Member Spotlight: Cristy Goode

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

I have been a member for 3 years! 

What motivates you to workout and stay active?

My goal is to stay active and healthy for as long as possible so my main motivator is longevity. I used to workout to try to look my best, but I’ve come to realize that I feel a lot more motivation when my focus is to be the strongest version of myself possible. One of my favorite things to do is hike and I’m hopeful that staying consistent in the gym will allow me to hike for many, many more years to come.  

What does your typical workout look like at the club?

My main focus in the gym is strength training. I try to get 3-4 sessions in a week including a push and pull day and 2 lower body days. I am trying to incorporate more conditioning/cardio into my days as well. 

What in the club has worked for you in attaining your fitness goal?

There is a great variety of equipment, plenty of open spaces to be able to do different exercises depending on what you are focusing on, and a solid free weight section. It might seem silly but there are also great parking options at BHC. Nothing is worse than searching for street parking when you are just trying to get your workout done and it’s helpful to be able to remove as many barriers as possible when it comes to getting to the gym. 

Why do you choose to be a member at BHC, and what keeps you coming back?

BHC has always felt so welcoming. It has such a great community feel and the trainers and staff are so friendly. I was absolutely intimidated by gyms before joining BHC, but I was really able to find my rhythm here. I also feel like BHC is constantly working to create a better experience for their members whether it’s adding new equipment or improving the layout of the gym. People of all different ages and skill levels go to BHC and I find it motivating to work out next to all different types of people!

Do you have a favorite piece of equipment, class or exercise at the club?

I love the lifting platforms at BHC. There is something about getting up there to squat or deadlift that makes me feel extra strong! I also really love the new squat rack with the hip thrust attachment. It is always so tedious to set up hip thrusts with a bench so I’m excited to have that option available. My favorite exercise is the bench press though. It’s just such a fun lift and it feels so satisfying to keep upping the weight!

Anything more you would like to share?

Working out never really clicked for me until I realized that it is not about perfection. I used to feel like if I missed a single day in a program that I needed to completely start over or just quit because I needed to do it perfectly. I’ve come to learn that it is more about consistency and slow progress. Getting one or two days in the gym will always be better than zero. In different stages of life it might be easy to get to the gym 4-5 times a week and in others it might be a complete win to get in once and both are okay!