What’s New at the BAC? Lots!If you haven’t been to the BAC lately (or if you’re in a workout rut), now is the time to check out some of the cool additions. If you noticed the new flooring in Studio 2, you’ll know something big is coming. That something is the Life Fitness “Synrgy 360,” a new concept in fitness training. Likened to a “jungle gym for adults,” according to Fitness Director Steve Lewis, the installation will feature several unique training stations, including a multi-handle monkey bar zone and dedicated areas for suspension training. Members will be able switch out several accessories, including pulls, ropes, balls and more. Look for the Synrgy 360 later this summer.

With the new Cybex Arc cross trainers, you can train for strength, power and weight loss all on one machine. Workouts range from a glide, like a cross country ski motion, to a climb, like stepper. You can even dock your iPhone, charge it and listen to your own music mix.

Want an activity your whole family can enjoy together? Ask about the new pickleball equipment you can use any time in the gym. Described as a combination of ping-pong, tennis and badminton, pickleball is a great workout and social activity. Grandparents, moms and dads all can enjoy a competitive game with the kids. Come to introductory clinics and learn how to play: Wednesday, May 15, 3–5 p.m., and Sunday, May 19, 2–4 p.m. Local USA Pickleball ambassador Jim Hackenberg will instruct. •Eating Healthy: Cheap & EasyDon’t miss this new 90-minute seminar, and learn how to shop for and prepare some easy, healthy and affordable food. The event will be Monday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Presenter Lynn Martignon, a certified personal trainer at the BAC, not only has a degree in food science and human nutrition, but a passion for teaching people how to eat healthier. Cost is $15 ($20/nonmembers).

Bonus Personal Training with the BAC PAC Take your training to the next level with regular visits, and save with our new package plan. Purchase five 60-minute sessions and receive a 30-minute session at no charge. Purchase 10 sessions and receive an additional 60-minute session. Lock into current rates now!

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

bronsonathleticclub.com • (269) 544-3200

Celebrate the special woman in your life with a visit to the BAC! Moms (and grandmas) will be admitted FREE as our guests Saturday and Sunday, May 11–12.Then, get her a special gift at the Pro Shop. We have several items that are sure to please, including the popular, fun O♥M bags.

VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 5 • MAY 2013

Mother’s Day

Summer Hours

Memorial Day Hours

Monday, May 277 a.m.–3 p.m.

Deli hours beginning May 24:6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. • Mon.–Thurs.

6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. • Friday8 a.m.–3 p.m. • Saturday

(Closed Sundays as of May 26)

Youth Activity CenterClosed Mother’s Day May 12

(Closed Sundays as of May 26)

Get your group together! Advance tickets: 5 for $25

Ladies’ Night Out At Bronson Athletic Club

Friday,June 146–9 p.m.

Maximizing Meal TimingThere is a cliché about how best to spread your calorie consumption throughout the day: Eat the breakfast of a king, the lunch of a prince and the dinner of a pauper. However, there is some debate on when you should consume your biggest meal of the day. I have heard people say they can lose weight if they don’t eat after 7 p.m. Or, they have to eat every two hours to keep their metabolism constant. Or, three squares a day is the way to go. So, when is the right time to eat?

Everyone’s body is unique regarding what is needed for maximal health and energy. The best way to figure out what works for you is to look at your lifestyle and activity level, the general theory being that you want to have the most calories consumed during the most active part of your day. For example, if you are an early riser, eat big at breakfast so your body is properly fueled for what is to come.

That said, this may not work so well if you enjoy larger dinners at night or have trouble sleeping if you are hungry. Experiment with the type of macronutrients you eat and when. Carbohydrates are our best source of “easy” fuel; protein and fat less so. For that reason, eat higher carb sources (best choices: whole grains, fruits and veggies) during your highest activity time of day. Then, as your activity level declines and your body doesn’t need that quick source of energy, try tapering down on the carbs. Lastly, keep in mind your body will use what it needs, when it needs it. It doesn’t matter what time of day or what fuel source you use. Pay attention to how you feel when (and what) you eat. — Lynn Martignon, BAC Personal Trainer

Kristina Dymond-Jacox — Aquatics An interior designer by profession, Kristina Dymond-Jacox focused on high-end kitchens and bathrooms. Now a wife

and mother, she specializes in raising two daughters and rediscovering her

other passion, the water. “I’m a water baby,” she chuckles, “I have swimming in my blood.” Kristina worked her way through WMU as

a lifeguard and swim instructor. Her BAC introduction began when she

enrolled her daughter in swim lessons. A casual conversation with Aquatics Director Karen Sue Mackaluso ended with Kristina pursuing Water Safety Instructor certification, and her subsequent position as an instructor here.

