Make it a Night Out for FunLadies of the BAC, it’s time again for our evening of fun and shopping. The Nov. 15 event will feature festive activities—including appetizers, nonalcoholic beverages and desserts—in the gym to accommodate our growing marketplace. Also featured will be chair massages, giveaways and door prizes, including a free month of membership at the club (need not be present to win). Two special Pilates classes will be offered for Ladies’ Night Out participants only. Bring your workout clothes and then come down for the main event.

A variety of vendors will be showcasing new products, including clothing collections, health and beauty, jewelry, crafts, gourmet food, nutritional supplements and more. Please register by Nov. 14 to receive five admissions for $25. Individual price is $6 for members and $8 for nonmembers; $2 extra the day of the event. Contact Lindsey Ralya, ralyal@bronsonhg.org. •Club Courtesy: Now that the warm days are mostly history, we welcome many of you back inside for your workouts. As a reminder, please wipe down your equipment after using it, keeping it fresh for the next person. This just in: Check out the new free-standing Zogics antibacterial wipe dispensers located throughout the fitness floor. Thank you!

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 13 • Number 11 • NoVember 2013

2013 Holiday Hours

New Membership Hours8 a.m.–8 p.m. • monday–Friday

9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Saturday11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Sunday

Check menu for the next servingof Deli-made and delicious

Cabbage Rollsand

Lentil Soup(so good and good for you)

New fall flavor:Pumpkin Spice

Ope’s Cookies(made with organic whole oats,

spelt flour and applesauce)

Give the gift of life —get a pass!All donors at the bAC blood

drive Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 2–6 p.m. will receive a free guest pass to the club.

Plus, one winner will geta 5-day VIP pass.

Members Earn BAC Bucks with Club PurchasesLog on to New BAC Members-Only SiteCheck out the new BAC members-only website! Soon you will be receiving an email and letter explaining how to log on to the site for the first time. You will need to enter your first and last name (exactly as they appear on your account), your membership number and a valid email. The private website is accessible from the club website (bronsonathleticclub.com). Click on the “Member Login” button. Once on the site, you can check your monthly statements and review receipts of individual purchases within 48 hours. A calendar feature also is included.

Another section of the member website will contain your personal BAC Bucks account. Beginning this month, every dollar you spend at the club for eligible purchases (not including monthly dues) will earn points worth credit toward future purchases and eligible services.

These points will automatically accrue in your account, which will be visible in your member’s account online under the “Credit Book” tab in your Statements folder. Every active account will open with 50 points—our gift to you. As you use more services, you will earn more points. We appreciate your loyalty, and now we’re giving you the bucks (BAC Bucks, that is) to prove it. For program details, see the BAC Bucks page on the members’ website. •

Blood Drive Nov. 13

Thanksgiving DayThursday, Nov. 28 • 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

Christmas EveTuesday, Dec. 24 • 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Christmas DayWednesday, Dec. 25 • CloSeD

New Year’s EveTuesday, Dec. 31 • 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

New Year’s DayWednesday, Jan. 1 • 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Ladies’ Night Out At Bronson Athletic Club

Friday,Nov. 156–9 p.m.

Deli Specials

Chris Peters — Lifeguard and AquaticsLifeguard Chris Peters loves his role on the BAC pool deck. Growing up on Gull Lake, he learned to swim at an early age.

“My mom used to be a lifeguard, too,” he explains. “I certified as a lifeguard at a

family camp on Gull Lake, spent two summers working there, and then I came to the BAC.” A student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Chris plans

to earn an elementary education degree from Western Michigan University.

Athletics figured strongly in his youth, including a roller hockey league. “In high school I announced the basketball games, and played first base my senior year. My family really enjoys sports, and so do I, but music is (also) my scene. I started playing the bass guitar in sixth grade. My friend and I would jam every day.” Still jamming regularly, Chris performs in an indie rock band, Cardboard Highway.

