BTB Advertiser Highline Athletic Club will be presenting “It’s Time – Let’s Move!” this Saturday, Jan. 21st, and would like to invite all B-Town Blog Readers to attend this Open House event for FREE.

This is a group fitness event featuring motivating music, supportive instructors and achievable results in an inspiring group environment. Featured classes will include:

• Group Centergy:
• 8:00am-9:00am
• Group Ride:
• 8:00am-9:00am
• Total Body Conditioning:
• 8:00am – 9:00am
• Group Power
• 9:00am – 10:00am

Group Centergy is an experience a fusion of yoga and Pilates movements in Group Centergy:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Group Power uses simple, athletic movements such as squats, lunges, presses and curls to strengthen all major muscles:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Indoor cycling keeps you ahead of the pack as you climb hills, spin and race over varied terrain during Group Ride:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Total Body Conditioning uses muscular endurance exercises, sport specific training and drills to develop and increase your fitness.

This is your invitation to join us Jan. 21st and sample all the fantastic benefits of exercising with a group. Recent studies done on group exercise find individuals are more inclined to stick with a program and put forth a better effort because of the group dynamic. The supervision and support offered in a class is a huge motivator. This is true not only for a person new to exercise but for seasoned veterans of the weight room and cardio equipment.

“It’s Time – Let’s Move!” sends an all-important message. It’s time to improve, empower and inspire! Highline Athletic Club and our team of dedicated fitness instructors are here for you. Our goal is to assist and encourage you as you reach toward your fitness goals.

Check out a trailer links that are included in this invitation of each class format, then come try a class for yourself. There is no time like the present. “It’s Time – Let’s Move!” Saturday, January 21st classes begin at 8:00am.

It’s a great time to join Highline Athletic Club who is currently offering zero enrollment fees through January 31st 2012. Month to month memberships available! Group classes are included in membership lots of fun.

If you want additional membership information please email: membershipservices@highlineathleticclub.com.

Highline Athletic Club is located at:

125 South 156th Street
Burien WA

Phone: 206-246-9000

Web: www.highlineathleticclub.com

Along with providing a free, easy and social community-minded exercise, this may also serve as a way to work off the previous night’s celebrations!

“Burien’s sixth monthly Walk-n-Talk just happens to fall on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2012,” said Organizer Maureen Hoffmann. “What a great way to launch into your health and fitness resolutions for the new year!”

Maureen adds:

This Sunday, (rain-or-shine), we’ll walk from Burien Town Square southwest into the slightly rolling hills of Gregory Heights. There’s a great viewpoint spot along the route which may give us a view of Mount Rainier if the sky is clear.

Here’s a map of the New Year’s Day route:

Click image to see larger version.

• Begin at Burien Town Square.
• West on SW 152nd St.
• South on 8th Ave. SW
• Cross SW 160th St. at 8th
• West on SW 160th St.
• South on 10th Ave. SW
• Viewpoint at 10th Ave. SW and SW 166th St.
• West on SW 166th St.
• North on 13th Ave. SW
• West on SW 162nd St. to Gregory Heights Elementary
• North on 16th Ave. SW
• Cross SW 160th St. at 16th
• East on SW 158th St. (It’s unmarked)
• North on 12th Ave. SW
• View of Lake Burien at 12th Ave. SW and SW 156th St.
• East on SW 156th St.
• North on 10th Ave. SW
• East on SW 152nd St
• On the way back to Burien Town Square, stop at a local restaurant for a cup of hot coffee, bowl of soup or other snack to warm you.

NOTE: The route is 3.3 miles, a little longer than previous Walk N’Talks, and with a few more slopes than some of the previous, flatter routes.

WHAT/WHO: This is a FREE Walk-n-Talk open to walkers and talkers of all abilities, including families and dogs.

WHERE: Meet on the grassy knoll at Burien Town Square, at 5th Place SW and SW 152nd Street.

WALK TO: Gregory Heights area, southwest of Burien Town Square (see map above).