Aqua Babies/Toddlers proved a perfect niche, combining her professional and “mom” experience. Now she’s a Saturday staple in the group swim lesson schedule. “(Teaching) uses a skill I feel passionate about, especially with so many pools and lakes around us,” she says. “Swimming is fun, yet a necessary skill.”

Kristina appreciates working with the members and staff at the BAC. “I like the whole vibe. As a designer, I appreciate what they’ve done with the overall facility, from therapy to gym.” She wants people to have fun while swimming, and to enjoy the experience. “It’s important to get kids in the water as soon as possible,” she explains. “They can start Aqua Babies as early as six months old.” She teaches a mix of ages and abilities—from beginners with ingrained fears to triathletes working on stroke refinement—in group classes and private lessons. “I like to see their progress,” she says. “I like to see (my students) conquer their fears, gain confidence and, ultimately, be safe in the water.”

M A Y M V P

Kristina Dymond-Jacox

Congratulations to our inaugural members of the BAC Wall of Fame! These candidates have reached significant training and health milestones. Check out their photos near the stairs to the fitness floor, and read their personal stories online at bronsonathleticclub.com/members.

New Personal Trainers NamedWelcome to these new personal trainers at the BAC:Melony Farrer has a passion for health and wellness, stemming from a background in competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, home-based personal training and group class facilitation. Her training philosophy is to find the right balance through muscular strength, physical endurance, nutrition, flexibility, rest and mental stimulation.

Chris O. Johnson is a familiar face on the fitness floor, having worked at the BAC for the last six years. Currently serving as the fitness staff supervisor, he has worked with pro level athletes and he is a national level bodybuilder. A former walk-on member of the Western Michigan University football team, he has worked with strength and conditioning for the Broncos.

WALL OF FAME

SandyBabcock

ChuckCubbage

Debbie & BobKucinski

Meet Andrea Somers “A couple of years ago, I never would have thought that I could motivate others today—I’ve had weight struggles my whole life,” begins Andrea Somers. “I liked being active, but after I had my daughter, Cassandra, in 1999, I started to gain weight.” Busy working as a surgery scheduler for Bronson Women’s Services and managing a home with her husband, David, Andrea says poor eating habits crept up, and she found herself with high blood pressure, heart issues and diabetes. “My doctor told me I might not see my daughter graduate from college.” That sobering news helped her make a “difficult decision”—gastric sleeve surgery in February 2011. “Surgery is not the solution; it’s a tool,” Andrea emphasizes. “It doesn’t make everything easy. I joined the BAC a year after (the procedure) and started going to classes.” She admits to feeling a bit nervous, but was impressed with the welcoming response. “I went to Sheri Shon’s Tabata Bootcamp. Everybody was so nice! The instructors are so kind, and they really want you to be successful,” she explains. “Garrett McLaughlin had a strength and conditioning class that made a huge difference, too.”

Andrea says she treats her exercise classes like a job: “If I don’t go, it’s like calling in sick to work.” She encourages others to get active. “I tell friends to come to the gym. Sometimes classes aren’t for everyone, so we can walk on the track and talk.”

As she educated herself on nutrition and exercised four to five days a week, Andrea saw a marked difference in what was going on with her body. “It wasn’t so much the weight coming down as it was my body changing,”she points out. “I’ve lost 185 pounds. I feel awesome! My energy level is out of this world.” She encourages others adding, “You try to stay away from your old behavior patterns; but if you slip, you regroup. You’re really reshaping your mind, body and spirit.” She credits her family, friends, and Bronson colleagues for supporting her along the way. She now shares that enthusiasm with others. “If someone is preparing for surgery, simply needs a motivational pep talk or extra info on a class, or a buddy—I am here for you.” •

Andrea Somers Today(and before)

Nutrition NuggetsJoin the BAC’s Registered Dietitian Julia Ridenour for our continuing series serving up great nutrition advice. “Shopping List Basics” will be presented Monday, May 6, 8:30–9:15 a.m., and Thursday, May 16, 6:30–7:15 p.m.

Heat Stroke & DehydrationA free program, “Sport Safety: Heat Stroke & Dehydration,” will be Thursday, May 16, 1–3 p.m., at Bronson Hospital’s Gilmore Center for Health Education. Dr. Douglas Casa will discuss sports safety, including heat stroke. Parents, coaches and athletes are welcome. Go to bronsonhealth.com/classes for more information.

