Mark Warmoth

How long have you been a member at Ballard Health Club?

I joined the gym approximately 30 days after it opened in 1998. I was a member at another gym in the area, but didn't really like the vibe. After coming in for a tour of BHC I was impressed and immediately gave notice to my old gym and joined BHC. In 2002 my wife and I were relocated to Philadelphia, PA for work. I missed the BHC during that time away. We returned to the Ballard area in 2009 and I immediately went to see Jade and got my membership re-instated. To my surprise, she had saved all my old workouts. In the 7 years I spent in Philadelphia I belonged to a couple different gyms, but there was nothing quite like BHC. I am very happy to be back!

What is your favorite piece of equipment or exercise to do in the gym?

I don't think I can say I have a favorite piece of equipment or exercise to do. But if I have to pick, I would say I have a love / hate relationship with lunges of any kind. I hate doing them because I know I'm going to hurt when I finish. This is also the same reason I love doing lunges. Anyone who's ever done lunges knows what I'm talking about.

Why do you work out?

I think the reason for working out has changed for me through the years, or should I say decades. I grew up playing sports year round in the Seattle area. When the organized sports came to an end, working out seemed like the perfect fit to fill the sports gap. I was not as committed to going to the gym when I was younger, but as time continued it became clear how important my gym time is to me. Now, if I miss a gym days, I feel a bit out of balance. I work out know to keep myself healthy and strong as much for today as well as for the future. 

What do you do to work out?

I use mostly free weight and dumbbells in my routines. I also like my routines to usually consist of super sets including core exercises. I do my workouts starting around 5:30am during the week. Doing super sets allows me the time I need to get my work out in and get to the office.

What in the gym has worked for you in attaining your goals?

It's the other BHC "morning faithful" and training staff. I am motivated by how hard everyone around me is working out and the new or different exercises they are doing that I have not seen before. The occasional, we'll call it "encouragement" from those around me helps the motivation to keeping pushing forward.

Why do you choose to work out at BHC? (instead of another gym)

It's the people, the staff, and the positive vibe. I like the fact that BHC is small enough that it creates a personal environment for its members. But it's also large enough to offer a variety of cardio equipment, weights, machines, and space to get a workout.

Anything else you'd like to add?

My wife said she thought I went to the gym so I could eat pizza and drink microbrews. She might know me better than I know myself. LOL!