Kirkland Weblog

Kirkland Shamrock Run 2013

I know your ears will perk if I say the word  "BEER" so I'm saying that first.  New this year for the Kirkland Shamrock Run on 3/16 is the Wilde Rover's Beer Deck, food trucks, lots of exhibitors to browse and the course is USATF certified as a 5K.  It's at Marina Park and starts at 9am. Proceeds benefit the Kirkland Downtown Association.  If you register before 2/28 it's $35, and then it goes up to $40.  I've seen some promo codes floating around for $5 off so keep your eyes peeled for those too ('Columbia', 'LakeWashingtonPT').  BTW, if you register late you won't get a timer so don't procrastinate.

There are different waves for every type of participant.  Competitive runners (5- 9 min/mi), Run for Fun (9 min/mi and above),  Dog/Runner, Stroller/Runner, Walker.  Here's where you register.  And if you just can't muster the motivation to join a wave, you can always come help!  (or both) They are in need of volunteers to pull this event off and there's a handy online sign up matrix now to make it easy. See you there-maybe for some green beer after? ~j

Columbia Athletic Club: New Aquatic Center Opens 2/11

Columbia Athletic Club at Juanita Bay is excited to announce the completion of their NEW aquatic center, which will be ready for swimmers, splashers and oglers on February 11th.  The much anticipated multi-million dollar project was constructed by Red Hawk Group and includes a 25 yard lap pool, a 17 yard teaching pool for aqua therapy/lessons, and a hot tub.  In addition to the salt water pools, surrounded by white and blue tile work and new high ceilings, there are also four new private family changing stations. 

   

Above is a rendition shot taken from the southeast corner of the building.  Don't worry, you don't have to wear a speedo like the cartoon man in there.  Below that are some current photos I took as the tiling gets completed and they start preparing to fill the pools with almost 100,000 gallons of water.  The lap pool will be kept at 84 degrees and the teaching pool at 90 degrees.  Dave Hamilton, Manager of the club  (photo) said, "We appreciate everyone's patience through the process.  Not only the members, but the neighbors and others that have been impacted too." 

 Sounds like a great reason to have a party!  Everyone can come check it out (members AND non-members) and celebrate at the grand opening on Feb 18th from 8am-8pm where there will be food, raffles and giveaways. ~j 

Get Fit for $40 at Bassline Fitness

 

January seems to be the time that everyone decides "this is my year to get fit"- so what's stopping you?  Nothing now.  I know we all love a deal, so Bassline Fitness is offering Kirkland Weblog readers unlimited classes in January for $40.    Or, you can set yourself up for auto-pay for $40/mo unlimited (usually $80-hurry before they change their minds).  There's great energy in those classes and I promise, you WILL get a good workout.  I am one of those weird humans that rarely sweats, and even I sweat in their classes.  If you haven't tried it yet, your first class is FREE.  

Also new at Bassline, when classes are not in session, they are offering 'open gym' times so you can use their equipment (Woodways/krank machines/spinners/rowers/sandbags/TRX) and do your own thang. Childcare is offered through their Kids Cottage.  No more excuses-- get off your rump roast and start running to 126 Central Way.  Bonus: you will feel good about supporting a new local business! Call w/questions 425-739-4444.

Bassline Fitness: Work-off your Eggnog for FREE thru 2012

In the true spirit of Christmas, Bassline Fitness (126 Central Ave) is extending their open house by inviting everyone to come try their classes for FREE from now through the end of the year.  Just look at the schedule and register online at www.basslinefitness.com . Childcare is available for the morning classes.  I've tried both the Mashup and Lean 425, and promise you will be sweating before you leave.  So go ahead, drink that extra glass of eggnog, you're about to burn it off.... 

 

Bassline Fitness Opening: Free Weekend Dec 13-15!

 <---how cute are they?!?

Lots of questions and chatter about what is happening in the three spaces along Central Way that used to be Design Within Reach, X Gym (they moved a few doors down) and Promesse.  Bassline Fitness is preparing to offer Kirklanders a full sensory workout experience that isn't just about sweating it out on some state-of-the-art cardio machines but getting motivated by the music. Get it? BASSline.  The build-out is still underway, but think of a hip LA or NYC type gym with a kickin' sound system and workouts designed to climb and cool with the music. 

 <--Dave on the Woodway Curve (how fancy am I with the video now?  hope this works)

Dave and Angela Fox (photo above) have owned fitness facilities all over the country and are settled back in Kirkland. Angela is from the area and they loved downtown Kirkland for its community focus, walkability, neighbors and convenience.  Bassline offers two classes that are both total body workouts.  One class is called "Lean 425" which is instructor-led high intensity interval training.  This hour long challenge has you working on their Woodway treadmills (which are super fancy and minimize joint impact), and also going through resistance training stations.  The goal is to increase muscle and burn calories while have fun in this fast paced workout that can be tailored to your fitness level.  The second class, called "The Mashup" is back in what I call, 'the big room'.  Yep, that's the one with a stage and two super-sized video screens, 40 spin bikes, 12 Woodway Curves (non-motorized treadmills. YOU are the motor and therefore burn 30% more calories), 10 Krankcycles (get those arms going, thx Johnny G), and two rowers. In a 60 minute class you will have the opportunity to ride, run, krank and row as you (and your instructor.. insert my wicked laugh here) see fit.  You can challenge all the different muscle groups while being inspired by your instructor, the playlist and music videos.

