Self-Training: The Real March Madness? When January rolls around, we trainers are so happy to see many new faces, and the return of longtime members excited to pursue their fitness and health goals. Unfortunately many who have made the commitment to come to the BAC do not realize what valuable resource is missing in their exercise plans when they don’t work with a personal trainer.

Cost is the biggest reason we hear why members do not use a trainer. If this sounds familiar, ask yourself: If you are not savvy in finance, do you feel comfortable setting up your retirement funds? If you are not a landscaper, do you feel capable creating a large rock garden in your yard? Generally if you are not an expert, you hire one to get the job done.

Personal trainers ARE the experts of fitness. Sure, you can find exercises online, or use a program from a magazine that a celebrity used to get in shape for a film role. A self-designed training program takes a lot of time researching (read: guesswork). Plus, this approach may not be effective—or even safe—for you personally.

Why not hire somebody with the knowledge and experience to design a plan that will help you achieve YOUR specific fitness goals? In the long run, it will likely get you to your goal more quickly and safely than going it on your own. By becoming a BAC member, you have already invested in better health. Why not spend a few more dollars to get a plan that has been designed specifically for you. Whether it be a few or many personal training sessions, the return on this investment can include big dividends. • —Lynn Madsen, BAC Personal Trainer

The BAC ConneCTionF i t n e s s • P e r F o r m a n c e • H e a lt H • F u n

VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 3 • MARCH 2016

6789 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 • (269) 544-3200 • bronsonathleticclub.com

Sound off! We want to know how you feel about your membership experience, and if

Bronson Athletic Club is meeting your expectations. Please take a minute to complete the online 2016 BAC Member Survey by April 15. A link to the survey will be emailed to all members with addresses on file. You can access the survey by entering this URL in your browser: https://goo.gl/ENkyTr or click the “Membership Survey” link on our website (bronsonathleticclub.com).

As a thank you for sharing your opinions, you will receive a complimentary guest pass to the BAC. In addition, all respondents will be entered into a drawing for a FREE month of primary dues. When you complete the online survey, you will be directed to a web page certificate. Print and bring into Membership (or show us on your smartphone) to receive your free pass. If you are unable to submit your survey after pressing the “finish” button, you haven’t answered a required question. Scroll down and answer the questions noted in red. Talk BAC to us today!

It’s March in the Deli! (You know what that means)

Reuben SandwichesGet one before they’re gone

Talk BAC To Us

BAC PACTraining PackageMembers, did you know you can get a FREE training session just by purchasing a BAC PAC in advance? Save with our package plan. Check out the options at the Service Desk.

Deli Special

FREE Training Test DriveTake a BAC personal trainer for a test drive! We want to show you what we can do for you. Let us help you reach your goals. Working with a trainer is much more than lifting weights and doing cardio. Come and see for yourself with a no-obligation session.Time slots are available starting the week of March 14. Contact Steve Lewis, lewistev@bronsonhg.org, (269) 544-3200, to schedule. (New clients only)

floor during his Tuesday evening closing shift and as the Friday morning opener. “I love the amount of knowledge I have been exposed to since working at the BAC,” Sean says. “I am surrounded by brilliant minds when it comes to developing and achieving overall fitness and health—Fitness Manager Steve Lewis has been phenomenal in opening doors for my education.” Sean hopes to be admitted to the Western Michigan University occupational therapy program.

The Reno, Nev., native moved to Kalamazoo as a high school sophomore. Now that he is home in West Michigan, he has an expanded family to care for. Maddox—born in October to Sean and wife Briana—has become “the center of my universe. I love spending time and playing with my son.” •

Meet Dr. Dennis JewettSomething you may know about Dennis Jewett: He is a neurologist with the Bronson Neuroscience Center. You may not know: He is an accomplished photographer (featured works available through an online art gallery) and musician (rhythm guitarist and harmonizing vocalist in his medical school bluegrass band). Born in Wisconsin, his education includes a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan, graduate degree in Physiology from Michigan State, medical degree from the MSU College of Human Medicine and a Neurology residency at the Mayo Clinic. In his own words:

My favorite times at the BAC are the start of handball and the end of Spinning®class. I still recall when the club first

opened, we were waiting for the bikes to arrive, and, at the same time, we were trying to bring in more handball players. Now, many years later, the challenge and camaraderie of handball never gets old, while Spinning® reminds me that I am getting old.

It’s all good though, because it’s the endless energy at the BAC that keeps

M E M B E R P R O F I L E

Sean Crowell,Fitness StaffPhysical fitness and mental discipline have been a part of Sean Crowell’s life since setting a new pushup record—107 in a row—at his middle school. Prior to donning the red Fitness Staff T-shirt in August, he

proudly wore another uniform for four years: Air Force blue. “I was an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician,” he explains. “I was stationed at Moody AFB, Ga., with the 74th and 75th Fighter Squadrons. I have deployed to Afghanistan and spent some time in Korea.”

