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

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

VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 5 • MAY 2015

Holiday Hours

Survey Results: Thank You for SharingThank you to the more than 900 respondents completing the recent 2015 BAC Member Survey. The results are in: Most members are satisfied with most aspects of the club, with a few notable exceptions. More than 91 percent of you ranked the club excellent or superior (5 or 6) overall. Nearly 90 percent would be highly or extremely likely to recommend the BAC to a friend.

The new modesty policy, implemented in January, was popular with the more than 75 percent of respondents who want individuals to keep covered up. Fewer members advocated a return to nudity in the hot tubs (<16%) and steam/sauna rooms (<15%). Among the more highly rated areas were the overall appearance, physical facilities and the club experience when you arrive. The largest increase in satisfaction came in the pricing, which reflects our 2014 reduction in primary dues. Says one respondent: “It’s relatively expensive, but just about anything really good is.”

Among the areas that received lower rankings included locker room cleanliness, timeliness of repairs and exercise classes. One member summed up the club’s rating overall: “Great, but pay close attention to keeping the facility in top condition.” In coming issues, we will examine additional comments. •Join us for BAC Night at the BallparkMembers, bring your family and friends and join us in the Miller Lite Party Zone for Bronson Athletic Club night at the Kalamazoo Growlers baseball game at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, June 28. It’s a great opportunity to cheer on the hometown team and mingle with fellow members and BAC staff. The party zone, located around the left field line, includes a private concessions stand, along with a deck patio and game area.

The cost includes reserved seating and unlimited food (pulled pork, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, etc.) and beverages (including soda and draft beer). An adult MVP package for an additional $5 offers premium beer options. The discounted cost is $12.50 for children and $20 for adults. To purchase a ticket, contact Lindsey Ralya at ralyal@bronsonhg.org. •

We appreciate your questions, comments and suggestions on the feedBAC cards—signed or not. However, many times we would welcome the opportunity to give back our feedback regarding your concern. Please consider leaving your contact information on the card. You will receive a response from a BAC manager within two business days.

feedBAC

0 54 108 162 216 270 324 378 432 486 540 594 648 7020 34 68 102 136 170 204 238 272 306 340 374 408 444

How would you rate the club overall?Which aspects of the new

modesty policy should change, if any?

1 POOR23356 GREAT

Hot Tub NuditySteam/Sauna NudityGrooming NudityKeep “Covered Up” Modesty PolicyOther

Mother’s DaySunday, May 10

Youth Center and Deli closed

All mothers admitted FREESaturday & Sunday, May 9–10

Bring your favorite mom!

Memorial DayMonday, May 25

Club hours: 7 a.m.–3 p.m.Youth Center closed MondayDeli closed Sunday & Monday

BAC Briefs

Great Mother’s Day gift idea:All Pro Shop bags and purses

10% off May 1–15

Stock up on workout wear:All Brooks brand

fitness items included

20% off

BAC Pro Shop through May 31

* * *

exercise for less active teens—and for any level of fitness. Join instructor Becky Heintzkill and plan to attend with your teen.

when Wednesdays, 5:30–6:45 p.m. cost Member no charge / $10 class (nonmember ages 13–17)

Tai Chi

Relax and develop whole body connections, discover your internal strength and build your health from the inside out.

when Thursdays, May 14–June 18, 6:30–8 p.m. cost Member $20 / Nonmember $60

Beginner Ballet Barre

An introduction to classical ballet for adults. No formal training is necessary; the instructor will accommodate all levels of dancers.

when Fridays, May 15–June 19 / June 26–July 31, 10–11:30 a.m. cost Member $40 / Nonmember $60

Self-Defense: How to Not Be a Victim

Learn to recognize, eliminate and avoid potential trouble by becoming more aware of your surroundings.

when Saturday, May 30, 1–3:30 p.m. cost Member no charge / Nonmember $30

Registration is required for all Programs Department events Deadline for early registration is seven (7) days prior to the beginning of the session, unless otherwise noted. Programs will be canceled two (2) days prior to the start date if not adequately filled. Participants must cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Any cancellations made after then are subject to management approval for any refunds, less fees.

BAC Twirlers Drop-in Twirl Days

Drop in and learn all about the twirling program at the BAC, led by award-winning instructor Kyle Keiser. (Note: watch for one of Kyle’s students who trains at the BAC as a featured performer on “America’s Got Talent” this season.)

when Mondays, June 8 / 15 / 29, 10–11:30 a.m. cost Member $10 / Nonmember $12 each session

Hip Hop/Funk

A combination of hip hop and funk dance for kids ages 6–12.

when Fridays, May 15–June 19 / June 26–July 31, 6–6:45 p.m. (No class May 22 or July 3)

cost Member $75 / Nonmember $95

Summer Basketball Clinic

We’re back for the summer with our popular week-long youth clinic to help your kids improve skills and have fun.