The best part? There's a few.  You choose...

-you don't need  a membership. Drop-in's are $12

-childcare ($6/hr) and stroller parking available

-Open House & FREE CLASSES ALL WEEKEND Dec 13-15.  Drop by or sign up by calling 425-739-4444. Perfect timing to burn off some of that eggnog (Fireball w/eggnog, my new favorite holiday drink btw).  So get your jolly butt off the couch and check it out.

Right now the sales/info office is open M-F 9:30-11:30 & 3-6:30.  Sat 9-12.  126  Central Way.  Questions: contact@basslinefitness.com  or 425-739-4444.  They are also hiring trainers and childcare staff.

Turkey Trot: Nov 18th

Get your gobblers moving, it's Turkey Trot time!  Sunday Nov 18th at Marina Park is Hopelink's 12th Annual 5K Run (11am) and Family Walk (11:05am).  Registration fees range from 30-40/per person and you can do make that happen here.  Strollers and pets trot for free. Registrants receive a tech shirt, race bib, and an entry into the drawing for prizes.  See you out there.  I'll be the one getting dusted by my nine year olds.

Paddleboarding in Kirkland- Be Smart

I'm on the waters of Lake Washington 4-5 times a week and I've been watching you.    And I worry about you.  Really, I do.  I think the SUP (stand-up paddleboard) phenomenon here is fantastic.  It's a great chance to get on the water, work those shoulders/balance/core and take in some beautiful scenery while you are at it.  For those of you that don't know me, I am a boater/waterskiier and I own a SUP too.  I get it.  But here's the problem----when I am boating and you are paddling straight across the middle of the lake, I CANNOT see you (especially at sunset).  You look like a toothpick, which in other circumstances might be a compliment, however here it is not.  I've been taking some photos lately so you can see what I am talking about.  It's like a "Where's Waldo?" photo-shoot..

   


Maybe I'm getting old. I don't want to lecture, but I do want to make you aware because I know that you feel so tall and obvious standing there on your board..... but you are almost invisible, especially when you are dressed in a black wetsuit.  There are no traffic lanes or speed limits in the open water and often boaters are looking into the sun and have a 30mph wind whipping them in the face (and unfortunately many aren't paying full attention or have a beer in their hand too).  Stay along the shoreline if you can or wear some brightly colored clothing. 

The US Coast Guard now considers a SUP a 'vessel' which means you must have a PFD on board and a sound-producing device (besides your voice).  So now I see people paddling with a vest thrown on top of their boards.  PUT IT ON.  It seems slow and calm and harmless but nobody ever expects an emergency.  "Boats don't have brakes and unconscious people don't float" was one of the notable comments I found on this US Coast Guard Blog about SUP.  A few years ago I gashed my head open with my waterski in a bad fall---it was crystal clear on that day why you always have a driver AND a spotter.  Never thought I would need my third person to help drag me out of the water and adminster first aid that day.  Just like you never think you'd 'need' a lifevest on a paddleboard. 

Paddle-boarding is totally worth trying if you haven't done it. Places like Perfect Wave do rentals by the hour and will get you geared up.  Just be smart- wear your ankle leash, flotation device, a whistle, some bright clothes and stay along the shoreline where you can.

I spoke with Deputy Chris Bedker of the King County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue & Dive Unit today.  If you are in a designated swimming area, you are not required to have a lifevest  (Houghton Beach, Juanita Beach, Waverly Beach Park). He emphasized that for kids 12 or under you MUST be wearing your PFD. The Deputy also advised that you wear brighter colors and be aware of the weather and water temperature and wear thermal protection accordingly.  The fee for a citation of not having your PFD is $87, and they try give SUP's a break by giving warnings when you don't have your sound device on board.   Enjoy these last weeks of summer........safely!  ~j

 

 

Embody Health Grand Opening 9/12

Embody Health, Kirkland’s newest fitness studio, is having a grand opening celebration event  this Wednesday, September 12th 5pm – 8pm.  They are located at 11803 98th Ave NE (near Brix and Everyday Athlete) As part of the celebration, they are offering a free fitness boot camp for all fitness levels during the event. Love that! 

Here’s what is planned for the evening:

5pm: Ribbon cutting ceremony at Embody Health Fitness Studio

6pm: Head to Juanita Beach Park for a fun, fat-burning boot camp!

6:30pm: Back to the studio for some stretching and great health tips

6:45 – 8pm:  socializing, complimentary refreshments and snacks!