WHEN: Sunday, January 1; meet at 2:00 p.m., start walking at 2:15 p.m.

INFO: Intentions for Burien’s Walk-n-Talk:

• “Encourage active living to support physical and mental health.” (Part of Burien’s new “Vision”.)
• Initiate conversation between friends and neighbors, new and old.
• Nurture the idea of our Town Square as the “living room” of Burien, our center and gathering place.
• Create our own little “volksmarch“, in the European tradition.
• Support our local cafés and restaurants on Sunday afternoons.

For a review of the first neighborly walk, click here: http://www.kunstdame.com/we-walked-we-talked/

For more information, email: design@RedRedCircle.com

Co-owner Nina Granatir strikes a pose in Bikram Yoga Burien's new space.

If you’ve ever fantasized about stretching and sweating with your hot B-Town neighbors, you’re in luck – new business Bikram Yoga Burien will be opening at 636 SW 152nd soon, possibly as early as this coming Thursday, Sept. 8th.

This new biz has taken over (and completely remodeled) the space formerly occupied by the Sylvan Learning Center in downtown Burien.

If you don’t know what Bikram Yoga is, here’s a video explanation:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And more info:

• It’s HOT Yoga, where the room temp is set at 105 degrees, with 40% humidity. According to the business’ website, there are several reasons for the heat:
  • This heat is helpful in allowing the body to go deeper into postures safely, minimizing risk of injury by increasing elasticity of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, allowing greater flexibility with a lower risk of injury.
  • The heat also facilitates sweating, detoxifying through the pores and skin – the body’s largest eliminating organ.
  • Heat increases cardiovascular workout.
  • The intensity of the heat deepens the need for concentration and focus, strengthening willpower and self-control.
• A typical 90-minute class burns between 650 – 1200 calories, depending on your weight and fitness level.
• There are 26 Postures and two Breathing Exercises used in Bikram Yoga.
• You don’t have to be a Yoga expert to take classes – just be sure to drink plenty of water though!

The ‘Bikram’ in Bikram Yoga refers to founder Bikram Choudhury, who, according to the company’s website:

Born in Calcutta in 1946, Bikram Choudhury is the founder of the Yoga College of India and creator of his unique sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises known as Bikram Yoga. Bikram began practicing yoga at the age of four under the tutelage of India’s most renowned physical culturist of the time, Bishnu Gosh (younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, founder of the self-Realization Fellowship, and the yogi recognized with first bringing yoga to the West).

Practicing yoga four to six hours a day under Bishnu Gosh’s guidance, Bikram became National Yoga Champion of India at the age of thirteen, “retiring” from yoga competition three years later as the undefeated four time All-India Yoga Champion.

One thing that will set this yoga shop apart from others is that they’ve installed brand new showers for both men (4) and women (6) – and we think a lot of their hot, sweaty customers will appreciate this.

“We hope to open as early as this coming Thursday (Sept. 8),” said Co-Owner Nina Granatir. “We get inspected on Tuesday.”

Scott Schaefer was out and about (and not sweating…yet), and he stopped by to take these pics:

Bikram Yoga Burien has taken over the space formerly occupied by the Sylvan Learning Center.

On Saturday (Sept. 3), finishing touches were being made on the main workout room.

The main lobby consists of the old entrance to the Sylvan Learning Center.

It's rare to find showers in a yoga joint, and the women's locker room has six.

The men's locker room has four showers.

To learn more about Bikram Yoga Burien, check out their website here: http://bikramburien.com, or call (206) 992-4341.

Karuna Arts Yoga is offering a Coupon to BTB Readers with a great offer for new Students – one month of unlimited Yoga for just $45! Just click below to Print:

Click image to Print Coupon.

As we do with all our Advertisers, we’re allowing a forum for Karuna Arts to share their message to our Readers:

Regular yoga practice heals. It starts on the surface, takes hold, then roots into the deepest potentials of your well being. There is no fast, quick fix to yoga, no short cuts adding excessive heat to your yoga practice places your system under stress, you’ll need to commit yourself to your own greater good by submitting to the slow, warm simmer of your attention.

