Ericka Mitterndorfer

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

Since February 2014.

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

Bench press followed closely by bar squats and deadlifts.

Why do you work out? 

I used to be a marathoner and trail runner, but I kept getting injured. I managed to keep running, but in late 2016, a neck injury sidelined me completely.  After months of physical therapy, I added strength training, which helped me fully recover and regain the active life I wanted to live. When I was a runner that's primarily all I did for exercise, and now I have a much more balanced regimen and I understand how important full-body fitness is to staying healthy. Equally  important, I work out to relieve stress and clear my head (which, in addition to efficient  cardio burn, is what I miss the most about running).

What do you do to work out? 

When I joined BHC, I was mostly doing yoga in addition to running (Nicole's Saturday class is my favorite way to start the weekend).  I added personal training sessions with Allison last September, and very recently started doing small group training with Aeron. Outside the gym, I love hiking, cycling, and tooling around the Puget Sound on my stand-up paddleboard.

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

Personal training with Allison.  I'm the sort of person who needs an appointment, a commitment to show up like I used to have with friends on my long training runs.  Allison was very patient and understanding when my injury was at its worst and I was at my weakest, but thanks to her training program tailored to helping me recover, my neck is essentially back to normal and I am ready to try running again.  And I am physically stronger than I've ever been in my life.

Why do you choose to work out at BHC?

BHC is hands-down the best gym I've ever belonged to (and there have been many).  I was so happy with the addition of Studio Y and even more excellent yoga classes.  I love the fact that BHC is always striving to improve and asking members what we would like to see happen with space or classes, and the new small group training space upstairs is a great addition.  And all the trainers are so friendly and helpful!

Anything else you'd like to add?

I really dislike lunges, but Allison would say that just means I need to do more of them.