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September Vibe

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

March Vibe

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50th Northwest Open Racquetball Tournament

THE NORTHWEST OPEN IS BACK!

April 11th-13th, 2025

For many years; BAC hosted one of the best racquetball tournaments in the State. Then COVID hit, and we had to cancel the event. Now, we’re pleased to announce the 50th Anniversary will be held in April. All levels will be offered: from beginners to open players as well as age groups and junior divisions. Junior entry fees will be half price.

There will be free meals, great souvenir tournament shirts and awards for every division. We would love to see our members participate. If you have any questions, be sure to ask any of the tourney directors: Brian Porter, Wanda Collins, Phil Nelson or Jessie Scott.

You can enter online at r2sports.com or by filling out a paper entry that will be available by the racquetball bulletin board in our main hallway or at the front desk in mid March.

Some divisions may only have to play Saturday or Sunday, depending on number of entries.

Member Spotlight: Phil Nelson

I’ve been a member of BAC for over 25 years and primarily play racquetball. I’ve played league, tournaments and just for fun play. Recently I’ve been involved in helping organize and run some racquetball tournaments, both here at BAC and for the Washington Racquetball Association.

I’ve been a faculty member in the Computer Science department at Western Washington University for 37 years. It has been a privilege to teach many students about software systems, some who have worked or are members here at BAC.

I also enjoy hiking, golf, fishing and going to church every Saturday. Although I haven’t flown recently, I’m also a private pilot.

PRO TIP – PLAYING DOUBLES

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By Wanda Collins
Doubles can be a great game if you understand the basics. Strategy changes a little when there are four of you on the court! Remember that you and your partner want to control center court. Ending up in back court is a sure way to lose a point (even more than in singles). Here are some hints to keep you in position and play well:
1. When your partner is serving, be sure that you exit your box and move away from the wall as soon as your partner’s racquet hits the ball so that you can establish a good position before your opponent does.
2. Never serve to your partner’s side of the court (except an occasional lob), as it places him/her at a disadvantage in gaining position after the serve. Chances are, they will have to cringe on the wall, rightfully worried about getting hit on the return of serve.
3. Let your partner cover their side of the court! If you cover too often for ceiling balls and other passes on their side, they’ll have to give up their court position and will begin to expect that you will be there all the time. This will lead to problems: An open space on your side of the court that your opponents can take advantage of and your opponent will be out of the rhythm of the rally and lose their edge.
4. Speak up! Sometimes you will need your partner to help you out. Saying ONE word – “yours!” or “mine!” should do it. And before you start, ask your partner who will cover the center court shots so that you don’t run into each other, hit your racquets together, or watch a shot go by.
5. Crosscourt passes don’t work well in doubles. An opponent will be waiting and your partner may be in the way. Best way to get the ball by the other team is a down the wall shot, a ceiling ball, or a wide angle shot that hits front wall and then side wall just behind the short line so that it wraps around the court behind your partner and your opponents.
6. When the serve goes to your partner’s side of the court, move up to center position on your side right away so that you can establish yourself and be prepared for the front court shots. Doubles can be fun. Ask someone who is experienced to join you and show you the ropes!

February Vibe

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Body Movement Assessment System

Kinotek Reports

Our ability to move is essential to maintaining our fitness and quality of our everyday lives. With our new Kinotek System, we now 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.

Member Spotlight: Dale and Jean Brandland

Hi. We are Dale and Jean Brandland. We have been members of BAC since 1989!

We are currently enjoying using the weight room (taking advantage of the ActivTrax program), treadmills, the pool for water aerobics, and now playing Pickleball. We have realized that as our needs and abilities change, we can always find some sort of activity that will work for us.

We really appreciate the staff at BAC. They are all friendly and helpful. It has been a great place for us to meet and see friends on a regular basis.

Beyond the club, we enjoy traveling, gardening, reading, and hiking. We have two children who live locally, nine grandchildren, two foster grandchildren, and three great grandchildren!

January Vibe

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Pickleball

New evening pickleball times starting Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Beginner pickleball: Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00pm
Intermediate pickleball: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Indoor Pickleball Rules:

  • Members can sign up online through their member account, in person with the front desk, or over the phone.
  • Gold and Platinum 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 may choose the level that fits them best (Beginner or Intermediate)
  • Members can sign up a guest 3 days in advance if there is still room.

Employee Spotlight: Hannah Nelson

Hi, my name is Hannah, and I have been working the front desk at BAC for the last eight months. I am currently enrolled at Whatcom Community College, working towards my paralegal certification. I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in English. If you don’t see me working at the front desk, you might find me walking around Fairhaven with my dog Otis or at any cute coffee shop/cafe. My favorite thing about working at BAC is the connections I can make with members and creating a welcoming environment for their gym experience.

Courtesy Corner – Happy New Year!

With the January rush upon us, please remember to cancel any swim lane or Kids Club reservations to allow other members use of the facilities. Be welcoming and patient with any newcomers, we’re glad when anyone catches the “fitness bug” and makes positive changes in their lives.