How is your low back? …your neck? …your shoulder? ….your hip? With regular yoga practice and attention, the nagging sites of mischief–low back, neck, shoulder, hip or etc.– thin and become transparent.

There is no short fast route with yoga. You must take up the seeds, prepare the soil, nurture and trim the growth trusting that your most meaningful purpose is at hand. Since beginning my practice in Physical Therapy in 1986 and having practiced and taught yoga since 1995, I have found that consistency rooted in deep awareness is the source of healing. Each turn, each twist on the yoga mat served to ground me through life transitions and strengthened me when the “living was easy”. What I’m saying is: you may be struggling whether you realize it or not and yoga can heal, even if all you seek is a little relief from a pain in the neck.

View your health as a daily ritual. Eat to sustain health more than desire. Your body needs rest and your body needs activity. Get outdoors for vigorous regular walks, running or cycling to support your cardiovascular health and your spirit in nature, and keep yoga in your life for the long term.

Established in 2002, Karuna Arts Yoga is located at 819 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien, on the corner of 152nd and Ambaum. Many of our classes are therapeutic in nature, that is, yoga postures and practices are utilized as a means to treat the body, breath, and mind. We offer Group Yoga Classes 7 days per week and customize yoga practices for you in our Private Yoga Sessions, to schedule an appointment or to ask questions, please phone: 206/878-9642.

Not sure where to start? Karuna Arts Yoga offers Beginner Level Yoga Classes: 7:30-9:00 am and 6:00-7:30 pm Wednesdays, Foundations of Yoga and Meditation 11:00 am-12:30 pm Sunday mornings.

View our extensive schedule with classes 7 days per week: www.karuna-arts-yoga.com.

What they are saying:

My back has never felt better since beginning yoga at Karuna. I have also gotten stronger and more flexible. ~ L. Sims

Anne is a wonderful teacher who has inspired many to take care of themselves in and out of yoga class. She is an incredible teacher. ~Kris S.

Anne Basco has created a studio where you can safely practice to the best of your ability, and an open welcoming community. ~A. Steele

Karuna Arts Yoga gives me everything I need for my body, mind , and spirit. ~M. Anderson

Burien Parks is offering a free ZUMBA “Try It Out” class, with a Halloween Theme, this Saturday, Oct. 30th from 9am – 10am at the Seahurst Banquet Hall at the Burien Community Center at 14700 6th Ave SW.

Your instructor will be Anne Marie Littleton, who asks that visitors:

“Wear comfortable work-out clothes, cross-trainer tennies and some Halloween flair to get in the spirit (optional, of course)!!”

ZUMBA is Latin-inspired fitness class that feels like a dance party where you happen to be sweating up a storm and toning your muscles. It’s so much fun that you hardly notice the time fly by. The workout you get is a happy side benefit – but what a workout it is!

The goal of this class is to lose yourself in the music and enjoy moving your body! This workout is good for your mind, body and soul.

Try this free class to see if Zumba is for you! To register for a session of on-going ZUMBA classes at the Burien Community Center, please call (206) 988-3700.

WHAT: Free Halloween-themed ZUMBA Class.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 30th from 9am – 10am.

WHERE: Burien Community Center, Seahurst Banquet Hall, at 14700 6th Ave SW.

INSTRUCTOR:  Anne Marie Littleton, who we sure hope will be in costume!

Did you know that the Burien Elks Lodge holds Afternoon Dances the second Wednesday of every month, from 1pm – 3:30pm?

If you didn’t before, now you do. No need to thank us.

The next dance will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 10th from 1pm – 3:30pm, with music provided by Evan and Charlie Brown. According to an email:

It is not necessary for folks to be a member of the Elks to attend, and the music is a variety of 50′s and 60′s songs, including the 2-step, Foxtrot, waltz, swing, Latin etc.

It isn’t necessary to have a partner.

