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Yoga Tips

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Yoga is a wonderful workout for many different reasons. Among them, it’s a good way for people of all ages to get active while remaining safe and comfortable. Additionally, it can help you learn to relax and get focused, and it’s a great tool for feeling better when stress becomes overwhelming. However, what about yoga workouts for people who want to take their routine to the next level? If you’re feeling bored or unchallenged by your workout, it may be time to think about how you can change it up while staying motivated.

There are many ways to go about it, and they’re all personal to your needs. Whether you want to boost your strength or learn how to get into deep meditation, there are several things you can do to improve your workout. By using specific tools and resources, you can take yoga to a whole new level. Think outside the box; use tech, apps, and online tutorials to your advantage.

Here are a few tips on how to give your yoga workout a boost.

Make Your Yoga Routine More Mobile

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. because it can be done just about anywhere. So, when you’re feeling stressed, you can find a little space and practice meditation and stretches that will help boost your mental health. Individuals with busy schedules can fit it easily into their day, especially with mobile apps like Down Dog that provide tutorials and recommendations. If you’re in the market for a new device that allows you to run the latest apps and take your yoga practice with you on your journeys, check out newer iPhones and find one that fits your budget and data plan. If you’re an Android fan, don’t fret — there are plenty of top-notch Android phones that can do the exact same thing.

Try Something New

There are plenty of tools you can use that will boost your yoga workout, including stability balls and yoga straps. These tools will help you keep your workout fresh and exciting while giving you a new way to work different parts of your body, but it’s important to make sure you find the right ones for your needs. Also, do some research on the specific tools you’re using so you can make sure you’re getting the maximum benefit from them.

Create Your Own Workout Space

Yoga can be done in a variety of places, but it can be really helpful to have your own space to practice in. Since yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand, a quiet spot is ideal, one without any distractions and that has plenty of room for you to move around. So, look for a place in your home that is away from the main flow of traffic, and include a way to play music, use scented candles, and a comfy yoga mat so you can practice in style.

Go Outside

Changing the scenery can go a long way toward helping you find new inspiration with your yoga routine. If you usually take a class, consider looking for one that is held outdoors, or take your mat to a local park when the weather is nice and spend some time in the sun doing your poses. Not only will this help you enjoy your workout more, but it’s also a great boost for your mental health to spend time outdoors. You can even check online to see if there are any outdoor classes near you that will allow you to bring your dog along, as spending time with pets can help you reduce stress.

When it comes to workouts, yoga is one of the most beneficial. No matter how you choose to practice yoga, make sure you stay safe while you practice, especially when using tools. And when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to take things to the next level.

Resources
~Sheila Johnson

2019 Fall Classic

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Keep your eyes open for entry forms at the club! This tournament will be held November 23-24, 2019. We will be offering all divisions and prizes will be Thanksgiving themed. We are not sanctioning this tournament…what does that mean for you?! It means that we MUST have each participant fill out entry forms completely (I will make myself available to help out with this), it also means that there will be no additional USRA/WRA fees tacked on!

You will be allowed to play any combination of 2 divisions for only $50! (Juniors rate is TBD) We are looking forward to a fun tournament, please bear with us as we make some changes to our operations.

Download the entry form.

Happy October!

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We’ve officially entered fall, and don’t we know it…it’s getting darker a little earlier and there’s Halloween candy EVERYWHERE! Though goblins, ghosts, and vampires make for scary stories, the real monster to be aware of is sugar.

Within the last century, there’s been a growing pandemic of elevated blood sugar levels which is wreaking havoc on our bodies. 200 years ago, the average American consumed around 10 pounds of sugar per year. Today the average American consumes around 160 pounds of sugar per year. That’s the same as the average adult female!

Why do we need to worry about sugar intake? Other than the fact that it’s highly addictive, sugar intake affects our ability to maintain blood sugar balance. When we continue to bombard our bodies with sugar (glucose), we end up with overworked PALs (pancreas, adrenals, and liver) and excess glucose in the bloodstream. If this goes unchecked, it can lead to Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes, or other diseases. It shortens the lifespan, enables degenerative disease, affects mental health and well-being, and reduces the overall quality of life. Yikes! Talk about scary!

