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Blog

5 things to look for when hiring a trainer

10/2/2020

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By: Matt Doherty, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
  1. What is their Experience and Education? If you were hiring someone to work on your car, you’d want a good mechanic who’s worked on cars like yours before. Not somebody who just watched a YouTube video and bought his tools from Home Depot earlier that week. When hiring a trainer you want someone who can spot the things that you can’t, and make sound judgements on technique, exercise selection, and program design. I suggest you check out the trainer’s background. Ask the trainer where they went to school, and what their degree is. Ask if they played a sport, if they’ve done an internship or if they are certified through a nationally accredited institution. Ask who they’ve  worked with in the past. Is this just a side job, or do they want to make a career out of being a trainer? These by themselves are not going to make or break a good trainer, but they certainly are a way of telling how committed that person is to being a good trainer. Find the answers to those questions, see how they match up to your fitness goals and I promise you’ll save yourself time when deciding who to hire.
  2. Do they practice what they preach? I personally know plenty of other young trainers that have a hard time following this concept. They think that just because they have a certification, and have a good physique, they’ll be a great trainer. That is simply not always the case. Some people are blessed with excellent genetics and can maintain a great physique regardless of their habits. Look for someone who follows their own advice, or is at least willing to tell you that not everything they do applies directly to you.
  3. Who do they look up to? A lot of trainers got started because they looked up to a celebrity, or coach that inspired them to want to help people change their lives. Find a trainer that has an interest in many different methods of training from many different sources. A good trainer will find the information that makes sense, and disregard the rest.
  4. What training style do they hate, and why? Most trainers have an opinion about different training methods. Some trainers like to make fun of CrossFit, others absolutely refuse to do anything more than 5 reps, because “6 reps counts as cardio”. Some trainers have very good reasons for not liking a method of training. Others don’t. See how they defend their position. If they just say arbitrarily that an exercise or training method is superior, ask them to explain why, and then decide if their explanation is good enough for you. 
  5. How do they explain themselves and answer questions? A good trainer doesn’t define exercises as “good” or “bad.” Instead, they’ll say “this exercise doesn’t apply to you because of reasons a, b, and c.” and they should be able to offer an alternative; “I’m having you do this exercise instead because of reasons e, f, and g.” A good trainer's favorite phrase is “It depends,” followed by an explanation.
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5 things to consider before returning to the gym.

9/22/2020

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By: Matt Doherty, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Gyms being closed has been rough on all of us. For me personally, I was working as an intern before the shutdown and was making friends, getting to know the members of the gym, and looking forward to getting started on my career as a trainer.
 
I know I’m not the only one either, I personally know at least 5 people who’s fitness goals have gone out the window because of this shutdown. Not everyone has a home gym and with the price gouging that is still happening when you try to buy any fitness equipment online, it’s no surprise that many people just stopped working out all together.
 
Now more than ever, many people are restarting their fitness journey back at square one. Here’s five things to remember before getting back into the gym after a long break.

  1. YOU ARE NOT THE SAME PERSON YOU WERE 6 MONTHS AGO. For better or for worse, this holds true even without a pandemic and statewide shutdown. After taking a long break from training and working out, its important to remember the phrase, “You don’t use it unless you need it, and if you don’t use it you lose it.” - some dead philosopher… The point is don’t get discouraged if you can’t do the same things you once were able to do before the shutdown. You worked really hard for the results you got before, give yourself 6 months to get back to where you where.
  2. “Train harder than last time!”- Greg Doucette This is a simple truth that should remind us you get the results you train for. If you train harder than last time, you guarantee your results. Training harder than last time can be done a lot of different ways. Training harder than last time can be as simple as adding 5 lbs. to your next set. It can be doing a few more reps, or going a little longer on the treadmill, or doing the same distance a little faster. It doesn’t mean you have to train as hard as someone else, just train a little harder than you did the last time. If last time was 6 months ago, it doesn’t count. Last time means about a week or two.
  3. Be considerate of others. I’m not just throwing this in to pad a list of five things. But even if I was, now more than ever it’s important to be aware of the people you’re around. COVID-19 is most dangerous for anyone over 65 and sick populations. Basic gym etiquette is more important now than ever! Wipe down your equipment after you’re done. Even if the gym does a good job of cleaning, you are responsible for your own health. If you’re out interacting with other members of the gym and potentially at risk populations, just be considerate of others, and clean the equipment after you’re done. Also don’t harass people about masks one way or the other. When you start an argument with people in the gym, about anything, it doesn’t help anyone, and serves no purpose other than to waste time and energy that could be spent training, stretching, or doing literally anything more productive. Your time and everyone else’s time has value, so be considerate of others when returning to the gym.
  4. Try something new. Since you’ve been off for a while maybe its not the best time to jump right back into your old program. Echoing my first point of you not being the person your were six months ago, jumping right into where you left off and expecting the same results won’t do you any favors. Trying a new way of training might uncover a weakness you didn’t previously know you had.
  5. Hiring a trainer. If you think I’m not going to do a shameless plug, you are sorely mistaken. When you’re trying anything new: be it lifting, cycling, or underwater basket weaving, having a qualified professional help you get back in the swing of things can speed things along. That being said, results won’t happen overnight. You still have to put in the work. A trainer/coach is there to act as a guide on the path to success, but you still have to walk the path. 
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Overall wellness & the health club industry