Here are more details:

WHAT: Afternoon Dances on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, from 1:00 to 3:30pm

WHERE: Burien Elks Lodge, located at 14006 1st Ave. South (across from Kennedy High School)

COST: No Elks Membership required Donation $4.00

INFO: Partner Not Necessary; Ballroom Variety For Your Dancing Pleasure Waltz, Fox trot, 2 Step, Latin etc. Hardwood Floor For Your Comfort. Stay Young! Keep Dancing!

Questions? Ask: Darlene Lang 206-243-7044. More info available at the Burien Elks website here.

According to Dona Forester, HAC General Manager,

“Pilates is for all fitness levels. It helps the average person become more physically fit and also provides the beginner a wonderful way to ease into any kind of fitness plan. There is no stress on joints and no wear and tear on your ligaments or cartilage around your joints, especially your knees and shoulder joints. Muscles are conditioned in a balanced way, which increases self-awareness.

Pilates is very rehabilitative for those who are suffering from an injury. Lengthening your body through Pilates will help soothe soreness from Osteoarthritis pain. Appropriate exercise is vital to managing arthritis, because it increases flexibility for stretching and reduces pain and fatigue. Stretching helps pump vital nutrients to your muscles and tendons, which help keep them healthy and minimize the risk of injury. If you are already physically fit Pilates is a great way to supplement workouts for greater results.”

B-Town Blog readers can take advantage of our great anniversary special. To celebrate – in the month of September we are offering Private sessions for $20 OFF per session. (6 maximum purchased & discounted sessions must be used within 4 weeks of purchase). This offer is available now through September 30. Private sessions with a certified Pilates Instructor Scott Miller is by far the best introduction to Pilates you can experience.

The studio is fully equipped with state of the art equipment and apparatus. Private and semi-private sessions are offered as well as group and private mat classes, available to members & non-members.

Here are some edited testimonials from clients taking Pilates with instructor Scott Miller at Highline Athletic Club:

After months of rehab from an accident, while traveling through Seattle on my way to a dream vacation in Alaska, it was important to me to have access to a Pilates session upon arrival in Seattle before starting another leg of the airplane travel.

I found Highline and Scott through my concierge service. I was grateful to make the connection. Scott was responsive prior to my arrival. …He worked with my limits with so much professionalism that I knew I was working with an expert instructor. He constantly evaluated my range of motion, my strength and stability making modifications to the routine as needed. He optimized every minute of my session time. I walked out feeling fully recovered from an arduous trip, ready for the next leg. I also walked out amazed at how lucky I was to have found him.

…I am happy to share my positive experience of Scott. He’s a treasure. I only wish I could work with him, individually or in a class setting, again.

Vicki Santello

When HAC began remodeling a room, little did I know that it would be a Pilates Studio. I knew nothing about Pilates. After inquiring and talking with Scott Miller, I decided to sign up for at least the introductory offer. Here it is a year plus later and I am still going. Maybe that is Scott’s fault!

Scott is an excellent teacher. He is knowledgeable, inspiring, considerate and sensitive. Scott is challenging, but brings you along as you are able to progress with encouragement and praise. Pilates has been a great program for me, especially, for improving my posture and flexibility.

P.S. I was 77 years old when I began Pilates. “Nothing ventured! Nothing gained”! If I can do it, what about you? Thanks Scott! It’s been great!

Glen Embree, Member HAC

I’ve been taking private Pilates sessions with Scott for quite some time and I am amazed at how much better I feel since starting Pilates. Not only am I a stroke survivor, I’ve also been in several car accidents (rear-ended) more than my fair share. Since taking Pilates, my pain has decreased a lot. Scott has been a very patient and competent instructor. Even though I’m spatially challenged, he works with me to understand the exercises and always make sure I’m doing them correctly. I go weekly and it’s never boring because Scott is so good at varying the routines. There seems to be an infinite number of Pilates exercises. And in addition to all the above, Scott makes it fun!”

