Gratitude

10/27/23

Dear Members,

As the holiday season draws near, we have many things for which we can feel gratitude.  The occasional sunny day, the crisp, cool fall air, the array of colors on leaves, and our opportunities to gather together are just a few of them.  It wasn’t so long ago that exercising and socializing together was only a precious memory.

This month I am feeling particularly thankful for the opportunity to train with Shannon.  I have never worked with a personal trainer before.  Naturally, much of what we cover is familiar because I am a fitness instructor, but it is such a luxury to work out under Shannon’s watchful gaze.  Not only does she design our sessions based specifically on my needs, she checks my form and gives clear and specific feedback.  She also comes up with devilishly challenging sequences.  Thank you, Shannon!

We are so lucky that MJ has been able to bring her Thursday morning class back to Studio Y to teach in person this month 10:00-11:10 a.m..  The great news is that she will continue with teaching that Thursday class as a hybrid.  It is ideal for students who want to continue practicing online with MJ on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for those who want to come to the gym on Thursdays to practice in community.

Another extraordinary yoga teacher who has returned to BHC is Erin Allan.  Members can enjoy her classes in Studio Y or online on Wednesdays 10:45-11:45 a.m.  Erin’s attention to detail makes practicing with her both calming and invigorating.  Her passion and patience make every class with her unique.  I am so grateful that Erin has returned.

In response to requests from members who want a vigorous early morning workout, another BHC instructor has returned.  Lisa Rider has been filling in when we needed her to teach Cycling for some time.  Now she is bringing her own high-energy workout to members in Studio Y and online on Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00-7:45 a.m.  Lisa’s fiery class is a welcome addition to our line-up now that the days are getting distinctly shorter and the weather is growing cooler.  This is our free class for the month of November.

Rachel Lubniewski will come back to offer her Body Pump class on Saturday mornings starting on November 4.  It is so gratifying to welcome back popular instructors who love to teach at BHC.

Finally, I want to let you know that the front desk of the Club will be closed as usual on Thanksgiving Day (with only after hours access), but we will offer some holiday classes.  On Wednesday, November 22, Nora Azami will return for another pop-up Zumba class at 7:00 pm in Studio Y.  Katherine Boury will offer an online Open Yoga class on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a focus on gratitude.   Ivana will offer a Turkey Burner Shred class in Studio Y 10:00-10:45 on Thanksgiving Day.  Those who want to work up a sweat with resistance training, high-intensity cardio and core conditioning should come to this class.  Remember that you will need a key fob for this class.

Naturally, I feel grateful to all of our instructors for their creativity, dedication, and reliability.  We are so lucky to have them.

Best wishes,

Marianne Clarke
Class Director
marianne@ballardhealthclub.com