Reader's Choice Awards - Reader's Choice Activities

POSTED: Monday, Dec. 08, 2008

Best fitness center/gym: Bellingham Athletic Club

FIRST PLACE

BELLINGHAM ATHLETIC CLUB

Locations: Cordata, 4191 Meridian St., 676-1800, Hours: 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Downtown, 1616 Cornwall Ave., 734-1616, Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Express, 305 Telegraph Road, 756-1110, hours vary

Web site: www.bellinghamathleticclub.com

From the boss: "We work really hard to ... be the best. We are always looking for new and interesting equipment. We spent a lot of time updating the facilities and equipment." Cathy Buckley, owner and general manager

Reader rave: "It's a really, really positive, upbeat place. They have a lot of people of all ages, and that was really important to me. My husband's life expectancy was lengthened by having the club, having a little companionship, having a little socialization within that group." Kathleen Halowi, Bellingham

Highlights: A perennial reader favorite, Bellingham Athletic Club has won Readers' Choice Best Fitness Center three times. Owner and general manager Cathy Buckley attributes the club's popularity partly to her fantastic staff. "If you're here more than a week and we don't know your name, that's a surprise," she says. BAC also invests time in keeping its workout equipment updated, she adds.

A recent addition to the downtown and Cordata full-service gyms, the satellite Express facility partners with Bellingham-based Northstar Medical Specialists to offer specialized programs in physical rehabilitation and weight management. With Christmas (and a whole lot of feasting) quickly approaching, a gym membership would make a thoughtful gift that will be much appreciated come time to make New Year's resolutions.