Fitness as Usual
February 2025
Dear Ballard Health Club community,
In a local Ballard restaurant not too far from the club they have a piece of wall-art that is a picture of some rolling hills, with a paved road cutting through them. On the picture it reads “Your Journey is Unfolding Exactly as It Should Be.”
This picture and the pearl of wisdom have resonated with me for many years. However, I only turned to this mindset during challenging moments, using it to accept and find peace with whatever situation I was facing. One of those moments came on June 15, 2023, when I made the difficult decision to leave a company I had been with for 10 years—a company I had once believed I would be with forever.
I find myself now in the unbelievable, amazing, fairy-tale’esque position of being the new owner of Ballard Health Club, and with great pride, and joy in my heart I trust, “Your Journey is Unfolding Exactly as It Should Be.”
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working for Pat Gilbrough, and in that time, he has exemplified leadership defined by integrity, honesty, and grace, and his guidance has truly set the standard for what it means to lead with character. I am honored that he’s chosen me to be his successor, and am grateful that he will be staying on at the club for the next 2 years helping me transition my role to General Manager. For now, I will continue my role as Fitness Director and it will be “fitness as usual.”
With this new position, I proudly accept the role and responsibility that Pat is entrusting to me. I am committed to ensuring our beloved neighborhood health club continues to thrive, leading our staff with dedication and respect, and upholding my responsibility to every Ballard Health Club member by providing a clean, inclusive, and supportive fitness environment for many years to come.
Fitness has been the cornerstone of my adult life and my career, shaping not just my personal growth but also the incredible relationships I've formed along the way. Through fitness I’ve met some of my dearest friends and so many amazing people, and I’m excited to continue on this journey with all of you.
Thank you, truly, for being valued members of the Ballard Health Club community.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hyde
Owner & Fitness Director
Ballard Health Club