Member Spotlight: Rafer Nelsen

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

Since October 1st, 2025, so 3 months, although I was a member for about 4 years from 2008.

What motivates you to workout and stay active?

I want to be able to throw (and catch) a baseball with my 15yo son, as well as a softball with my 12yo daughter, and to be able to go on a hike with my wife or chop wood by myself on a moment's notice.  I want to stay fit for life.

What does your typical workout look like at the club?

I love Fit Camp and aim to do that group class three times per week, M-W-FR.  And then also yoga 2-3 times per week, T-TH and when I can make it work on the weekend.

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

The Fit Camp and yoga morning schedules have worked great for my work/life schedule; the kids are off to school by 8:45am, I do a little work at home, drink a cup of coffee, and then off to the gym.

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

I like the down-home neighborhood and neighborly vibe of BHC; it's a "real" place owned and operated by "real" people, everyone "keeps their shirt on to shimmy", as I like to say.  And group fitness works great for me, I like the social side of us all working together; group fitness at BHC is my "third space".

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

I'm a broken record, but Fit Camp and MJ's Bhakti flow yoga, with a shout out to Marianne and any other yoga class I manage to get to on the weekends sometimes.