Unfortunately, sugar is hidden in all kinds of foods, and it’s extremely important to read labels and learn ways to limit intake, but we have a tendency to overeat obvious sugars too. Sweets are commonly used as rewards, comfort, and meal replacements. Halloween is an especially devilish time of year when stuffing ourselves and our children with “snack size” candies is not only accepted but encouraged. How can you make a difference this Halloween? Themed school supplies (such as pencils and pencil top erasers), temporary tattoos, and small toys are just a few examples of sugar-free treats you can offer your kids this season. If tricks are more your style then toothbrushes make for a great Halloween offering too! 🙂

Shelby O’Hagan, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)
Rebel Yum Nutrition

October Employee of the Month

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We are very happy to announce Sophia DiPinto as our October Employee of the Month! Sophia has worked at BAC for over a year. She does a little bit of everything: she works in Kids Club, you will see her at the Front Desk at both locations, and you may see her in the pool helping out with instructors and lifeguarding.

Sophia comes from a military family and has lived all over the West Coast and Hawaii. She often makes trips down to Oak Harbor since that is where her family currently resides. Sophia studies psychology at Western and hopes to go to medical school one day. Her main goal is to work in the field of trauma or neuro or maybe become a traveling surgeon.

Away from the club, Sophia loves to hike, read and she can sail almost proficiently after taking a course at WWU that she enjoyed. She always spends her time with her one-year-old cat, Milo.

Thank you, Sophia, for your dedication, patience, reliability, and thoughtfulness! We appreciate everything you do here at BAC!

October Member of the Month

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We are so honored to celebrate Jim and Karen Hollingsworth as our October Members of the Month! They are both very dedicated to physical fitness and to BAC: Jim has been a member for 25 years and Karen for 33 years! Their careers and vacations have always been extremely active and demanding so working out at BAC has relieved stress and kept them fit.

Jim enjoys water aerobics and yoga classes. He works out with his personal trainer, Cindy, whom he appreciates. Karen’s activities include yoga classes, Aqua Zumba® on occasion, and Weights for Women. Karen has also expanded her horizon to take tap dance classes and return to ice skating which has been easier to accomplish because of BAC classes teaching her balance and coordinating with strength.

Living in the historical Fountain District gives Jim and Karen the opportunity to walk the many miles every week to BAC, the library, run errands, go to the movies and the theatre. They have enjoyed many world travel trips—just the two of them or occasionally with a guide or driver for a safe journey. They also have white water rafted and kayaked many, many times in Western North America and included their grandchildren on these expeditions.

Jim and Karen would like to thank the personal warmth of the greeters at the front desk, the amazing and positive Jill Robertson, their yoga instructors, Michal and Elena, who have them bend and twist in ways they didn’t think was possible and a big thanks to Tiffany who cracks the whip over the class with Karen on Fridays.

Thank you, Jim and Karen! We appreciate your humor, kindness and all the goodies you bring to BAC!

Water Aerobic Update

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Carrie Vike-Hillary, our beloved Wednesday instructor, is taking an extended leave of absence from teaching. Her life is now full—traveling and enjoying time with her family. I am delighted for her, but she will be hard to replace.

Cathy, Jeri and I are working diligently to interview and hire instructors that will be a good fit for everyone in Carrie’s absence. During this time of transition, I am asking for your usual patience, kindness, and grace with our new instructors. I know change can be difficult, but I am confident we can build a loyal, dedicated team again.

Here is the current schedule for September and October.

– Gayle will be subbing Monday, Sept. 23, Wednesday, Sept. 25, and Monday, Sept. 29

– Victoria will be teaching on Mondays in October. I will introduce her on Friday, October 4th.

– Toni will be teaching Wednesdays in October.

All for now. I will keep you updated as soon as I have news to share.