8/21/2020

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By: Steve Perryman, General Manager

What most people fail to understand about the health club and fitness industry is that we provide many outlets for a person's overall wellness.

In fact, there are four lenses of wellness: natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and history. Under this umbrella, a person's overall wellness is multi-dimensional and includes their physical health, mental health, emotional health, social health, environmental factors, and more.

With this in mind, many people are exercising more than just their physical health when they enter a gym setting.
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This is article is a great example: ‘More Than Physical Health’: Gym Helps 91-Year-Old Battle Isolation
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Reference:
​De Marco, Heidi. (30 June 2020). ‘More Than Physical Health’: Gym Helps 91-Year-Old Battle Isolation.
Kaiser Health News. Retrieved from: https://khn.org/news/quarantine-physical-and-mental-health-gym-
workouts-help-91-year-old-battle-isolation/utm_campaign=News&utm_content=137421798&utm_
medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-20626202
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the maac partners with n.a.s.m. & a.f.a.a.

7/1/2020

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By: Steve Perryman, General Manager

We are proud to announce our strategic partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

The NASM and AFAA partnership program is designed to support top-tier fitness facilities and their employees. This program gives us the backing of one of the industry's largest and most respected organizations and our staff will benefit from exclusive access to top-tier training, development, and advancement programs.

This is an exciting time for us as we begin to take full advantage of this partnership and make plans to apply what we learn to our programs here at The MAAC.
​
We are looking forward to this journey with NASM and AFAA!
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Welcome back to the maac: COVID-19 RESPONSE

6/1/2020

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By: Steve Perryman, General Manager

​ The MAAC will re-open its doors to members only on Monday, June 8, 2020.
 
Your safety is our number one concern and we would like to give you an update on some of things we have done and some new safety policies we are going to implement.
 
Even before the statewide shutdown, we had implemented policies and procedures to guarantee the cleanliness and prevent any spread of COVID-19 in our facility. We had extended our cleaning staff to full time hours, 5 days a week and our fitness team had amped up our cleaning practices and schedules. We have always prided ourselves in the cleanliness of our facility, but the extra hours and a dedicated cleaning staff has made a huge impact and taken the gym to an even higher level of cleanliness. 
 
Some additional procedures we will implement for your safety moving forward:
 
  1. Until further notice, we will be open to members only. No guest passes will be accepted and any membership inquiries, tours, and/or sign-ups will be handled by appointment only.
  2. Members are encouraged to wear masks, but it will not be mandatory.
  3. We require that all members wipe down equipment before and after use.
  4. We have doubled the number of disinfectant sprays located throughout the gym.
  5. There will no longer be any potential for cross-contamination by sharing towels to wipe down equipment. Each member will use their own and may use as many as necessary.
  6. A paper towel dispenser has also been installed inside the fitness center to provide added options for equipment wipe-down.
  7. Our fitness sales staff had already been required to step up their cleaning efforts and this practice will continue.
  8. Staff will also implement the use of a battery-operated fogger to disinfect equipment quickly and thoroughly every hour. This fogging technique has become an industry luxury that very few gyms currently have in their arsenal. We are proud to have one here and will use it frequently.
  9. We will require all members to sign a health form, stating they are currently healthy and are not having any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
  10. If members are not feeling well - we are requiring that they stay home and avoid the fitness center.
  11. While we rely on members to police themselves, staff has been trained to be observant of the symptoms of COVID-19 and will ask members to leave if necessary.
  12. All water stations and drinking fountains will be taken away or shut down.                                                                                     
 