Geralyn Mirante-Marley

I have struggled with back and feet problems for years. I finally reached a point where I was having difficulty working each day, as I am on my feet for hours as a personal trainer at HAC. After making some great progress in physical therapy, my therapist suggested I try Pilates.

I have been training with Scott even before he came to HAC. I not only experienced reduced pain in my feet and back, but also achieved greater range of motion in my entire body than I had ever had before. The improvements in core and total body strength, along with balance and stamina were fantastic!

Scott is incredibly passionate in the work he does. He is genuinely excited for each student’s progress and successes and celebrates them openly! He has an amazing ability to spot the weak areas and strengthen them. He also knows how to push you just past the point you think you are capable of – one of the marks of a great instructor! Thank you Scott for all you do!

Autum Puhrmann, A.C.S.M. HFI certified Fitness Professional, Highline Athletic Club

The folks at Highline Athletic Club invite you to come visit their state of the art Pilates studio. Additional information is available at the club or on their website. They are located in Burien off of 1st Avenue and 156th Street behind McDonalds at 125 S. 156th Street in Burien. You can also give them a call at 206-246-9000.

The early registration deadline to run in this year’s Brat Trot is Wednesday, Sept. 1st, and by registering now (just click here) you’ll save $5 off the regular race fee.

We’re one of the sponsors of this great event, and we’re encouraging all our Readers to lace up and hop on board this fundraiser 5k run, which will benefit two local non-profits:

• Safe Kids King County South
• WestSide Baby

Both organizations support injury prevention through education and access by providing needy families with essentials such as car seats and cribs.

The brainchild of Tin Room owner Danny House (aka Dan the Sausageman), the race raised nearly $25,000 in 2009 and equally important drew more than 700 people together for a day of fun and festivities. The 5k run was developed in 2009 as a way to gather the community together, Octoberfest style, for an afternoon of exercise followed by a celebration. In the spirit of community the Brat Trot also raises critical funds for

The 5K race begins on SW 152nd widely circling Lake Burien and finishes to cheering crowds around the corner of 10th and back onto SW 152nd. 2010 brings the addition of a 1 mile+ “Seize the Sausage” race perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a shorter venue. Runners can dash out, grab their Bratton and race back to the same finish line as those in the 5K.

Here’s a map of the course:

If you’re a business interested in sponsoring this year’s fundraiser (did we mention that we’re sponsors…?), click here to download a PDF document with more info.

After rappelling down the Rainier Tower for Special Olympics (see our previous coverage here), local celeb “Sam the Sausage” is now focusing on the quintessential prize in the world of meat – that’s right, he’s planning on competing in this year’s Burien Brat Trot, coming up Sunday, Sept. 19th in Olde Burien.

Sam put out this press release Sunday:

If you ist eine güt meat-encased animal type creature, you vil run in dis year’s Brat Trot!

Else risk de pain of meine grosse schmellen!

To avoid Sam’s “grosse schmellen,” you should register right away by clicking here – the fee is only $35, but act fast, because the price goes up Sept. 1st.

To inspire all you meat-encased humanoid creatures, here are some photos of Sausage’s rappel:

by Rachel M. Lusby

Burien resident Tamara Mackey is not only a strong and active member of the business community, she is also an avid marathon and half marathon “fanatic” who ran 52 half-marathons in 52 weeks.

That’s right – she ran one every single week for an entire year.

Mackey belongs to groups called the “Half Fanatics” and “Marathon Maniacs,” however she has not always been such a participant in any athletics.

In high school, Mackey says, she did not participate in any sports and even had physical education waived.

“I hated running,” she says.

After college, though, Mackey joined a gym and later started going to the YMCA. There, she says, they were looking for someone to be a cycling instructor and she told them she thought she could do that.

She has been a cycling instructor at the YMCA for 9 years now.

"I hated running," Tamara once said. Now look at her.

Mackey claims she has no idea what really inspired her to begin running races – in 2002, she decided she wanted to do a triathlon. She had never run before, and was about to run three miles, plus swim and bike.

