After careers in medicine and physical therapy treating the ill and injured, Steve Shapiro and Debora Valis wanted to create a place where people on Whidbey Island could improve their health and fitness while building connections with others. In 1996, they turned that vision into reality with the opening of Island Athletic Club (IAC) in Freeland.
Nearly three decades later, Steve, and Debora remain proud of the role IAC plays in the community.
Although the two can still be found working out at the club, the day-to-day management of the Club is now in the hands of their daughter, Katie Shapiro, her husband, Nick Horton, and their amazing management team.
Today, IAC has 55 employees, including a few who have been with the club from the very beginning, and many others who have worked there for more than twenty years. All staff members are dedicated to providing an excellent experience for members and visitors alike. Trained fitness staff are available to help folks learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively and find activities that fit their individual needs.
The club currently has approximately 2,300 members. Some participate regularly in the wide variety of classes, while others prefer swimming, strength training, cardio equipment or independent workouts. This year, IAC invested in new strength-training equipment and converted a former racquetball court into additional space for stretching and strength work. The result is a brand-new feeling space with ample room and equipment for all kinds of exercise routines.
Fitness classes include yoga, strength classes, dance fitness, cycling, high intensity interval training, classes for seniors, and water aerobics.
In addition to water aerobics, members can take advantage of designated times for lap swimming, independent exercise, and family swim times. The IAC pool is also home to 5 x week Masters Swimming sessions, and the South Whidbey Stingrays Swim team.
Katie and Nick are committed to carrying on the reputation that Steve and Debora established when they opened the club in 1996. For Nick, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing the difference the club can make in people’s lives.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing people leave here feeling good about themselves and optimistic about the steps they’re taking to stay healthy,” he says.
For Katie, IAC is about more than just providing equipment and exercise classes. She emphasizes the social side of IAC.
“Building relationships and spending time with friends is just as important as the exercise,” she says.
That sense of community may help explain one of the comments the staff hears most often from members: “It’s a lot of fun!”
For anyone interested in learning more about Island Athletic Club, the facility welcomes visitors for tours and information about membership and available programs. Drop by, or call 331-2582 to make an appointment.
Island Athletic Club is located at 5522 South Freeland Avenue in Freeland, WA.
Open Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