On March 16, 2020 we froze all memberships because of the Executive Order closing the fitness center. We would like to let our members know that billing will start on June 17, 2020 - which means no member will pay for days the facility was closed.   We have worked very hard over the last 15 years to make The MAAC a special place for our members and made financial decisions on the billing to be pro-member, because our great members are what make The MAAC Sports & Fitness such a special place. 
 
You may call (810) 640-8255 if you have any questions or email theMAACsports@hotmail.com.
 
We are looking forward to seeing everyone back in action on June 8, 2020. 
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press release: asfa partners with the maac

3/1/2020

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Staying HealthY & Fit During the Holidays

11/12/2019

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By: Melissa Kwiatkowski, Director of Training

The Holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends; a time for enjoyment and celebration. Along with these festive gatherings accompanies an array of buffet-style meals loaded with a variety of rich, calorie dense foods. This time of year is often followed by bloating, fatigue and the ever dreaded weight gain. To help you stay healthy and continuing on your fitness journey, I have included some tried and true tips to help alleviate the holiday over-eating syndrome.
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Tip #1
Don’t skip meals to indulge in that anticipated feast. By skipping a meal, you are more likely to overeat, especially on your favorite goodies.

Tip #2
Start with vegetables or a salad. These foods are higher in fiber, lower in calories and make you feel more full.

Tip #3
Eating smaller portions of foods can have a positive impact on preventing over indulgence in buffet-style eating. Remember to be aware that even healthy foods have calories and are easy to over-eat. Moderation is key in holiday festivities.

Tip #4
Most holidays meals are coupled with a vast spread of desserts. Consider small samplings of dessert to satisfy that sweet-tooth. This strategy allows you to savor the richness of dessert without all the calories. 

Tip #5
The holidays are a time for merriment with friends and family. Make sure to enjoy your time together while making smart choices.

Tip #6
Be mindful and wary of the liquid calories. Enough said.

Tip #7
Make sure to keep moving. Many people overeat and fall into the holiday “food coma”. After dinner it is important to engage in some type of physical activity. This could be a nice stroll, a snowball fight (weather permitting), or even a planned session that evening at the gym after activities are completed. The MAAC happens to be open 24/7 for your convenience. 

To be successful in maintaining health and fitness during the holidays, choosing a strategy and sticking with it will be your best plan for success. Remember to make sure you have fun and have a blessed holiday season.
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​M.ExS.; NASM CPT; Precision Nutrition Level 1; CES
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introducing alex szajko

10/16/2019

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This month, we decided to give our newest member of our training staff, Alex Szajko, an opportunity to introduce himself and discuss his journey to The MAAC.

Alex has been working as a personal trainer and member services associate since August and we are incredibly excited to have him as a member of our fitness team.

​Hello all!

My name is Alexander Szajko.
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I attended high school locally in Mt. Morris and graduated in 2015. At Mt. Morris, I was a multi-sport athlete (football, power-lifting, and track). I started to get into the weight room when I was a freshman, but my passion for fitness did not begin until my sophomore year when I joined the power-lifting team. My coach started to teach me about the benefits of lifting and how it could impact my life positively. Soon after, I discovered that weight-training and fitness was a great outlet. As a result, I began to study and absorb as much information as I could about fitness.

After high school, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge on exercise and nutrition. I decided to attend Alma College where I also was a four year letter-winner playing football. As a senior, I earned second team all-conference honors after leading my team in tackles and was voted as the defensive player of the year by my teammates. Most importantly, I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Integrated Physiology in the Spring of 2019.

After my four years at Alma, I started to look for work. I eventually received a tip that there was an opening at The MAAC for personal training and desk work. It was like a dream come true. I applied for the job, and was hired shortly after. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I get to spend all of my time in an environment that I love, doing the things that I love.

