“I want to let you know that I really appreciate all the effort you and the entire crew at SAC have put in to make the gym resources available in such a safe manner. As you know, I’ve been closely involved in our community’s COVID responses from early on in my role as an emergency physician. I’ve seen various different approaches to safety practices during this time, and I have found SAC’s hygiene practices to be top notch!
 
You know, I was a bit skeptical about how I’d enjoy doing cardio with a mask on - turns out, wearing the mask hasn’t been an issue at all! While I’ve been able to keep in decent shape during the last few months with some basic workout equipment we have at home, having access again to the gym provides such a mental and physical boost. Thanks again for all that you are doing to provide this opportunity for us in such a safe manner.”

- Enrique Enguidanos, MD, FACEP, MBA

“I just wanted to say how impressed I am with SAC's reopening and COVID-19 response. Many businesses I frequent have made me feel like the weight of their business was on my shoulders. SAC has done the opposite, offering so many services remotely and always with a hopeful optimism.
 
And yet I am not naive about the cost of reopening under these circumstances. I am very impressed with the measures you have put in place.  
 
I also want to let you know that I am an epidemiologist who heads COVID-19 response for a large non-profit and in this role have worked to re-open offices and classrooms, implement plans for addressing an exposure, and offering PPE recommendations for everyone from cleaners to desk workers.  
 
In the meantime, best wishes for a safe, fit, and healthy summer.”

- Leslie Phillips

"To anyone who is on the fence about going back to the gym during the current Covid atmosphere:
 
I totally get it. I was there too. But I’m so glad I gave it a test run because I’m incredibly happy to be back. I still get weird looks when I tell people I’m going to the gym and my roommate thinks I’m nuts, but I’m guessing they are envisioning those packed, commercial chain gyms. But that’s why I joined SAC to begin with. Even the busy times aren’t that busy. So, although I’m not going anywhere else besides the essential trips these days, I decided to come back and give it a try.
            
They have a very stringent and organized reopening plan in effect. From the second you walk through the door, every precaution is taken to keeping you and the staff safe. Hand sanitizer everywhere, temperature checks at the door and everyone is in a mask at all times. Because of the limited class sizes and staggered start times, most of the time I feel as though I have the gym to myself. Even in the cycle room, which is the smallest area, I’m still farther away from anyone that I would be during a trip to the grocery store.
 
All of the equipment you come in contact with gets wiped down (by you) before and after class- and the instructors are good at making sure no one accidentally forgets that step. They are also using an industrial style disinfectant to spray down all the equipment either between sessions and/or overnight, so you know it’s been cleaned before you even get to it. There’s really not much more I could ask for as far as making sure everything is as safe as it could possibly be.
 
Wearing a mask while working out definitely takes some getting used to. It was trial and error to find the right mask, but I did get it figured out and honestly, barely notice it anymore. The instructors are very thoughtful about the challenges of working out in a mask and consistently encourage you to take breaks or customize your workout to how you feel most comfortable. Some of the classes can get pretty toasty without the fans going, but hey, gotta sweat out those toxins, right? But overall, I think these are pretty small prices to pay to not be 4 months behind in my workout routine!!
 
These days everything is risk vs. reward. I decided that caring for my physical and mental health greatly outweighed the risk. And SAC has done a fantastic job at minimizing that risk and making me feel safe.
 
Hope to see you there soon!”
 
- Nicole Brantley

"Starting my morning at the SAC has become such an important way to prepare for my shift at Harborview. I have been coming on a daily basis for the last 5 years. When the gym closed down, I tried to get a good cardio workout by running in my neighborhood, but it just wasn't the same (plus my joints can't handle the impact!).

I was so happy when you guys opened. Being an RN, it was important to me that CDC recommendations were being followed and that clear instructions were given to the members so everyone is on the same page. Everything, from your online appointment booking to the way staff assess every member who enters, makes me feel very safe as I return to the realities of trying to exercise indoors in the Covid Era.

I wanted to thank SAC for keeping us all healthy and look forward to the day we can see each other smile as we check in for our workouts.”

- Pamela Brucks, MN, RN

"The Squash Fit workouts are the best indeed! I could measure this straight being back on the court: I had never felt that good physically speaking, nor then had that much fun hitting the ball after a break.This program is simply spot on to maintain your Squash; and Tatu will push you hard;) Lots of sweat and fun for great impact. Merci Tatu !"

 

- Patrick Pons de Vier

"My membership at SAC Northgate has had an incredible impact on my health and well-being. One of the greatest investments I ever made in myself is my twice-weekly personal training sessions with Melissa. I was a high tech employee for 20 years, and sat for almost the entire time. My body was showing signs of disuse and I kept finding myself in physical therapy for one painful injury or another. When I started working out with Melissa, I harbored fears of hurting myself further with exercise. Melissa not only helped me with routines that were well-suited toward my physical recovery and rehabilitation, but she also helped me mentally break through my fears. Now, years later, we are focused on continually increasing my physical and cardiovascular fitness – gone are the days of rehab! I am stronger, more flexible, have more balance, and have much better cardiovascular health. Once Covid hit, I took a break from working out and really felt it. I gained weight (as many of us have during this time). After about a month, I started working out with Melissa again virtually. It was exactly what I needed. I’ve lost my Covid weight and am making advances again in my physical fitness journey. I look forward to working out, and I absolutely love Melissa! Seeing her twice a week has become part of my social life as well! Thank you to SAC and to Melissa!”

- Rose Earl-Kolev

“Since I joined SAC several years ago it has been the central place for me for the pursuit of health and fellowship. I typically have spent two to three hours, three (or so) days per week. I am handicapped and losing access to my workouts for several months due to the CV19 pandemic has been devastating for my strength, balance and ability to walk. Plus I didn’t get to see my friends on the staff or those who worked out at the same time I do.

When I ran into a SAC friend at QFC who told me that the SAC was opened by appointment on a limited basis (very limited), I was thrilled. My first day back I felt like a kid going to kindergarten for the first time. I knew that I was back on the path to regain my strength. 

Since I started back, I’ve been working three times per week, twice with a great trainer, Luca, and can already see and feel improvement. It’s also been a tremendous boost for my mood.  Being locked down for several months was really getting me down. 

The Club is making sure to take all measures to keep those of us returning safe. If you feel safe after looking into it, check it out. I’m glad I did.” 

- Walt Brown