At BAC we feature Cybex Selectorized Weight Stack Circuits comprised of VR-1 and VR-3 models.
Cybex VR-1 models have numbered weight stacks and either come with the same size plates in the entire stack or have a graduated weight stack that has smaller plates then transition into larger ones. The numbers on the plates provide an index as to how many plates there are. The plate number does not reflect the amount of weight each plate represents they are for index purposes. Each machine also has an add-on plate that hangs right next to the weight stack to make smaller weight increases.
Cybex VR-3 models have the approximate weight imprinted on plates and progress in 20lb increments. To one side of each stack are 3-round 5lb add on weights to allow 5lb increases prior to moving to the next plate.
Cybex Selectorized Weight Stack Equipment are variable resistance machines, which means as the resistance is lifted the weight changes through the range of motion giving more resistance when you have a mechanical advantage and less resistance when you do not. To allow the machine to efficiently deliver the appropriate resistance through the range of motion the user needs to move the resistance at a slow controlled speed. A typical recommendation is a 2-4 second lift, 1-2 second pause, and a 4-6 second lowering then repeat.
If you have any questions regarding the usage of our Cybex Equipment please see one of our BAC Personal Training Staff. They would be happy to help!
Wanda began playing racquetball competitively in 1980 and has been a top-ranked open player since 1985. She is a long-time Washington’s Women’s Open champion and is on the Washington Racquetball Association board. She is the Club Pro and is available for racquetball lessons and advanced clinics. Wanda spends her “spare” time with her husband, Mike, and their two children, Sarah and Wade. Her offseason is filled with golfing, hiking, camping, and traveling as much as possible.
Spring is finally here! We are excited about the change in weather, and to celebrate this shift to the great outdoors, we are highlighting our Aquatics Department for the month of April! To that end, we are running a few extra events and promotions:
Did you know that we are going to be running a Swim-A-Thon Fitness Challenge in April? In this event, we are encouraging members to swim a distance of their choice: 100 yds (6 lengths), 200 yds (12 lengths, or 500 yds (30 lengths). Participating is easy since our staff will take your times, accurate to the one-hundredth of a second. This can be useful if you’re training for a race, triathlon, or you just want to see what you’re capable of! It will be open to all members, so if you would like to challenge yourself to see how fast you can swim any stroke, sign up to participate!
As a trainer, Mike’s greatest satisfaction is derived from helping you meet “Life’s” many challenges and succeeding. Beginning in the Fitness Industry in 1981 and a BAC employee since 1985 Mike has garnered over three decades worth of experience in Fitness, Rehabilitation, and Sports Performance. His clientele range from individuals new to exercise to older adults, from post-therapy patients to athletes from elementary age through high school and collegiate to professional.
Congratulations to our Member of the month for March – Yanina De Brites! Yanina moved to Bellingham from Venezuela 10 years ago. She joined BAC in 2009, and is celebrating 10 years with us in November! Yanina loves the community and feels very blessed to live in a city where she has made such great friends. 
Isabella Foos has been working front desk at BAC since September 2018. She is a sophomore at Western Washington University. Bella is majoring in kinesiology and hopes to become an athletic Trainer when she finishes her degree. When she isn’t busy in class or at work, Bella runs for the Western Track & Field team. She specializes in sprints! Bella hails from Olympia, Washington, where she is the oldest of 4 girls in her family. She also misses her dog, Buddy, who waits for her to visit on weekends and school breaks.
You’ve likely heard before that you are what you eat. But have you considered that you are what your food eats too? Healthy animals provide us with outstanding nourishment! Studies comparing grass-fed cows to those that are raised conventionally have shown that dairy and meat coming from grass-fed animals pack more nutrition, particularly in the form of fatty acids. This includes omega-3 fatty acids which are key to reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving symptoms of depression.