Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1439376
38 WAC Magazine | wac.net CLAIRE TAYLOR MEMBER SINCE 2014 Claire Taylor keeps active by two wheels. For Claire, official "workouts" play a secondary role to healthy habits incorporated into everyday living. Whether working, shopping, or recreat- ing, Claire almost always chooses her bike to get there. She took up the habit five years ago while living in Belltown and working in Fremont. "I love the flexibility that biking provides," she says. Claire attended Rice University for under- grad and Louisiana State University for grad school. But it wasn't until moving to Seattle that she took up biking. "Riding up—and especially down—the hills around where I live is exhilarat- ing," she says. "It just feels great to be on a bike." Claire moved to Seattle to live with husband Matt Brannock in 2013 and joined the WAC a year later. In addition to her regular cycling, Claire lis weights and rides spin bikes in Women's and Coed fitness. "Biking indoors is a nice alternative to outdoor rides," she says. She also frequents group fitness instructor Linda Schetky's Blitz 45 class, a high-effi- ciency 45-minute workout that incorporates strength-training and plyometrics—perfect for Claire's other passion, downhill skiing. "Linda is so positive and encouraging and has created an awesome space where you get to know other folks in the class," Claire says. "It's a tough workout, but she helps keep everyone engaged." Linda mixes up exercises each class and employs a straightforward approach that allows anyone to get up to speed quickly. But she says there's one thing that matters most: "Number one is making it to the gym. at's a victory within itself. In order to achieve the other 'little wins' you have to be consistent and show up." For Claire, keeping something on her calendar also helps keep her on track. is year, she's training for Passport2Pain, an annual Vashon Island bike ride known for its wacky checkpoints and creative disorganization. Aer successfully completing the ride's 50-mile event last year, she plans to tackle it again this September. "I'm very much motivated by having a 'thing' I want to do," Claire says. "And putting in the time to make that 'thing' feel easier or more doable." "I'm very much motivated by having a 'thing' I want to do. And putting in the time to make that 'thing' feel easier or more doable." — CLAIRE TAYLOR