Katherine Boury
How long have you been a member at Ballard Health Club? I have been a member since 2000. I originally joined for the classes, but now appreciate the resources that the gym has. This past year I started subbing for some of the yoga instructors, which has been wonderful because the people are so friendly.
What is your favorite piece of equipment or exercise to do in the gym? Yoga of course! I appreciate that there are so many classes and styles at BHC. The longer I practice, I realize how important strength training is as well, and now I use some of the machines and free weights in combination with yoga. I use the treadmill only when it is raining, as I prefer to walk outdoors when I can.
Why do you work out? I workout to feel good, take away my stress and to stay healthy. I am a cancer survivor and walked every day for 30 minutes when I was doing chemotherapy and realized how important is it to stay active. I actually completed my yoga teaching training while I was doing chemotherapy and believe that 'keeping moving' was one big thing that really helped me. I would actually get my weekly infusion in the morning and come to BHC that afternoon and do a restorative yoga class once a week. Yoga can help boost immunity, reduce stress, enhance health, increase flexibility and help us live more authentically.
What do you do to work out? Yoga classes (both as a student and instructor), free weights and machine weights and walking. I tried running, but realized I did not like it. :) I try to do yoga four - six times a week and weights two or three times a week and walk most days.
What in the gym has worked for you in attaining your goals? I really like attending classes because it keeps me accountable. There is a start time that I adhere to. It helps me get to the gym even when I don't feel like moving. Rarely, do I wish I stayed in bed.
Why do you choose to work out at BHC? BHC has a great location and Karen Gamble does a great job of coordinating and offering a variety of classes and workshops to keep it interesting.
Anything else you'd like to add? I appreciate the BHC community and look forward to getting to know more members. And, of course I would encourage more people to give yoga a try!