Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/672196
MEET THE ATHLETE Coming home By Mae Jacobson By all accounts, Justin McCullum was destined to play football. The son of former Seahawks wide receiver Sam McCullum, Justin grew up on Mercer Island excelling at sports. When it was time for college, Justin attended Stanford University, where he played wide receiver from 2001–2005. After graduation, Justin had the opportunity to play for the Carolina Panthers and for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe. In 2007, Justin retired from football and moved to San Francisco with his wife, Amanda. After eight years in the Bay Area, Justin and Amanda returned to Seattle in 2015 with their 18-month-old daughter, Cameron. When did you start playing football? My father wouldn't let me play football until my freshman year of high school because he knew how dangerous it was. So I focused on basketball and baseball growing up. When I finally got my football pads on for the first time, I fell in love. What's your favorite part about team sports? I gravitated toward team sports because I love the camaraderie. In my mind, there's nothing better than competing and winning alongside your friends. At Stanford, I was lucky enough to play on great teams, make lifelong friends, and win some games. The NFL was especially rewarding in different ways. Guys were competing against each other to make the team, so I had to work incredibly hard to keep up with the level of talent. That experience definitely made me stronger. Why did you join the WAC? The competitive basketball league was a big reason why. We also use the Club as a family. Cameron is learning to swim, Amanda does Pilates and yoga, and I use the 6th Floor and receive physical therapy in the Wellness Center. What would you say about the basketball league? The first thing I noticed was the high level of competition and the quality of the people. From day one, I felt like one of the guys. Any advice for aspiring athletes? Put your studies ahead of athletics. It's cliché to say, but never give up. The individuals with dedication and focus always end up in the winner's circle. Work on your game. Take the time outside of practice to focus on your strengths while improving your weaknesses. K R I S TA S E R I A N N I 50 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | MAY / JUNE 2016 Restorative Yoga Supplement your regular yoga practice with this gentler and slower-paced style of yoga. Props assist therapeutic poses. Mondays: 8:30–9:30 am Saturdays: 8:30–9:30 am Vinyasa Fluid transitions between poses— linking body, breath and alignment. Mondays/ Wednesdays/Fridays: 5:15–6:15 am Mondays: 6:30–7:30 pm Wednesdays: 8–9 am Thursdays: 6:30–7:30 pm Fridays: 9–10 am Saturdays: 10:30–11:45 am Yoga Moves Integrative sequencing to maintain stabilization, coordination, and healthy range of motion. Tuesdays/ Thursdays: 8:30–9:45 am Yoga Shala Enjoy an enriching educational workshop format. Longer- held poses designed to strengthen, lengthen and align the body. Mondays/ Wednesdays: 6:30–7:45 am, 9–10:30 am Fridays: 6:30–7:45 am GET FIT CLASSES Get Fit classes are designed for adults seeking workout modifications for a safe and effective fitness routine. Free with Fitness Advantage ($12 without). $3 for members 65+. Get Fit Stretch and strengthen your body. Tuesdays/ Wednesdays/Fridays: 10–10:45 am Get Fit Barre Tone and extend your body. Thursdays: 10–10:45 am Get Fit TRX Join us for a great suspension- training workout for core strengthening. Mondays: 10–10:45 am Get Fit Water Aerobics A low-impact, fun and invigorating workout. Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays: 11–11:45 am Fridays: 10–10:45 am Get Fit Yoga A gentle yoga class with emphasis on lengthening muscles, breathing and relaxation. Tuesdays/ Thursdays: 7–8 am (FTR-A) Wednesdays: 4–5 pm