Beyond the Boardroom Paula Hardin, general manager Airport Health Club
By Rosie Padilla
What sort of outdoor activities does Airport Health Club offer to its members? At the Airport Health Club, we offer a rich variety of outdoor activities: lap swimming, recreational swimming, cardio workouts on our machines, relaxing on the pool deck or in the hot tub, Ping-Pong and lots of pickleball. Why does the North Bay love pickleball so much? Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America—easy to learn, affordable, fun for all ages and wonderfully social. We offer Open Play every day, allowing members to simply show up and join games without organizing groups in advance. Our members also can enjoy a mix of organized play, clinics and tournaments. My husband and I both play, and many of our friendships have been formed on the courts. How would you describe your leadership style? We pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service. Our team members are chosen not only for their expertise but also for their people skills. As the health and fitness industry evolves, so do we—constantly innovating to support personal well-being. My leadership style is laid-back yet engaged. I focus on active listening, support and encouraging individual ownership. What separates Airport Health Club from the others? One of the programs closest to my heart is our Cancer Wellness Program. Inspired by a similar initiative at another club, we decided to bring the program to our community. Research shows exercise supports those living with cancer, and we are proud to offer this 10-week program at no cost to cancer patients undergoing treatment or in recovery. We are about to begin our 90th session. It is funded through private donations and is supported by the nonprofit North Bay Cancer Alliance in conjunction with the club. What do evenings look like after work? I end my day unwinding on our porch in Healdsburg with my husband, our cat and ranch dog. Often sipping a glass of local chardonnay dreaming about our next adventure. What’s your favorite outdoor activity? Personally, my favorite outdoor activity is downhill skiing. My parents put me on skis at 2 years old! Favorite hobbies? My hobbies include hiking, paddleboarding, biking, running, pickleball, Pilates, traveling, jewelry, soap and candle making as well as FaceTiming with my grandchildren who live in Canada. Do you have a favorite local hiking trail? Foothills Regional Park. What inspires you? People inspire me—sharing, learning and playing with friends and family brings me joy. Nature fuels my spirit, whether I’m hiking, biking, paddling or skiing. projects—one being the recent expansion of pickleball courts. The health club transformed two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts. “And last year we added two premium courts, a warm- up area, a large social deck and a coach’s corner—truly ‘going all in’ on this fantastic sport,” says Hardin. Whether you are looking to begin your fitness journey or achieve your wellness goals, Airport Health Club may be what you are looking for. To find out more, head to airportclub.com . A irport Health Club, located at 432 Aviation Blvd. in Santa Rosa, offers a slew of amenities and workout options to achieve its goal of providing exceptional service in an innovative and supportive environment, says General Manager Paula Hardin. The health club offers scheduled classes including water fitness, free weight clinics, Pilates, intro to pickleball and more. Beyond its courses, Airport Health Club has a full-service salon on site, saunas and steam rooms, massage therapists, childcare, etc. AHC’s various offerings may be the reason NBb readers voted it the best gym/health club in this year’s Best of the North Bay contest. People of all fitness levels are welcome at Airport Health Club and, with a continued strive toward innovation, there is always something new to look forward to. Hardin explained that in her 33 years at the club she has proudly led many meaningful
58 NorthBaybiz
July 2025
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software