and win! Every event will bring opportunities to take home some BAC anniversary surprises.

We’re also welcoming former members and staff back to the BAC family—with no joining fee and no contract required. It’s the perfect time to reconnect and be part of this exciting chapter.
All current members will receive free guest passes to share with friends and family. Plus, for every new member you refer who joins, you’ll receive a $25 membership credit as our way of saying thank you for spreading the word.
From our first racquetball match in 1975 to today’s thriving fitness community, we couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. Here’s to 50 years strong—and many more to come!

With gratitude,
The Bellingham Athletic Club Team

Food Drive and Toys for Tots

We are heading into the “giving season” for BAC. We will be hosting a Food Drive and collecting donations for Toys for Tots. I would like to urge all members if you are able, to give generously this season.

Many in our community are in need.

Food Drive 11/3/25 through 11/21/25

We will be collecting food for Miracle Food Network from November 3rd through November 21st . This is a great time to clean out your cupboards of non-perishables, or buy an extra bag of groceries to donate if you’re able. Checks can also be made out to Miracle Food Network.

Toys for Tots 11/17/25 through 12/12/25

Please bring in new unwrapped toys to contribute to Whatcom County children who you can help have a wonderful Christmas. This is also your chance to have fun Christmas shopping for kids!

October Vibe

by

Group Exercise Updates

Our Fall Schedule started on Monday September 29th! A couple highlights: Thursday night HIIT with Kristle is returning at 5:30pm. She will give you a great workout that is always fresh and fun!

We’d like to welcome a new Yoga instructor named Anastasiya! She will take over the Monday 10:30 Gentle Yoga while Debi is gone for a while. Then we added a brand new Yoga class on Tuesdays at 9am. This will be a 75 minute class (like Thursdays) with Anastasiya as well. Keep an eye out for her Bio…she will be a great complement to our other amazing Yoga instructors!

Fall is a great time to get back into a routine, and group fitness is great for making the most of your time, accountability, and making some great connections! Happy Fall!

Member Referral Credit

We’re celebrating the club’s 50th anniversary this year and have some promotions and special events in the works!

Refer a friend and have them mention your name when they join. You’ll receive a $25 membership credit!

Employee Spotlight: Megan Jorgensen

Hi, I’m Megan, and I’ve been serving as the Kids Club Supervisor here at BAC for the past five months. Outside of work, I’m heading into my senior year at Western Washington University, where I’m majoring in psychology and hoping to pursue a graduate degree in family counseling!

When I’m not on campus or at the gym, I love spending time by the water or catching up with friends, usually hunting at local thrift stores.

What I’ve appreciated most about working at BAC is how welcoming and supportive both the staff and members have been. I’ve built connections here that I truly didn’t expect, and I’m grateful to be part of such a positive community.

September Vibe

by

BAC Ball – Pickleball on a Racquetball Court

We’ve recently customized a pickleball net to fit in a racquetball court to give members another court sport option! The net will be available to check out at the front desk and must be used in court 2. You can reserve “BAC Ball” under court 2 online or at the front desk. Full rules will be posted on court 2, but feel free to have fun with it!

  • Singles or doubles
  • Ball can be played off the walls
  • Must bounce before back wall
  • Ceiling is out of bounds

Courtesy Corner

We’ve added big blue handicapped cones in the parking lot during our busiest times to make it easier for members with mobility challenges to get in and out of the club. If you see these cones out, please help us by leaving those spaces open for the folks who need them most. Thanks for helping us keep the club welcoming and accessible for everyone!

A big thank you to all our members who share equipment during busy times! Allowing others to “work in” between your sets keeps workouts flowing smoothly and makes the club a friendlier, more supportive place for everyone. Your thoughtfulness helps create the kind of community we’re proud to have — one where we all look out for each other.

Member Spotlight: Dave Umbaugh

I’ve been part of the BAC family since the late 1970s, when it was still known as PARC. Back then, I was just a kid tagging along with my parents, Sam and Sylvia—both honored as Members of the Month—learning the rhythm of discipline through swimming and basketball practice. Decades later, that rhythm still guides me.

Today, I am retired after 40yrs working at Alcoa. I live in Bellingham with my wife Karlene and our son Cameron. BAC remains a cornerstone of my life, where I train 4 to 6 times a week, and weekends alongside Karlene. It’s more than a gym—it’s a community, a place where familiar faces and shared goals create a sense of belonging.

Outside the gym, our family thrives on movement and connection. We travel across the U.S. and Europe, walk/hike regularly, and crab in the Puget Sound. We also give back by coaching Special Olympics Basketball and Track—an experience that continues to inspire us deeply.

Between us, Karlene and I have four grown children and four grandchildren—with one more blessing on the way. Life is full, active, and purpose-driven. And through it all, I’ve learned that consistency, community, and compassion are the true markers of strength.

August Vibe

by

Body Movement Assessment System

Our ability to move is essential to maintaining our fitness and quality of our everyday lives. With our Kinotek System,Kinotek Reports
we have the ability to assess your body’s ability to move with a menu of 65 movements from head to toe.

In just minutes, we can scan your body movement, providing you with a picture of your joint ranges of motion, posture, asymmetries from one side to the other, and any compensations you may have developed.

Our trainers can help set up a program to increase mobility and decrease asymmetries, then we can re-assess your movements and see how you have improved.

For more information or to schedule a Kinotek appointment please contact one of our Personal Training Staff or our Front Desk.

Employee Spotlight: Derrick Brillhart

Hello, I’m Derrick!

I live here in Bellingham with my wife Taylor and our two year old son Richter. I moved here from Kitsap County a number of years ago to go to school at WWU where I got a bachelor’s degree in geography. I worked in parks & recreation for a time until my son was born, at which point I left so I could instead raise him as a stay at home dad.