Lifeguarding and teaching water aerobics at the BAC fit perfectly with his lifestyle and positive attitude. “It’s the nicest athletic club, ever,” Chris says. “I also appreciate the positivity and friendliness of the staff. It’s a really encouraging place. I like the community of members. It’s nice to be able to talk with them—friendships have developed that way.”

He enjoys swimming laps in the pool and relaxing in the steam room. In his spare time, Chris says, “I’m in a new phase where I play a lot of chess. I learned to play when I was young, but just recently I’ve managed to play it practically every day.” While life keeps him busy, Chris aims for balance. “I’m a proponent of balance.” •

Meet Rick HalpertA longtime personal injury attorney, Richard L. Halpert concentrates his practice at Varnum Attorneys at Law on helping burn survivors, and has dedicated his life to helping those whom have experienced burn trauma. “Thirty years ago, I represented a 5-year-old burn survivor. I found incredible satisfaction in helping that child learn to accept himself,” he recalls. “We stay in touch with our clients, if they’re willing, for the rest of their lives.”

For his work with burn survivors, Rick recently was honored with the Phoenix Society’s highest honor, the Breslau Award, at the organization’s World Burn Congress in Rhode Island. “Burn survivors tend to have a sense of isolation. When they get together, they share emotional support, encouragement and helpful information,” Rick explains. His involvement with the Phoenix Society began 25 years ago, and he has tirelessly served the organization as an officer, board member and advocate.

Rick shares the credit with his law partners and his wife, Mary. “Mary’s been my best friend and partner for 40 years. She does half the work, but I get the credit,” Rick says with a smile. The Halperts have two grown sons and two grandchildren. In his spare time, Rick shares insights into happiness learned from a lifetime of investing in people’s lives. He spoke on the art of happiness at the BAC last May.

“Burn survivors often experience a crash course in wisdom. They think about what really matters in life. They conclude that the things that bring happiness are not money—although many of them end up with large settlements—fame or physical attractiveness. They learn that happiness is related to how many close, intimate friends they have, and the love they give to other people.” •

N o V E M b E r M V P

Chris Peters

M E M b E r P r o F I L E

rick Halpert

Get the Most from Cardio Workout Now that winter is approaching, you may be moving your cardio regimen inside. If you use a treadmill or elliptical, grab on to this important tip: Avoid hanging onto the rails, which are there primarily as a safety feature. Touching them lightly for balance is OK; however, if you are grabbing on for dear life, please consider easing up on your grip. Here’s why:

• Misaligned posture. During the workout, your shoulders should be back and down, and your spine should be nice and straight. By holding onto the bars, your body leans forward. This puts more stress on your lower back, shoulders and neck. Over time, this can lead to chronic injuries.

• Reduced ability for lower body muscles to fully engage. Glutes and legs are the strongest part of your body. When leaning

forward, you put pressure on your knees (and wrists/hands by trying to hang on), not allowing your strongest muscles work the way they were designed to.

• Compromised core engagement. By staying upright, your core has to work harder to stay that way. While you may not think a power walk on a treadmill is an ab workout, staying in good posture will give you a little bonus work.

Finally, by allowing your arms to be free and moving, you actually can burn a bit more fuel. And who doesn’t want a little extra calorie burn? • — Lynn Martignon, BAC Personal Trainer

SYNRGY360 Personal Trainer Demo

Let our certified personal trainers show you the ropes (and balls and more) for the Synrgy360 installation in Studio 2.

when Mondays, Nov. 4 & 18, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 6 & 20, 9 a.m.

