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 Imagine coming to work every day loving what you do, but hating how you feel. That’s been my personal story for the past nine years.When I was in high school, a devastating knee injury knocked me out of a promising soccer career. Before that, I spent every free moment practicing and conditioning. With a strong family history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity, I quickly found it difficult to manage my weight after the injury. Dieting seemed to work in the short term, but I gained weight over the long term. In the meantime, I got my first job in the fitness industry folding towels at a health club. Little did I know that my part-time summer job as an 18 year old would lead me to my chosen career path. In my first two years, I moved from folding towels to janitor to selling memberships at the front desk. I quickly found a passion for working with members. I loved hearing their stories, listening to concerns and helping them meet goals. This passion led me to go to college and become a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. During this time, I lost a significant amount of weight through taking advantage of group exercise classes and applying what I learned in school. In 2005, I joined the Bellevue Club as a personal trainer and customer service rep. Less than a year later, I had major knee surgery—yes, the same injury that cut my soccer dreams at the knee. I quickly gained 40 pounds after the surgery. I was beyond frustrated and carried the burden of trying to tell others how to manage their weight and be healthy, when I struggled with my own weight issues. Over the next three years, I made several attempts but just couldn’t get the weight off. It wasn’t until my husband and I signed up for the Navy Seals Fitness Challenge at the Bellevue Club this past June that I finally made headway with my weight. We talked to swim coaches, got other employees and members involved and shared training tips. My husband and I also started taking more classes at the Club, including my first yoga class. Shortly after the event, I also ran my first half-marathon. The momentum carried over and I completed my first triathlon, which led to my first full-length marathon in Arizona this past January. Throughout this whole process, I have lost more than 50 pounds in this journey of reclaiming my body. Much of my success is owed to being part of the community at the Bellevue Club. Staff and members are built-in support who have cheered me on and kept me moving in the right direction. If you’re like me and have fitness goals that are just out of your reach, I’d encourage you to take the initial step and get connected at the Club. If you’re not sure where to start, stop by the Athletic Services Desk. We are the central hub where you can get information about all of the amenities and programs at the Club. From masters swimming and personal training to Spa appointments and tennis court reservations—if you have a question, we will get you the answer. Nowadays, I not only love my job, but I love how I feel as well. If you’re looking to embark on a transformative fitness journey, don’t be afraid to let us lend you a hand. Everyone needs a support team. Bethany Kennedy Athletic Services Desk Director |
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Bellevue Club REFLECTIONS | 11200 Southeast Sixth Street Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.688.3161 | reflections@bellevueclub.com
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