At night I work here at the club doing maintenance and cleaning.

Working late at B.A.C. has been great for my childcare needs, and I’m happy to continue working here for the foreseeable future.

These days I spend much of my time stacking blocks, playing toy cars, and doing puzzles with my son. We love to go to the park and the F.I.G. at the Whatcom Museum. When I have time to myself though I like to go hiking, visit breweries, or play video games.

I never really know what to say when talking about myself, but I hope you enjoyed learning a little about me!

July Vibe

by

July Check-In Challenge

We’re running our 3rd annual July Check-In Challenge this year! Each time you check into the club from July 1-July 31, 2025, you can fill out an entry form and be eligible to win our weekly and grand prizes.

We have four weekly prizes plus the grand prize. Weekly winners will be drawn and announced via our social media each Tuesday. Our grand prize winner will be announced August 1, 2025!

We must be able to read your first and last name on the entry ticket and have updated contact information. You must be 18 years or older and have an active BAC membership to win.

Sponsors:

WWS Boardshop
Edward Jones
Bellingham Pickleball Club
Cruisin Coffee
Mammoth Mini Golf
Nomad Fit Lab
Gruff Brewing
Boomers Drive In
Sliced
Whatcom Sports and Recreation
Tony’s Coffee
Cool Beans
Bellingham Bells

June Vibe

by

Equipment Spotlight
Nautilus Gravitron Pull-up/Dip Assist Machine

Pull-ups and dips have been Strength training exercise staples for generations. Unfortunately for many of us we do not have the requisite amount of upper body strength to lift our body weight suspended from a pull-up bar or dip bars. BAC’s Nautilus Gravitron Pull-up/Dip machine is different from a standard pull-up or dip station and a normal weight stack machine. The Gravitron’s weight stack instead of providing resistance it actually provides assistance by offsetting your body weight to allow users of all fitness levels the ability to perform a pull-up and dip. The more weight you add, the more assistance you get. If you would like to see how the Gravitron could work for you please speak to one of our training staff. They would be happy to help you.

Courtesy Corner
Respect the Space: Return Equipment to Its Place

At Bellingham Athletic Club, we take pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all members. One small action that makes a big difference is returning equipment to its proper place after use.

Whether it’s a dumbbell, resistance band, kettlebell, or yoga mat—putting equipment back where it belongs helps keep the gym organized and ensures everyone has access to what they need when they need it. It also prevents accidents and keeps walkways clear.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Re-rack weights and return dumbbells to their labeled spots.
  • Wipe down and neatly return mats and accessories.
  • Check for any personal or shared gear before leaving an area.

Let’s all do our part to keep BAC running smoothly. A few extra seconds of effort from each of us creates a better experience for everyone. Thanks for being a considerate member of our community!

May Vibe

by

Member Spotlight: Kevin and Jessica Richins

We are Kevin and Jessica Richins. We have been married for 26 years. We have 3 children, 1 in high school and 2 at college at Utah State University. We are relatively new members of the BAC family. After decades of focusing on running as our main exercise activity, we decided that our joints needed a break. We have been very happy to find a community of welcoming friends and enjoy many of the classes and activities the BAC provides. If we are not at the gym you will find Jessica working as a nurse for Whatcom Hospice, while Kevin is teaching at Lynden High School.

We enjoy the outdoors, gardening, biking, and walking/hiking. We especially like cooking together and discovering new recipes. Whenever we eat at a restaurant we try to figure out how we can recreate the same dish at home! Kevin also enjoys taking photos of the stars. We are looking forward to a summer with a plentiful garden and time outside with friends and family.

Check-In Challenge Donations

We are so excited to run the Check-In Challenge again this July! We’ve been able to give out some great prizes the last two years. We are hoping to partner with local businesses again this year. We’re looking for members that own or work for a company that would like to partner with us! We’re open to trades or donations. Please see Brian for more details.

Courtesy Corner – New TV Boxes

Comcast has replaced our old TV boxes with new ones. As it seems lately, replacements mean a step back instead of forward. Our old remotes worked on any TV. Our new remotes are digitally linked to only one TV Box. The remotes are marked (on their backs) with the TV they correspond to, 5 for TV 5 etc. Please return the remotes to the TVs to which they belong. That will prevent members from having to search for the remotes (possibly disrupting members’ workouts).

Thanks again for helping us with our No Cell Phone Policy in the locker rooms. A gentle reminder for everyone.

Cathy

April Vibe

by

Food Drive – Miracle Food Network

Happy Spring! We will be collecting food for the Miracle Food Network from April 1st through April 18th. This is a great time to clean out your cupboards of non-perishables, or buy an extra bag of groceries and join your fellow BAC members in supporting Whatcom County’s less fortunate. We will have a box for donations located by the front door.

Employee Spotlight: Megan Davis

Hey! My name is Megan and I have been working in Kids Club at BAC for about the last eight months. I am currently a student at Western Washington University and I am pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Elementary Education. When I’m not back in Kids Club, you will finding me walking around Boulevard Park, at the climbing gym, or cooking in my kitchen. My favorite part of working in Kids Club at BAC is providing a safe, positive environment for kids to socialize and play.

Courtesy Corner

Cell Phone Policy

Thank you so much for the positive response to our Cell Phone Policy. In all the years of working here at the club, I have never had so many “Thank You’s” and positive responses to a new policy roll-out. This tells me it was needed. Thanks to all of you who are putting phones away; and remember not to bristle if a fellow member reminds you of the policy.

Parking Lot Protocol

Please park properly, between the lines, not straddling them. There are times when parking spaces are at a premium, be courteous and take only one spot.

-Cathy Buckley