Kettlebell FIT (Plus Intro Course)

Prior to attending the Kettlebell FIT class you must have a basic level of kettlebell experience, or attend the Intro to Kettlebell class the first Tuesday of each month.

when Tuesdays, through Nov. 19, 12:15 and 6 p.m.; Thursdays, through Nov. 21, 12:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. Intro course: Tuesday, Nov. 5, noon and 5 p.m. cost Member no charge / Nonmember $10 each class

Jingle (Kettle) Bells, Jingle (Kettle) Bells

Oh, what fun it is to swing a kettlebell today! Wind down your year by keeping it strong, swinging all the way. Steve and Ian will be making spirits bright:

when Tuesdays, Dec. 3 and 10, 12:15 and 6 p.m.; Thursdays, Dec. 5 and 12, 12:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. Intro course: Tuesday, Dec. 3, noon and 5 p.m. cost Member no charge / Nonmember $10 each class

Healthy Running Introductory Seminar

Take your training to new levels. A Bronson physical therapist will discuss running principles, stretching, form and footwear.

when Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.

cost Member no charge / Nonmember $15

Ladies’ Night Out

Treat yourself to an evening—just for fun! Choose among many activities, including group exercise class, massages, food stations and shopping. Win door prizes; grand prize is month of free membership.

when Friday, Nov. 15, 6–9 p.m. cost Member $6 / Nonmember $8 ($2 more day of event)

5 tickets for $25 (before day of event)

Country Line Dance Lessons

Pull on your boots and get ready to do a little boot scootin’! Join instructor Debbie Snell as she shows you how to get some good exercise—and have a great deal of fun at the same time.

when Sundays, Nov. 3–Dec. 8, 5–6 p.m. cost Member $30 / Nonmember $45

Family Flicks at the BAC

Come and watch “Rise of the Guardians” with the family. Bring pillows and blankets, and lounge on mats on the floor (or sit in the chairs provided). Enjoy the afternoon matinee, complete with popcorn and beverages, all included.

when Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m. cost Member $5 each / $15 family; nonmember $7 / $21

Survive and Thrive: FYI Program

Wondering how you are going to survive the holiday season? Concerned about starting off 2014 in good form? Come and hear some fresh ideas how you can do both at “Surviving the Holidays and Thriving in the New Year,” a FYI talk by Group Exercise Director Sheri Shon.

when Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. cost No charge

Couples Ballroom Dance Lessons

Come dancing with the BAC stars in a beginner ballroom dancing class. You must register as a couple, or call Lindsey Ralya to be assigned to a partner.

when Sundays, Nov. 3–Dec. 8, 6–7 p.m. cost Member $35 / Nonmember $50 per person

Dance Progressions

Join this specialty technique class, a fusion of ballet and jazz, for intermediate to advanced dancers. Private lessons also available; contact Lindsey Ralya, ralyal@bronsonhg.org.

when Tuesdays through Nov. 26, 7–9 p.m. cost Member $120 / Nonmember $160

Beginner Adult Ballet Barre

Channel your inner ballerina! Try this introduction to classical ballet for adults. No formal training is necessary, but instructor Jane Crawford will accommodate all levels of dancers.

when Fridays, Nov. 1–Dec. 13, 10–11 a.m. cost Member $40 / Nonmember $60

Country Line Dance Lessons

Pull on your boots and get ready to do a little boot scootin’! Join instructor Debbie Snell as she shows you how to get some good exercise—and have a great deal of fun at the same time.

when Sundays, Nov. 3–Dec. 8, 5–6 p.m. cost Member $30 / Nonmember $45

Tai Chi

Relax and develop whole body connections, discover your internal strength and build your health from the inside out. (continued back page)

PrograMs / CLassEs

NEW

TRAINING / FITNESS

PROGRAmS / RECREATION

NEW

NoVEMbEr–DECEMbEr 2013

FREE

FUN

BAC TwirlersGive the sport of baton twirling a whirl! Instructor Kyle Keiser will introduce your child to this great physical activity.

when Thursdays, Nov. 7–Dec. 19 Note new dates 4 age groups; check flier online for times cost Member $40 / Nonmember $50; private lesson $50

Kids in motion

Early childhood gym classes that include games, music and motor skill development. Classes for infants through age 5.