Sean joined the BAC to gain exposure to the fitness industry. “I love to work out and be active outdoors,” he says. “I like to read a lot of fitness articles and watch motivational videos about people on their journey to finding better health.” In addition, he is “extremely passionate” about CrossFit, and hopes to one day open his own CrossFit affiliate gym.

Members will see the hardworking teammate on the Fitness

M A R C H M V P

Sean Crowell

me motivated. The intensity of the trainers and instructors is a constant reminder of what I could be with a little discipline and fewer donuts. I also take energy and inspiration from the BAC members, some of whom persevere in the face of injury and disability. They are my heroes. I have settled into a routine of Spinning®, handball, some running, weights (including kettlebells) and some yoga positions for the hopelessly inflexible.

The club offers an excellent range of activities, most without extra charges, unlike some clubs I have belonged to. I haven’t tried the Hip-Hop Funk yet, but I don’t think I am eligible anyway. I always appreciate the thoughtfulness and courtesy of the staff. Customer service is a lost art these days, but is alive and well at the BAC.

My goals are fairly simple: climb Mount Everest, swim the English Channel, or maybe just lose 20 pounds and get into those clothes that are in the far right corner of my closet. Truthfully, I have run eight marathons, and I would like to get back into a situation where another marathon might at least be a possibility. I would also like to get in the kind of shape that would allow me to beat —and I actually mean punish—my worthy handball adversaries, and maybe even, finally, win a tournament. — Dennis Jewett •Dr. Dennis Jewett

IronBAC is March 19It’s the last in a series! Don’t miss your chance to take part in the final competition. It’s the Lucky 13 of IronBACs—and will be the end of an era. The 13th (and last) Annual IronBAC Indoor Triathlon will be held on Saturday, March 19. The IronBAC is a great opportunity for you to compete in a triathlon at your own pace. There are 10 different start times available beginning at 8 a.m. Space is limited to 60 slots; 10 teams will be accepted. For registration questions, contact Sarah Onderlinde, onderlis@bronsonhg.org. Sign up now before the event is history.

feel better. The program is based on The Primal Blueprint 21-Day Total Body Transformation devised by fitness expert and author Mark Sisson. Participants will receive a one-on-one meeting with a certified personal trainer to assess their current fitness profile, and six 45-minute, small group training sessions.WHEN Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m. | Wednesday, April 13, 6 p.m. COST Information sessions FREE for everyoneWHEN Small group training sessions begin week of April 25 COST Member $165 | Nonmember $195 (complete program) Graduate $100 (see Steve Lewis for details)

MOVE150 Challenge WeekCan you move for 150 minutes? In observance of Medical Fitness Week, the BAC is encouraging members to be active and commit to a healthy lifestyle. Those completing the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win prizes, including a free month of membership.WHEN April 23–29; cards will be available the week of April 18

Couples Ballroom Dance ClassCome dance with us! You must register as a couple, or call Lindsey Ralya to be assigned a partner.WHEN Tuesdays, March 8–April 12, 7–8 p.m. COST Member $40 | Nonmember $55 (Fees are per person)

Country Line Dance ClassIf you like country music and want to try a different type of workout, join us for a fun, rousing activity.WHEN Tuesdays, March 8–April 12, 8–9 p.m. COST Member $30 | Nonmember $45 (Fees are per person)

Nordic Walking Clinic Come to a FREE one-day introductory clinic and walk demonstrating the use of Nordic poles on a trek to fitness. Poles are provided; please register to ensure your spot.WHEN Wednesday, April 13, 6 p.m. COST No charge for all

Self-Defense: How to Not Be a Victim Recognize, eliminate and avoid potential trouble by becoming

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(Continued back page)

MARCH–APRIL 2016

PROGRAMS | CLASSES PERSONAL TRAINING lewistev@bronsonhg.org

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Ultimate IronBAC Indoor TriathlonThe 13th (and last) Annual IronBAC Indoor Triathlon features swimming, stationary biking and running—each in a 20-minute segment. Space is limited to 60 slots; 10 teams will be accepted.WHEN Saturday, March 19 (heats begin 8 a.m.) COST Member $25 | Nonmember $35 (individual) Member $50 | Nonmember $70 (team)

Spring Re-Boot Hustle It’s spring, and a BAC member’s fancy turns to—bootcamp! Yes, we’re back with a whole new lineup of drills to get you warmed up and in shape for the warmer weather to come. Instructor is Personal Trainer Jeremy Mutchler.WHEN Monday–Friday, 8–9 a.m., April 4–8 COST Member $50 | Nonmember $75