The other hurdle was she could not swim, and was also so afraid of water, she didn’t even want to put her face in it.

She says she figured she could just doggy-paddle through that part of the race. By mistake, however, she grabbed the “elite skincap” which put her in place with the more advanced swimmers. She was bolted where she stood on shore, completely afraid.

The “swim angel” asked her what was wrong, and she said she was terrified. This “swim angel” got in the water with her and they swam along to the other side.

Since then, Mackey has participated in other triathlons, such as the SeaFair Triathlon, and can now swim; she even puts her head under the water.

“It completely overwhelmed my fear,” Mackey said about her first triathlon.

In 2002, Mackey then got into half marathons, joining a club called “Half Fanatics.” Half marathons are 13.1 miles long. Half Fanatics is an online club, found at www.halffanatics.com, and includes goals for runners to reach.

Mackey was the first half fanatic to reach the highest goal, which is 52 half marathons in 52 weeks; her photograph can be found on the website.

Since completing this goal, she has also begun running full marathons, which are 26.5 miles; she has ran 23 of these thus far.

It isn’t as easy as it may sound, according to Mackey, to complete or even get out of bed to participate in these events.

After her first marathon, Mackey was thinking she never wanted to do one again.

Tamara's next goal is to be named "Half Fanatic of the Year." Some think she may be a "full" one.

“It was a miserable experience,” she says. “I thought, ‘I am never going to do this again!’”

Now, she has intentions of doing one in every state.

Another difficult part of being a marathon runner is finding half marathons or full marathons which meet the required logistics of her clubs. This is why she does a lot of travelling to other states and Canada to meet her marathon goals.

The hardest part of all, however, is not the will to run but the means to do so. Each race costs money; money to participate, money to travel, money to have the appropriate attire.

“I try to stay with friends and family,” says Mackey. She also adds that she has stayed with those who her friends and family have connections to; strangers to her.

Mackey says if anyone has connections throughout the country, to please shoot her an email at Tamara.Mackey@e-hps.com. She would also like to talk to anyone looking for a running partner.

Her next goal is to be named “Half Fanatic of the Year” in which she will have to participate in three half marathons a month by the end of the year to achieve.

Mackey says she has people tell her all the time that she is “insane” and many who are not into athletics believe she is “excessive,” however she does not believe so. She runs Tuesdays and weekends, while the more “hardcore” marathoners run about 40 miles a week.

Mackey is local to Burien and is on the membership committee for Discover Burien and is also an ambassador for the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her duties there, she works full time for Heartland Payment Systems.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow that captures some of Tamara’s experiences over the last year:

Click to Play Tamara Mackey’s Photo Slideshow

GREAT NEWS! Highline Athletic Club is excited to announce two new membership options for young adults, which makes working out at HAC affordable. Effective July 1st, 2010 monthly membership dues for this age group decreased. In this economy, prioritizing health is more important than ever and we want young adults working out at HAC! B-Town Blog readers – Highline Athletic Club is waiving the enrollment fee (reg. $140-$200) for this new membership through August 31st, 2010.

Young adults ages 18-29 are eligible for our Young Professional Membership. Includes full club services & hours for Adults with some children’s restrictions.

Young Professional Membership (18-29 years)

• Single $45.00 + tax
• Couple $75.00 + tax
• Family (1 child) $90.00 + tax
• Family (2-4 children) $105.00 + tax

If your parent is an active member of HAC, you can save even more with the NEW Associate Membership. This membership type is for young adult’s ages 18-24 years old whose parents are active members at Highline Athletic Club.

Associate Membership (18-24 years) – Parents must be active HAC members.

• $30.00 + tax per month

Christina in Membership Services is happy to answer any questions you have about these membership options. Christina can be reached by phone at 206-246-9000 or by email at: membershipservices@highlineathleticclub.com. Highline Athletic Club is located at 125 South 156th Street in Burien. Check out their website at www.highlineathleticclub.com.