when Wednesdays, Nov. 13–Dec. 18 Gym Tots, 8:30–9 a.m. (12–24 months); Gym Bugs, 9:15–9:45 a.m. (ages 2–3) GB II, 10–10:30 a.m. (ages 4–5) cost Member: $30 / Nonmember: $40

Healthy Holiday Cooking

It’s time for the feasting season to begin. You can make a delicious holiday meal without tossing healthy eating aside. You will be able to sample our creations and take home recipes for your own banquet table.

when Thursday, Nov. 21, 6–7 p.m. (please register by Nov. 18) cost Member $7 / Nonmember $15

Healthy Plate, Skinny Waist

You don’t need to wait until January to have a New Year’sresolution to eat better. Come to our December table andsee how you can upgrade your meals now.

when Thursday, Dec. 19, 6–7 p.m. (please register by Dec. 16) cost Member $7 / Nonmember $15

sEPTEMbEr–oCTobEr 2013PrograMs / CLassEs NoVEMbEr–DECEMbEr 2013

Sir, Yes, Sir!BAC Boot Camp Supports Vets

Show your support for families of veterans—and boot up your fitness regimen at a special five-day Boot Camp in honor of Veterans Day. Beginning Monday through Friday, Nov. 11–15, personal trainer Chris Johnson will take willing recruits through the paces in a five-day workout guaranteed to get you fit for duty. Drills (some outside) begin daily at 7 p.m.

The cost is $25 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit, the Willis Foundation, that assists families of veterans killed or wounded in combat. Email Lindsey at ralyal@bronsonhg.org.

New Volleyball Coach Named

Get set for net skills with the BAC’s new volleyball coach, Noehmi Castro. The smiling face you know from the Service Desk is a longtime community coach in the area, and is available for private or group lessons.

NuTRITION

(continued from previous page)

internal strength and build your health from the inside out. Tai Chi is perfect for all ages and most physical conditions.

when Thursdays, Nov. 7–Dec. 19, 6:30–8 p.m. cost Member $20 / Nonmember $60

Pregnancy Group Exercise

Classes for active pregnant women. Must have medical consent from OB/GYN to participate.

when Cardio: Mondays, Nov. 4–Dec. 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Water: Tuesdays, Nov. 5–Dec. 17, 7–7:45 p.m. Yoga: Thursdays, Nov. 7–Dec. 19, 5:30–6:30 p.m. cost Member $40 / Nonmember $60

BAC Dolphins Swim meet

Calling all swimmers: The BAC Dolphins 10th Anniversary Fall Swim Meet is open to all swimmers whom have participated in our swim programs, past or present. The competition will culminate in a pizza party for all. Call for information. when Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. (please register by Nov. 11) cost All participants $15

Swim Lessons / Swim Teams

The current session ends the week of Dec. 9. The next session will begin the week of Jan. 6, 2014.

BAC Parties — Parents’ Night Out

Moms and dads, need a night off—or want a special weekend treat for your kids? Bring the younger set (ages 4–12) for an evening of gym activities, games, crafts and more! Dinner is included. Come for the Spooktacular Halloween costume party in November for a costume contest and trick-or-treating. In December, join us for our traditional holiday party with gifts and a visit from the big guy in red.

when Fridays, Nov. 1 / Dec. 13, 5–9 p.m. cost Member $18 / Nonmember $28 (price for one child;

discounts for multiples; please register in advance)

Baby Ballet / Ballet Academy

Come and learn the basic foundation of ballet in weekly sessions at the BAC—just for the junior set. Make it a “pointe” to sign up your child for the lessons and the fun!

when Saturdays, through Dec. 14 Baby Ballet, ages 4–6, 11–11:45 a.m. Ballet Academy, ages 7+, noon–12:45 p.m. cost Member $96 / Nonmember $116 (session) Member $14 / Nonmember $17 (daily rate)

JuST FOR KIDS

AquATICS

NEW

NEW