BAC TED* Talks *Trainer Education and Development

Join us in this series featuring the BAC’s own version of enlightened and informative talks with Personal Trainer Jeremy Mutchler. The topic is “Finding Your Why.” Get to the heart of why you are at the gym. Digging deeper and cutting through surface goals will help you get the results you are really looking for.WHEN Wednesday, March 16, 5:30–6 p.m. COST Free for everyone

Lady Lifters Small group strength training for women, including basic movements, form and posturing. Great for those who want a refresher on form. Instructor is Personal Trainer Laura Nomura.WHEN Mondays, 7:15–8:15 a.m., March 14–April 18 COST Member $130 | Nonmember $170

Kettlebell Intro Course Check out Kettlebell FIT class times on our group-x master schedule. Before attending, please take the intro course scheduled the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month. WHEN Tuesdays, 5 p.m., March 1 | April 5 Thursdays, 7 p.m., March 3 | April 7 COST Member no charge | Nonmember $10

21-Day Primal Transformation If you missed the first session in 2016, now is the time to make this your year to join the movement. Learn the simple principles that can help you eat better, look better and

PROGRAMS | RECREATION ralyal@bronsonhg.org

GROUP-X | PROGRAMS shons@bronsonhg.org

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Brigham Classic Paddleball TournamentThe BAC is hosting the event for paddleball enthusiasts. For details and registration, visit paddleball.org.WHEN Saturday, April 8

Blood Drive at the BACShow your support for those in need and donate during the Michigan Blood drive at the BAC. You may drop in or make an appointment at http://goo.gl/QEN4Pd (type Bronson Athletic Club in location).WHEN Wednesday, April 20, 2–6 p.m.

Orchid Society Plant ShowKalamazoo Dunes Orchid Society is hosting a show and sale featuring several varieties of blooming orchid plants, along with experts to provide information and tips for growing orchids. Location is Conference Room 2; open to the public.WHEN Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Spring Break Basketball ClinicKeep your kids active and entertained this spring break with fun and skill-building at the BAC. Our popular basketball clinic is back with sessions for three age levels. WHEN Monday–Friday, April 4–8: sessions are 9–9:55 a.m. (ages 6–7) | 10–10:55 a.m. (ages 8–10) | 11–11:55 a.m. (ages 11–12) COST Member $50 | Nonmember $65

Sunday Swim WorkoutsJoin BAC swim coach Juan Tavares for an early morning swim workout. Members must sign up in advance. WHEN Sundays, as long as there is member interest, 7:05–8 a.m. If needed, overflow session will be 8:05–9 a.m. COST No charge for members

(Continued from p. 3) more aware of your daily surroundings. Learn how to release yourself from different grabs and holds.WHEN Saturday, April 30, 1–3:30 p.m. COST Member no charge | Nonmember $30

Pregnancy Group Exercise

WHEN Water: Tuesdays, 7–7:45 p.m., March 29–May 3 Yoga: Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m., March 31–May 5 COST Member $40 | Nonmember $60

Tai Chi A meditative martial art, Tai Chi helps rid your body of unnecessary mental and physical tension. WHEN Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m., March 31–May 5 COST Member $20 | Nonmember $60

Parkinson’s Exercise ProgramClasses are designed for symptom control and to optimize physical function for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Contact Sheri Shon, shons@bronsonhg.org, for class placement. Scholarships may be available for qualified participants.WHEN Mondays and Wednesdays, March 28–June 22 Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 29–June 23 COST Member $120 | Nonmember $168

A Matter of Balance: A Fall Prevention ProgramIf you are interested in improving balance and strength, or have fallen in the past, check out this award-winning program that will help you prevent falls and become more active. Set goals and learn how to reduce the risk of falling at home. Exercise to increase strength and balance. For information, email trauma@bronsonhg.org.WHEN Mondays and Fridays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., March 14–April 8 COST Free for participants; call (269) 341-7959 to register

GROUP-X | PROGRAMS shons@bronsonhg.org

OTHER PROGRAMS AT THE BAC

MARCH–APRIL 2016 PROGRAMS | CLASSES (CONTINUED)

JUST FOR KIDS ralyal@bronsonhg.org

AQUATICS (269) 544-3232 mackalus@bronsonhg.org

As we announced in January, the Fitness Floor will be getting an extreme makeover over the spring and summer. All of the strength machines are being replaced and rearranged in a new footprint. Among the pieces will be this top-of-the-line cable station (left) and a Hammer Strength power rack.

SneakPreview:What’s

Comingto the

Fitness Floor

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