47-52. Don’t call it a comeback.
Volleyball may be today’s “it” workout, but local leagues have been bumping and setting for years. Here, our Seattle v-ball pickup picks for every style.
If you’re the outdoorsy sort Head to Ingraham High School every Thursday, when a rugged club called the Mountaineers hits the net. Times vary due to school schedules but sessions usually start at 8pm and cost $5. Call Eldon Ball (206-366-8405) for details.
If you’re social but sorta serious Play at Kamiakin Junior High (ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/parks/recreation_programs/athletics.htm) on Sunday evenings from September through June, where ballers range from newbies to pros. Games begin at 5pm and cost $4.
If you’re sand-loving North Beach Volleyball (sandboxsports.net) owner Willie Moneda and his family eat, sleep, and breathe beach v-ball, and open two indoor courts to league play 50 weeks a year. If you don’t have a team, go to the hour-long Thursday night Skills and Drills clinic taught by former University of Kentucky setter Sabrina Brown. Class begins at 6pm ($10 for drop-ins, free for league players).
If you’re seasoned Terrace Park facility (mltrec.com) in Mountlake Terrace opens its doors to the 55-plus crowd (most players are in their mid-60s) every Tuesday night from 5 to 7pm, year round, for $2.75–$3.25.
If you’re serious At Shoreline’s Spartan Recreation Center (18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline, 206-801-2600; cityofshoreline.com/index.aspx?page=138) rookies can sign up, but should be prepared to get schooled. Players tend to be intermediate to advanced. Wednesdays 7:15 to 9pm, register by 6:45 for one of 35 spots ($3.50–$4).
If you’re super serious Calling all jocks! Most players at the Ballard Community Center (seattle.gov/parks/centers/ballard.htm) for Tuesday-night pickups have either played college ball or at least have solid knowledge and skills. Play begins at 8pm and costs $2; the center suggests showing up by 7:20 to grab one of only 30 tickets into the gym. If you make it, you’ll be randomly put on a team (no cliques here) and play two Round Robin tourneys in one night, promising one heck of a sweat.
53. Spread out your mat.
If cramped, claustrophobic quarters keep you away from most urban yoga studios, check out Be Luminous Yoga (beluminousyoga.com). The airy new school across the lot from the Pan Pacific Hotel was opened last November by two longtime local yogis specializing in the Baptiste style of vinyasa, or flow, yoga. Classes are taught out of an enormous practice space, and there are two spacious shower rooms, so you can stretch away stress and still smell nice afterward.
Published: January 2010
Hey gang, thank you so much for including me on your esteemed list! I am tickled. I’m taking my meatless 1x/week theme to the ext level in 2010— in the form of a cookbook! “Licking Your Chops,” a collection of 52 menus to help meat eaters take a break from eat 1x/week, will be published (Da Capo Press) right around Labor Day. Stay tuned! All best.
the Runner’s High is real! if you’re thinking about getting into running but are a little intimidated, Team in Training is a great way to start – the Seattle group has really helpful coaches, beautiful running routes, and tons of fun people to run with. And you raise money for a great cause (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). http://www.teamintraining.org/wa/
I’m nearing the end of Day 3 of the water cleanse, inspired by Karen Quinn’s story. So far, so good. Today is the first day with only water. I do find myself instinctively wandering into the kitchen to grab snacks, only to snap out of it as I’m reaching for the chips. Tomorrow at the exact mid-point I’m getting a deep-tissue massage, which has motivated me through the first three days. It will also help release some more toxins, I’m sure. Thanks so much for publishing this! I have never fasted before, and am so glad I gave it a try.
Jay—
Way to give the cleanse a try—I find “water only” to be two very intimidating words. The massage is a good idea though, good to think of ways to reward yourself when embarking on such a serious challenge. Congrats to you.
Those aren’t the only places to play volleyball in Seattle, check out sbvclub.com for more information.