Blue Zones ProgramLearn the Power 9®! Fitness Director Steve Lewis will share the secrets for a long and healthy life as outlined in Dan Buettner’s bestselling book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. The free event will be Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. We’ve been previewing the nine traits attributed to the longevity of profiled groups from around the world in this newsletter the last nine months. Now come hear the presentation!

IronBAC Triathlon WinnersCongratulations to all the finishers of the IronBAC Triathlon held March 23. Overall male winner was Eric Fernando. Top points for a female went to Megan Gruhert. Other top finishers by age group included: Men: Al Lareau, Glen Kellam, Aaron Ford, Thomas Afton and Zach Folsom. Women: Julie Peterson, Padma Reddy, Savana Wanwoomer and Morgan Freeby.

Farmers’MarketPlan to shop Tuesdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the indoor BAC Farmers’ Market for healthy vegetables, cut flowers, plants, fresh fruit, great

grains and more. This year’s seasonal run will begin June 11 and go through September, crops permitting. Come early, and stay later to work out. Open to the public. For vendor information, contact Trish Thomas-DeYoung, Deli manager, at thomasdt@bronsonhg.org.

GOOD LUCK & CONGRATULATIONSto all our members running in theKalamazoo Marathon May 5!

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

Moms (and other busy women), do you ever feel you are running on empty, completely exhausted and overwhelmed by your life and its never-ending to-do list? If you answered “yes,” come to a workshop just for you from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9.

Learn some surprising truths of getting it together and keeping it together. Presenter Kyla Ledlow, “The Working Mom’s Sanity Coach,” will help you gain a fresh perspective, complete with a list of tools you can easily and quickly implement into your busy life. Cost is $10 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Email Lindsey Ralya ralyal@bronsonhg.org if you have questions.

6789 Elm Valley DriveKalamazoo, MI 49009Phone (269) 544-3200 | Fax (269) 544-3298

bronsonathleticclub.comBAC@bronsonhg.orgLike us on Facebook

BAC in Class BEGINNING THIS MONTH

Class schedules and times are listed in the Spring/Summer Program Guide available online at bronsonathleticclub.com.

The Art of HappinessDon’t forget this free program for BAC members only. Rick Halpert will speak Wednesday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

Beginners PaddleballCome and learn this sports court favorite. Sessions will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m.–noon. Contact Lindsey Ralya at ralyal@bronsonhg.org for updated information.

CPR for Professional RescuersApplicable for lifeguards and other professional level rescuers; Sunday, May 12, from 12:30–4 p.m.

Tai ChiThe next session of classes begins Thursday, May 16. This is the lass session until the fall.

Nutrition 101 Check out the new Monday morning class. Sessions will be May 6 and 16.

Free Nordic Walking Clinics Free events are held the first Tuesday (May 7 and June 4) at 6 p.m. Last free clinics of the season!

Pregnancy Classes Choose from Pregnancy Yoga and Pregnancy Water classes. Both sessions begin the week of May 13.

Kettlebell 101 Intro to kettlebell classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 9.

Learn about Hip SurgeryAre you considering hip replacement surgery? A free presentation Wednesday, May 8, from 7:15–8:15 p.m. will cover available options, how to prepare, recovery and rehabilitation. The location is Heritage Community, 2400 Portage St., Kalamazoo. Speaker is Dr. David J. Christ of Bronson Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. To register, visit bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (269) 341-7723.

Finding SanityWithin the Chaos

Just for KidsClasses and activities featured this month:

Parents’ Night Out: Moms and dads, bring your kids to the Hawaiian Luau party Friday, May 17, from 5–9 p.m. to celebrate National Luau month with a tropical-themed evening of gym activities, games, crafts and more. Dinner is provided. Aloha!

Active Kids: This six-week trainer-led class returns for kids in grades 3–6; dynamic exercises that will motivate and condition. Begins 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 20.

Kids in Motion: Classes for infants through age 5 (Gym Tots and Gym Bugs) and held Tuesday mornings beginning May 21. Ask about Tuesday drop-in classes until then.

Saturday, May 18, is the kids sprint triathlon hosted at the BAC. Designed for children ages 5–12, the Kids Tri 4 Hope is a swim-bike-run fun event for kids to get involved with a project in Cambodia to build a city that will provide clean water, electricity and 1,500 homes (www.buildacity.org). Of the $35 registration fee, $25 will go directly to the charity. Contact information: csolberg13@gmail.com; www.alleventregister.com/kidstri4hope.htmlMembers note: The lap pool will be closed 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Running and biking sprints will be held outside on Elm Valley Drive, so be careful when entering the club Saturday, May 18.