Story and photos by Nikki Schneider
Living in Chicagoland for most of my life, I was spoiled by the many choices of health clubs, gyms and fitness centers. When I relocated to Bear Lake several years ago, it was the only thing I missed from my previous life in the big city. Until I discovered a hidden gem. Buried among the Munson Manistee Hospital and other medical buildings along U.S. Highway 31 is Munson’s Manistee Health and Fitness Center.
The five-year-old fitness center offers state-of-the-art machines, free weights, a TRX suspension training system, bands, balls and all the latest workout apparatus. There is affordable personal training and the Silver Sneakers program, which is a no-cost fitness program for seniors on eligible Medicare plans. A variety of group classes ⸺ yoga, Pilates, step, strength ⸺ are offered, as well as the only SkyTrak golf simulator in the area, (with golf conditioning and swing-speed training available).
BUT, beyond all that, I have found a community. Likeminded folks from all walks of life and ages gather in this place to improve their health. I am inspired every single time I arrive.
Bob DeYoung is blind. I spoke with him the other day, on his 87th birthday, as he pedaled away on an exercise bike. We didn’t get into his medical history; most members don’t seem to dwell on the past. During our chat, he told me: “I come here for my physical and mental wellbeing.”
He works with Tyler Stec, club manager and personal trainer.
“Tyler keeps me motivated and safe,” DeYoung said.
I asked him if he considered quitting the club after he lost his sight.
“Nope, my BODY told me to keep coming back.”
Many of the members are older and have suffered an injury, illness or surgery.
“I am grateful to have this amazing job where I can help someone fight their way back,” Stec said. “I love making a difference in someone’s life.”
Everyone seems to have a story.
Jan Abbey, 71, lifts weights at least three days a week. She loves to work out to ’80s hair (glam) bands.
“I love the feeling of strength, confidence and energy,” Abbey said, adding, “If I can do it, anyone can.”
Since it’s the only complete gym in the area, the Manistee Health and Fitness Center is where I often run into friends and neighbors. Chatting while biking or rowing really makes the time fly. It is a great place to catch up on the local gossip, too.
We are truly fortunate to have this facility in our community.
If you are looking for the motivation to improve your health this year, seek out Munson’s Manistee Health and Fitness Center and … Just Show Up. That really is the hardest part.
For more information, email tstec2@mhc.net or call 231-398-1520 and visit: munsonhealthcare.org/services/fitness.
Nikki Schneider lives in Bear Lake with her husband, Mark, and her best furry friend, Max. She combines her loves of junkin’ and repurposin’ for Patina, the resale home-and-garden shop in Onekama she co-owns.
