We want to know what keeps you active and moving in the summer! Do you like to hike every weekend? Participate in races? Travel to different parts of the country or around the world? Tell us your story! You can send your story and a picture at memberservices@ bellinghamathleticclub.com
July Employee of the Month
It is with so much gratitude, that we announce our BAC Employee of the month for July—the one and only, Mike Locke.
It’s hard to put into words, let alone, a few short paragraphs, how much Mike means to BAC, it’s employees and members. We have all benefited from his intellect, passion, and diverse training background in his 34½ years as the Fitness Director here at BAC.
Mike has had quite the year! From his son’s engagement to quite a drastic health scare, and most recently a very beautiful wedding, uniting his son Sean and BAC Personal trainer Alexa. Those of us that have worked so closely with Mike over the years were able to share, pray for, and encourage him as he dealt with the incredible journey that he was forced to take after suffering a heart attack—a risk condition that ran in his family. We quickly found out how much he means to ALL of us, what a loyal father and husband he is—and thankfully, what a true fighter he continues to be. Making several lifestyle changes, and working on his own health has been a priority.
He is now back to full-time work and we couldn’t be more grateful. Mike has poured his energy into keeping all of us current on the latest trends, exercises, equipment, and classes that continuously change, and he is passionate about not only leading us but teaching us as well.
Mike and his wife Melissa met at BAC and will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary in August. Together they have 2 children, Sean and Brianne. On Father’s Day, his family gifted him with a Golden Retriever puppy—to add to their 4-legged family, which includes 2 horses as well.
‘The spirit is undaunted’: Portraits showcase strength of senior athletes
Minali Nigam, at CNN wrote this beautiful article on senior athletes. I highly recommend it. ~Cathy Buckley
Life Jacket Safety
How to properly fit and use a life jacket
by Brittany McIntosh, Aquatics Director
Did you know that in Whatcom County alone, there are 26 lakes, 21 rivers, and 2 bays? That adds up to quite a few opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. Since we are so active around water this time of year, it’s a good idea to refresh your knowledge on boating safety. Check out our tips below and enjoy all the beauty the Northwest has to offer this July!
Always wear a life jacket
In Washington State, all children under the age of 12 are required by law to wear a life jacket while on board a vessel. However, it’s recommended by the US Coast Guard that everyone on board wear a life jacket – even if you’re a great swimmer! For tips on fitting a life jacket, take a look at our handy infographic.
Know or learn how to swim
Everyone on board should know some basic survival skills. The more comfortable you are in the water, the better your chance of survival should an accident occur. We offer group and private lessons for both adults and children on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Ask at the front desk for scheduling or visit our website at www.bellinghamathleticclub.com for more details.
Let someone know where you’re going
If you don’t have a Float Plan, let someone who’s staying ashore know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Write out all relevant location information including phone numbers, a description of the boat and all communication equipment on board, and an accurate location of the destination and home ports.
Assign at least one adult to supervise all children
As we always tell parents in our Angelfish classes, once you teach your child to love the water it acts as a magnet, drawing them close. You won’t be able to keep them away, so make sure they’re supervised in their play!
Carry extra supplies and safety equipment
This could include extra food and water supplies, life jackets, a cell phone, blankets, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Additionally, make sure passengers know where these supplies are located and how to use them.
Avoid alcohol
While we all want to have fun in the sun, boats are not the place for alcohol. It can affect balance, judgment and reaction speed – three things you will definitely need out on the water. More than half of all boating accidents in the US involve alcohol – don’t be a statistic! Leave the party on the shore and stay safe on your vessel.
Be wary of heat exhaustion
Wear lots of sunscreen, and bring extra water bottles. It’s also important to remember that sunscreen does wash off, so always reapply after a dip. Hats and sunglasses are always a big help, especially if you’ve got kids on board.
July Member of the Month
Congratulations to Joy Olney for receiving Member of the Month for July! Joy participates in our water aerobics classes—the members would say she’s Miss Congeniality! Joy is friendly and positive; she is especially kind, helpful and encouraging to our new members in class. Joy has been a member of BAC since 1992.
Joy is originally from the East Coast, she moved to Bellingham in 1986. She has two sons, Richard and Mike who are both in town for the summer. Her boys spent many days growing up at BAC attending summer camps and being involved in Youth Programs. Joy has two standard poodles named Talley and Polly.
Joy is a renowned local artist and has made a name for herself in artistic circles around the world. The apple painting won a prize in the Little Gem Show at Scott Milo’s gallery in Anacortes this month. When Joy is not working on a painting, she is working in her garden.
Thank you for being so loyal to BAC over the years and we love having your positive mindset. You truly are a joy to have at the club!
Weekend Warrior Syndrome
Strategies for reducing the risk of Weekend Warrior injuries:
• Warm-up thoroughly prior to activity participation. A warm-up should include general body warm-up with light jogging and/or calisthenics. Tissue mobilization and release using a massage stick, foam roller or lacrosse ball. Short duration (10-20 sec) stretching exercises encompassing the major muscle groups 2-3 times on each.
• Warm-down after activity participation. Walk or do some light jogging to help flush out your system. Foam rolling, massage stick of the muscles used in the activity. Longer duration stretching (30-60 sec) for major muscles 2-3 times each.
• Recovery using massage, cryotherapy (cold) ice or an ice bath, whirlpool for the heat and jets, and pool for mobility and off-loading joints.
• Listen to your body. Don’t try to block out and push through what your body is trying to tell you. Know when to say when!
• Change up your activities. Repetitive participation can lead to overuse injuries.
• Try to balance activity during the week with activity on the weekend.
Pool Rental
The pool will be rented out from 2:00 – 3:30 pm on July 3rd. Sorry, no lanes will be available during that time.
Meet Brian Porter
Brian Porter, a lifetime resident of Bellingham, has been with BAC since February of 1993. He is currently in charge of Operations. He has really done it all…from coaching basketball at the Boys and Girls Club to triathlons, Ski to Sea, and marathons. He also owns a screen printing business and is responsible for printing most of BAC’s uniforms and pro shop items as well as the towels. He is married to Regis. He has two kids, Amy and Andrew, and two stepkids. He also likes hiking, biking, S.C.U.B.A. diving, fishing, and most other outdoor activities.
Junior Racquetball Championships
Three junior racquetball players represented BAC at the Junior National Racquetball Championships in Portland, Oregon the week of June 19-June 23. Congratulations to Micah Miller, Emilio Pinto Gonzalez and Dyllin Miller. They were joined in Portland by the Carver sisters of Spokane, Washington.
Independence Day Hours
Both clubs will be open from 7:00 am-2:00 pm on the 4th of July, but there will be no classes. Enjoy!