Member Spotlight - Leo Zhang
March 1, 2020
How long have you been a member at Ballard Health Club?
Since July 2018.What is your favorite piece of equipment or exercise to do in the gym?
Deadlifting. It combines two of my favorite things about lifting: picking up heavy stuff and focusing on proper form.Why do you work out?
I was always active throughout my youth with sports and training, then I just kind of stopped for the last 10 years as I settled into responsibilities of adulthood. I got really depressed, I lost sight of my goals, and I stopped feeling like myself. It just wasn't working.In 2018, right after my birthday, I told myself that my gift to myself was to feel better about myself.Now here I am, celebrating 18-months of coming into BHC and I can 100% say this is the version of myself that I want to be forever. All of that...but mainly because I just *refuse* to take two trips to carry in groceries.What do you do to work out?
Initially, I was just fumbling around with weights to get my footing. Then I found out I could take Small Group Training classes with Jake and get motivated to thrive in a group setting. Slowly I started cutting midnight-pizza out of my diet and working on my nutrition. Now I'm focusing a lot on form, isolation, and flexibility with Hattie while still doing strength training and cardio with Jake.(Hattie doesn't “yell” at me as much as Jake does)Now I'm in a good groove of combining Small Group Training with Strength Training! It all came together!What in the gym has worked for you in attaining your goals?
There is so much I could say here. Dedicating to the gym and prioritizing it has done wonders for both my physical and my mental well-being. I've always set lofty goals for myself, my relationships, and my career. Being at BHC these last 18-months has given me the mental confidence and clarity to reach all my goals, and it only gets better with everyday I go in.Why do you choose to work out at BHC?
Initially, it was because it was a locally owned gym close to where I live. After my first free session, it just felt right. While the actual workout felt great, it was the staff that really sealed the deal. The amount of support, kindness, and care I felt from the staff *just on my first visit* was incredible. I've met a lot of friends at the gym through Small Group Training, and at this point I look forward to seeing the staff and the members at BHC as much as I look forward to lifting heavy stuff (with good form...Hattie).Anything else you'd like to add?
I know it can be intimidating to get into the gym either at first, or after a long hiatus. If you're reading this and any of this resonated with you, come check this place out. Everyone is warm, welcoming, and motivating. In the entire time I've been here, I've never had a bad experience with the staff or any members, and I've made a lot of new friends that I get excited to see on a daily basis. This place and the people here mean a lot to me, and I'm grateful every day that I get to spend time at BHC.