Working hard, ?and having fun

It was rainy and cold as the flood waters rose around Snoqualmie and North Bend last month. Fortunately, the flood never reached Mt. Si Sports + Fitness, located between Snoqualmie and North Bend off S.R. 202 on Boalch Avenue.

“We’re probably the only folks in town who don’t mind seeing the rains fall, although sometimes it can be little bit much,” Lynn Grisham said to her business partner Ben Cockman, who agreed.

He agreed, saying, “We like warm, sunny weather as much as anyone, but our club is such a welcome reprieve from the elements. The weather adds value to us.”

In 2003, Lynn and Ben founded Mt. Si Sports + Fitness with a plan to create a fitness center offering an affordable, inviting and unpretentious environment, with something for everyone.

“We want to have a club that offers a broad range of appeal. Whether you simply want to walk on a treadmill while watching TV or train for the Ultimate Fitness Challenge, this is the club for you!” Ben said.

“We have hard-core athletes here with lots of experience as well as folks who have come to us having no idea how to exercise at all,” says Lynn. “No matter! You will find a safe and comfortable environment and all the resources you need to get it done. We have members of all ages, shapes and sizes and they include a lot of very nice people. They bring good energy to our gym.”

“The reality is, those members who learn about and embrace the principles of exercise and commit to being consistent, they usually find success,” says Ben. “For us as gym owners, personal trainers or class instructors, playing a role in the process of helping someone be successful in achieving their goals is most gratifying. Exercise can truly make a difference in someone’s life and a one-hour workout is only 4 percent of your day!”

Are you interested in learning to exercise and use the gym but have little experience? No problem. When you join the club you receive a free introductory session with a personal trainer (a $55 value).

The trainers at Mt. Si Sports + Fitness are experienced professionals who can help formulate and implement an exercise program for you.

It is important to adopt an approach to exercise that fits your lifestyle. Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our true potential. Motivation is what gets you started, but habit is what keeps you going. Consistency wins.

Personal trainers include Monica Lynne, Kelley Mast, Michael Constantin and Washington middle-weight boxing champion Mike Gavronski.

If you want to get fit and meet new people at the same time, consider taking group fitness classes. Beneficial for introverts and extroverts alike, group fitness classes are suitable for anyone.

Many people mistakenly think of group fitness as a room full of women and men in sweatbands doing aerobics, circa 1980, or Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda. Times have changed! Mt. Si Sports + Fitness’ group fitness classes include yoga, sculpt 101, core strength, spin cycling, Fatigue Friday, boot camp, the ever-popular Zumba and others.

Yoga classes are among the hidden gems at the club. Classes are conducted in a warm studio. The program includes alignment yoga, Hatha fusion yoga, yoga for athletes, as well as basic and power yoga. Instructors are Carlye Lowell, Nina Cambern, Josephine Silverwolf and Samantha Pairis. Additional specialty classes offered include women’s self-defense, spiritual self-improvement, ‘Just Eat’, and mobility and breathing workshops.

Here is what some members have to say about some of the classes and instructors at Mt. Si Sports + Fitness:

“Core strength is a great workout. Monica does a very good job. I really look forward to the companionship and laughter of each class,” said Anita Wambaugh.

“Sculpt 101 has been perfect for me! Diann and Susan are amazing; they make the class quite challenging and they’re always changing it so the workout routine stays fresh. This is muscle toning at its best,” said Katie Sjoboen.

“Zumba is a blast! I always leave class feeling good and it is a lot of fun… you barely notice how hard you are exercising! Dan and Heidi make Zumba very inviting and comfortable for everyone, especially beginners. I truly look forward to every class,” said Dena Wright.

“Carlye’s basic and power yoga classes are superb. Her knowledge of poses, explanation of the benefits and safety concerns with modifications is superb. I look forward to the yoga but more important is the inspiration I feel from these classes,” said Debbie Sanchez.

Mt. Si Sports + Fitness has been voted ‘Best Place to Exercise’ in the Valley each year since it opened 12 years ago. Perhaps it’s time for you to drop by for a tour and see why.

What are you waiting for? It’s a new year and time for a new you. There has never been a better time to join the club now, while the $75 enrollment fee is reduced to $35; monthly dues are only $45.

Learn more at www.mtsisports.com.