I am looking forward to continuing my journey and helping to impact the live's of others here in the Clio community. Please keep me and the rest of The MAAC's team in mind when you are looking for fitness help.
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blog #2: back to school, back to the gym

9/17/2019

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By: Melissa Kwiatkowski, Director of Training

Back To School-Back to the Gym!

With the beginning of the school year comes changes in routines and schedules. There are after school activities, games, practices, lessons, and the list goes on.

So how do you adjust and make time to be physically active and work on your own health? 
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Health is important for all ages. But as adults, shouldn’t we be good role models for our children? Evidence shows that kids are more likely to be active and healthy when their mothers and fathers exercise, eat well, and model those healthy behaviors (Duke Medicine, 2013).

Pros of Joining a Gym

In addition, exercising daily is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, working an exercise routine into your schedule can be difficult. But with a lot of determination and long term discipline, working exercise into your life can be accomplished and rewarding.

Why would you want to exercise and add one more things to your plate?

In addition to improving overall health, regular exercise can help achieve and maintain healthy body weight, gain and maintain lean muscle mass, and reduce your risk of chronic disease.

The American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Journal (2019) recently reported important benefits of physical activity. They include reduced risk of dementia, improved cognitive function, reduced risk of seven different cancers, and health benefits for children (Haskell, 2019).

Other well-known benefits are improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness, which can lead to reduced risk of heart attack, improved blood pressure, and reduced risk of injury and falls.

A Trainer Can Help

Wow! Those are several significant benefits, which outweigh the difficulty of beginning an exercise routine. 

If you’re new to exercise or your current plan is not helping you reach your goals, hiring a trainer may be a good choice. Our training staff are professionally certified fitness trainers, educated and eager to help others achieve goals and improve their health. The MAAC’s trainers can help figure out the right activities for you, put together a reasonable program, help with scheduling, and maximize your time.
We are available mornings, afternoon, and evenings to help motivate and achieve your next health & fitness goal. 
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​​M.ExS.; NASM CPT; Precision Nutrition Level 1; CES
​References

Duke Medicine. (2013). Parenting and home environment influence children’s exercise and eating habit. Science New. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130618113652.html

Haskell, W. (2019). Guidelines for Physical Activity and Health in the United States. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 23(5), 5-8.
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blog #1 - ANNOUNCING OUR NEW MONTHLY BLOG

8/28/2019

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By: Steve Perryman, General Manager

Hello Everyone!

I am happy to announce that beginning with this first post, we will be releasing a monthly BLOG.
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The purpose of this BLOG is to accomplish two things:
  • First, we want to keep everyone up-to-date with happenings at The MAAC.
  • Second, we want to give our expert training staff a way of connecting with our entire membership base. They will be posting workout advice, industry knowledge, and other tips to help our members with their fitness journey.
​
I am confident that we have the greatest training staff in the area and look forward to giving them an outlet to help communicate with others.
 
You will be able to find our BLOGs right here at theMAACfitness.com -and- you will also be able to leave comments and questions on each post.
 
Our next BLOG will come from our Director of Training, Melissa Kwiatkowski.
 
Melissa has been with us since 2017 and has helped to rejuvenate our training programs. She has a Master’s Degree in Applied Exercise Science from Concordia University (Chicago, IL) and is a Certified Personal Trainer by the National Association of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.). Melissa’s qualifications don’t end there either. She has also earned a Certificate of Distinction and Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification (C.E.S.) from N.A.S.M., as well as a Level 1 Certification from Precision Nutrition (PN1), and is certified by the National Academy of Sports Exercise (N.A.S.E.).
 
Thanks for reading -and- stay tuned for BLOG #2 from Melissa in the coming weeks.
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​The MAAC of Clio, LLC

Sports & Fitness Center


5338 W. Vienna Rd.

Clio, Michigan 48420


(810) 640-8255

theMAACsports@hotmail.com


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  • Home
  • About
    • Staffed Hours
    • Meet The Team
    • Testimonials
    • Photo Gallery
  • Membership Options
  • PROMOTIONS
  • Fitness Training
  • Basketball
    • UPCOMING LEAGUES
    • OFF THE BENCH ACADEMY
    • SCHEDULES
    • Michigan Mystics
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  • Event Calendar
  • Contact
  • MORE
    • Blog
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    • Freaky Friday
    • FACILITY RENTAL
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