Beach Body Bootcamp

Rev up your summer workouts with a week-long bootcamp. Join Personal Trainer Rob Moore for a reboot to your fitness plan, whether your goal is “sun’s out, guns out,” bikini ready or summer shape-up. when Monday–Friday, June 8–12, 9:30–10:15 a.m. cost Member $50 / Nonmember $75

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 of each month: when Tuesdays, May 5 / June 2, noon and 5 p.m. Thursdays, May 7 / June 4, 7 p.m. cost Member no charge / Nonmember $10 each class

Sunday Swim Workouts (Members Only)

Come for an early morning weekend workout; only three weeks left for the season. Members must sign up in advance each week.

when Sundays, through May 17, 7:10–8 a.m. If needed, overflow session will be 8:10–9 a.m.

Group Swim Lessons — Summer I

Group 30-minute swim lessons are available for all ages, from age 6 months through adult. (Private lessons also available)

when Tuesdays–Thursdays/Saturdays, June 2–July 11 cost Member $65 / Nonmember $80

BAC Dolphins Swim Teams / Pre-Swim Team

Three levels for swimmers, beginner through advanced. Swim conditioning also available.

when June 2–July 9 (see flier online or at club for cost)

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 and equipment. (Last session until the fall.)

when Wednesday, May 13, 6 p.m. cost No charge for members and nonmembers

Spinning® 4-Teens and Parents

Looking for a way to get your teens excited about fitness? Keep them conditioned for summer activities! It’s also a great

PERSONAL TRAINING lewistev@bronsonhg.org

NEW

PROGRAMS / CLASSES MAY–JUNE 2015

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

JUST FOR KIDS ralyal@bronsonhg.org

GROUP-X / PROGRAMS shons@bronsonhg.org

FREE

their focus on learning new skills. A parent or guardian must be present and participate for children 18 months to 2 years.

when Fridays, May 15–June 19 / June 26–July 31 4:30–5 p.m. (18 mo.–2 yrs.) / 5:15–5:45 p.m. (ages 3–5)

(No class May 22 or July 3)

cost Member $40 / Nonmember $55

Youth Ballet

Dance fun for the little ones. when Mondays, May 11–June 15 / June 22–July 27 Baby Ballet, 4:45–5:15 p.m. (ages 2–3)

Junior Ballet, 5:30–6:15 p.m. (ages 4–6)

Saturdays, May 16–June 20 Junior Ballet, 11–11:45 a.m. (ages 4–6)

Baby Ballet, 12–12:30 p.m. (ages 2–3)

cost Member $75 / Nonmember $95

KalTour (Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour)

The BAC is hosting the 24th annual KalTour, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club as a ride for everyone and all cycling abilities. Come out and enjoy a pleasant ride over the quiet country roads of Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties. There are five ride options, from 13 miles to 100 miles, starting and ending at the club. Email kaltour@kalamazoobicycleclub.org.

when Sunday, June 28 , 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

PROGRAMS / CLASSES MAY–JUNE 2015

It’sBACK

DATES FOR ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO PARTICIPATIONCALL (269) 544-3200 TO REGISTER

OTHER EVENTS BAC Hosted

Boys and girls are welcome! (Additional summer dates to be announced.)

when Monday–Friday, June 22–26, 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 $55 / Nonmember $75

Summer Sneak Preview

Mark your calendars for these programs designed to delight and entertain the younger set this summer:

Frozen in July—Sing and dance along to popularsongs with our youth dance instructor, Miss Jane.

when Monday–Friday, July 20–24

Soccer Clinic—Morning sessions are planned for kids ages 6–12 in three age-appropriate groups.

when Monday–Friday, July 13–17

Family Fun Fest—We’re back for the second annual celebration! Bring your family and friends for a FREE day at the BAC. The appreciation event will include entry to the club and all amenities all day, plus special kids games and events to be announced.

when Saturday, July 18 — Save the Date!

Move, Tumble, Dance and Play

A fun fusion of ballet and tumbling, this class is designed to get the little ones moving in a unique way—and to keep

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

From a Position of StrengthBy Brandi BenthinI love spending time with my family and friends, working out, sweets (which is partially why I need the gym) and my career as a mother/baby nurse at Bronson. I have been a member of the BAC for more than three years, and love it here. The staff members are friendly and the trainers are amazing! Having grown up as an athlete, I initially joined the club because I missed working out, and wanted to get back into shape.

Coming to the gym became my coping mechanism while my fiancé was deployed with the Marines. It’s now a place that I love to be. I especially like the glute-ham bench and the Synrgy360 room, which are unique from any other gym I have been to. I love to challenge myself and push my body’s limits

and see results. As a night-shifter, I have made it priority to try to make it to the club after work. Sometimes going to the gym doesn’t sound too exciting, but I’ve never regretted coming.