Jill Robertson

Swim Lessons

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Lindsay Williams

My name is Lindsay Williams and I am the new Aquatics Director at BAC! I am a native of Whatcom County, growing up in Ferndale. I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Communication. Some of you may be familiar with my mom, Jill Robertson, who has taught water aerobics at the club most of my life. I hear she is a staple around here, especially with her costumes.

I started working as a lifeguard in the summers at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club in 1997 when I was in high school. Eventually, I began teaching swim lessons and have grown to love helping children get over their fear of water and become competent swimmers. While working other jobs when I was newly married, I found ways to continue to teach lessons. In 2009, I became the Assistant Aquatics Director at the Country Club. Since then, every summer I trained their staff, organized over 2,000 swimmers into classes, and help run a hugely successful and popular swim lesson program.

I’m looking forward to meeting all of you! Our next lessons are October 1st – 24th (4 weeks/ 8 Lessons). Call (360) 676-1800 to sign up!

Press here for current Swim Lessons Schedule details and pricing.

Press here to go to the Aquatic Page.

BAC Welcomes New Aquatics Director!

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Lindsay WilliamsMy name is Lindsay Williams and I am the new Aquatics Director at BAC! I am a native of Whatcom County, growing up in Ferndale. I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Communication. Some of you may be familiar with my mom, Jill Robertson, who has taught water aerobics at the club most of my life. I hear she is a staple around here, especially with her costumes.

I started working as a lifeguard in the summers at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club in 1997 when I was in high school. Eventually, I began teaching swim lessons and have grown to love helping children get over their fear of water and become competent swimmers. While working other jobs when I was newly married, I found ways to continue to teach lessons. In 2009, I became the Assistant Aquatics Director at the Country Club. Since then, every summer I trained their staff, organized over 2,000 swimmers into classes, and help run a hugely successful and popular swim lesson program.

My husband, Brett, and I are getting ready to celebrate 16 years of marriage this fall. We have 3 children: Jack is 10, Maelle is almost 7, and Carys is 3 1/2. We often wonder what we did for entertainment before we had kids as they are constantly making us laugh. We love playing games together, watching movies, going for walks (especially to Starbucks!), and just spending time together. We also enjoy rooting on our beloved Seahawks and were just able to attend our first UW football game as a family.

All three of our kids have been in and around the water their entire lives. Because of this, they are all-natural swimmers and very confident in the water. Our youngest actually passed the swim test this summer—swimming across the shallow end and back without touching the bottom. Our oldest has one of the most beautiful breaststrokes I have ever seen. And my sweet middle girl has made friends with every swimmer, instructor, and lifeguard at the pool. I really love being a mom and taking pride and joy in my children. Although, they do occasionally drive me crazy.

My biggest encouragement for families with young children is to expose them to water at an early age. Not only playing and splashing in the bath but also finding ways to get in a pool with them. It’s so much easier when they’re young and haven’t quite formed their own opinions. But, if you or your child haven’t spent much time around water, it is never too late to learn. I’ve had the opportunity to teach all ages of beginners, even adults, and it’s admirable and encouraging. I enjoy building trust with my students and pushing them to their full potential while being gentle and firm. There’s a lot of fun to be had in and around the water! I’m looking forward to building on my experiences here at BAC!

Downtown Club Hours

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The Downtown club hours will be going back to regular hours effective Monday, September 30.

Monday-Friday 5:00am-9:00pm

Saturday-Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm

Meet Carly!

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Carly Miller - Bellingham Athletic ClubCarly Miller originates from Vancouver, WA and at the early age of 18 she moved to Bellingham. In August of 2013, she was hired as a part of the Kids Club staff. Over the course of 3 years, she worked in different departments and became an integral part of the BAC. After a 3-year hiatus from the club, she is now back serving as our Member Services Director and Front Desk Supervisor.

Outside of the club, Carly stays active by running, hiking and boxing. Carly likes to explore what the Pacific Northwest has to offer, new restaurants and is always up to learn something new. A good book or TV show and spending time with friends round out her personal time.