 

There will also be FREE swag bags full of great gifts for all of the attendees.  Curious to see what this new place is all about.  Post here if you have info to share.

 Questions? Contact Josh Cooper at  info@kirklandfitness.com or 425.307.1241

 

 

 

 

FLY Fun Week! Aug 12-18 with FLY NYC Instructors

I thought you should know about this because my next post is going to be about frozen yogurt and you won't feel guilty if you go and do Fly Fitness's Fun Week first (tongue twister!).  From Sunday Aug 12th thru Saturday Aug 18th Fly Fitness  at Carillon Point is loading up their schedule with some super fun classes taught by specialty guest instructors from New York City.  I'm sure those east coasters have a few things to teach us! (small Jersey girl joke, couldn't help myself)  Classes include but are not limited to: Body Art, Rubber Band Pilates, Fly Girls, RIP training, Hip Hop, Fly Games, and Cycle & Suspend.   If some of that sounds like circus talk to you, explanations of the classes are on the schedule here.  I think they sound super cool.  And the best part is...........wait for it.....Kirkland Blog readers get $10 off for the week.  Hooray! The week ends with a Sweat Free Sporty Soiree at Nieman Marcus.  Hooray again!

Fly Fitness Unlimited classes for the week is $60, the kids hip hop series is $50.  Current unlimited memberships, class cards and single class drop-in rate are honored all week.  Email Amanda with any questions, amanda@wearesuperfly.com . Here are bios on the fitness ladies from NYC:

Kristen Sudeikis:

Kristin is a choreographer and dancer for the Emmy award winning NBC hit 30 Rock, NIKE,
Under Armour and Oxygen Channel's Dance Your A$$ Off. Too, she has been a back
up dancer for Crunch on Exercise TV, The Today Show, Fox News, ABC News, and
Good Morning America. She has also been a back up dancer for events affiliated
with Self Magazine & Oprah. Some print work includes Shape Magazine &
Vogue Magazine. She has also been featured in Dance Studio Life Magazine &
Dance Teacher Magazine. With much enthusiasm, Kristin continues to travel
setting work on dance companies and for events all over the world. Recently,
Kristin had the great privilege to go abroad to present master dance classes at
the 2011 and 2012 NIKE Blast in Stockholm, Sweden.

Rachel Warren:

Rachel Warren, dancer, choreographer, and fitness professional, is thrilled to be a
part of "FLY FUN WEEK."  She currently teaches dance and fitness classes
throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. With experience in a wide variety of dance
forms, she seeks to bring her knowledge of dance into all her fitness classes,
incorporating movement, rhythm, and good beats...she'll kick your butt to a
jamming playlist!  She is certified in AFAA, BodyArt, LaBlast, Pound, and TRX
and also has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography.

Deborah Horton:

Deborah Horton began her dance training at the tender age of 2.  Since those early
years, she has trained consistently in numerous forms of dance including tap,
ballet, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop and contemporary. Deborah pursued higher
education at American University in Washington, DC.  DC was good to her, as her
Freshman year dance professor Heidi Schultz recruited her to be part of
Tappening professional rhythm tap company.  She performed with Tappening
throughout the DC area during all five years of her residency there.
Performances include "A Tribute to Gregory Hines" with singer Mya, National Tap
Dance Day and "Beautiful Noise" at the Jack Guidone Theatre. Deborah now teaches
both Fitness and Dance at some of Manhattan's best-known gyms and studios.

 

North Kirkland CrossFit Ready to Roll

CrossFit prides itself on being an all-inclusive gym, helping you hone endurance, anaerobic strength and conditioning.  There's a certain comraderie and limit-pushing workout philosophy that draws athletes to this gym like flies to flypaper.  With the existing Kirkland CrossFit bursting at capacity, the owners (photo, Jeremiah Ingersoll) are opening a second location on August 1st, called Kirkland CrossFit North (KCFN).  Nestled in a warehouse space in  Totem Lake  with their signature rustic garage gym feel, this facility has their usual ropes, rings, rowers and such, but also boasts a locker-room for showering and a kids' area ( to minimize toddlers mastering the art of power cleans).  

Lucky Kirkland Crossfitters get two gyms and one membership.  Start times will be staggered. Morning classes will be at KCFN and afternoon classes will run at both locations.  If you feel like showing off, you can run the mile and a half rail trail from one to the other. Hour long classes max out at 15 per 'WOD' which is schmack-talk-CrossFit language for 'workout of the day.'  Memberships are month to month ($145/individual).  Check for more details on their website : www.kirklandcrossfitnorth.com .

And maybe not so coincidentally, gyms are opening at an equal pace as yogurt shops in Kirkland (my belly is full of Menchie's right now, post soon).  Eyes out for LA Fitness in Sept, Barre3 has opened in Studio Be's old spot, and maybe even a cycling studio downtown.........~j