I grew up with brothers, and they were always chosen to help do things. I remember I was repeatedly told I couldn’t help because the boys were stronger. I would get so upset! To this day, it still lights a fire in me when I hear someone reference women as the weaker gender. Females can be strong, too!

For the last eight years I have volunteered at the Breckenridge (Colo.) Outdoor Education Center, which provides a camp for individuals whom have suffered traumatic brain injuries. I continue to be amazed watching the participants—often with both mental and physical limitations—push their bodies’ limits and succeed completing challenges they often said they could not complete. I know how truly blessed I am, and have learned not to take my fitness for granted.

Fitness is a choice, so if you are motivated to start working out, then do it. It will be hard at first, but what was initially hard will become easier. Some day you will be coming out of habit, and hopefully, loving it. •

Brandi Benthin

NEW

Facility Update—Breathe easier! We are in the process of installing Ultra-Violet Disinfection Systems on the BAC’s three pools and two hot tubs. These NSF® certified systems are ideal for the decomposition of combined chlorine, the strong odor-producing and eye-irritating substance generated by pool water treatment processes. In addition, the UV systems will reliably kill most chlorine-resistant germs. We hope you will see a noticeable improvement to the air quality (and the overall swimming experience) when the new systems are operational later this month. Thank you for your patience with pool closures during initial installation in April.

FitFest—All group exercise classes in Studios 1 and 3 will be canceled Friday–Sunday, June 5–7. The club is hosting FitFest, a weekend of instruction for group exercise professionals. Certification and CEUs will be awarded. For information, contact Sheri Shon, shons@bronsonhg.org.

Band Together—Wristbands for kids at the BAC will return in June. This safety measure will help ensure that kids are the proper age to be allowed in restricted areas. As a reminder, children ages 6–12 are only allowed on the gym floor and cardio machines when within arm’s reach of

Mary Jo Riddle, InstructorIf you want to find Mary Jo Riddle at the club, you can look to the Lap Pool (where she teaches the Tuesday Deep Water and

Pregnancy H2O classes) or Studio 3 (where she teaches Saturday Yoga and Pregnancy

Yoga). She is AFAA certified and has been teaching fitness classes for more than 22 years. The long-time instructor

is a charter teammate, joining the staff when the BAC opened in 2001. She loves teaching her classes and the atmosphere

here. “At the BAC we are like family, and everyone is there for you,” she says. “Thanks for letting me be a part of the family.”

Mary Jo has lived in the Kalamazoo area for about 28 years. Outside of work she loves the outdoors—camping, boating, bike riding, watching soccer and just being active. She and her husband, Craig, have four sons and 13 grandchildren, including “a 10-year-old grandson who is raising us to keep us tuned into the younger generation.” A recent first: “I went skiing for the first time this year with the grandkids.” •

M A Y M V P

Mary Jo Riddle

Take a Break—You Need It!By Lynn Madsen, BAC Personal Trainer

Frequently, there is a mindset among avid fitness buffs that “more” exercise is always better. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Rest and recovery are key components to improving health and staying injury free. So how do you know when it is time to take some time off and give your body a break?

The most important rule is to listen to your body. Chronic muscle soreness, unusual fatigue, and pesky aches and pains are your big cues. Sometimes when you get on a roll with your exercise plan, your head will overrule what the rest of your body is saying. You may fear that you will lose your fitness gains if you take a break. That is absolutely not the case.

Always plan for at least one full day of rest from exertion in your exercise routine each week. However, if you have been exercising consistently for many weeks or months, try taking a full week off. You will likely find that when you get back to it, you will feel stronger, more energized and mentally focused to execute your long-term plan. •

What’s Happening at the Club a parent. No one younger than 13 is allowed on the track, near weight machines or in the hot tubs/saunas. Children 5 and younger may only be on the gym floor during Toddler Time and in the pool during designated hours.

Youth Activity Center—May 31 will be the last Sunday the YAC is open until after the summer. The center will be open Monday–Saturday beginning June 1. Other Sunday closings this month include May 10 and 24.

Deli Hours—The Deli will begin summer hours effective June 1: Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; CLOSED Sunday. Closing dates this month are May 10, 24 and 25. Stop in and try the new Pizzanini grilled sandwich! It features Italian panini bread and seasonings, pizza sauce, melted mozzarella-provolone cheese and a choice of toppings.

Kudos—Two private dance students training with BAC Coach Jane Crawford received Double Diamond awards at a regional dance competition in Kalamazoo in March. Jeannie Monroe also won a college scholarship and placed third in the 17-18 division. Lexi Roberts placed first in the 15-16 division.