Beaumont Center’s 2018 Fitness Schedule Appeals To Mid-lifers And Beyond

Lou Prosapio, 67, and wife, Nancy Kunkel, 61, members of the Beaumont Health and Fitness Center in St. Clair Shores, have made it a general rule of thumb to exercise separately. “Because of our schedules, it just kind of works out that way,” Prosapio says with a wink. Bill Holdman, 91, and his wife Joyce, of Grosse Pointe, see things similarly. “When you’re both retired, exercising independently is a way for you to do your own thing,” Holdman says. “Our center is geared for those in mid-life and beyond who want to improve their physical activity levels,” says center Manager Peggy Murphy Kurza. “The atmosphere is professional yet friendly. Our members are interested in catching up with old friends and making new ones. Members often tell Kurza they appreciate the updated, noncompetitive environment and instructors who gently but firmly encourage them to get outside their comfort zone. Friendly, intermarriage competition also inspires Prosapio and his wife, Nancy Kunkel, of St. Clair Shores. Both enjoy using the Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT), a cross between an elliptical and a stair climber.

“I’ve pretty much resigned myself that my wife is generally going to beat me,” Prosapio says with a laugh, adding the ATM enables him to increase his heart rate without aggravating lifelong back problems. “I’ll usually do 10 to 15 minutes. Lack of pressure to “do this” or “buy that” adds to his satisfaction. “Larger, flashier gyms are often about hard-selling you the latest and greatest programs or services,” Prosapio says. “We drive 8 miles and pass other fitness centers on the way,” says Bill Holdman, who enjoys strength exercises, conditioning and balance classes, and using a piece of equipment known as the Nu-Step. The recumbent, cross-trainer features a low-impact, stepping motion, similar to walking up stairs, to provide full-body cardio and strength training. “We love the people, the instructors and the equipment,” Holdman says. Wife, Joyce, faithfully attends a Wednesday morning PowerBeatz class. All skill levels can adapt to the high-energy workout led by instructor Michelle Sand. “I look forward to the class every week,” Joyce Holdman says. “Michelle is such a warm and caring instructor — you can’t help but respond to her. Educational workshops, including an upcoming mindfulness class, focus on whole-body wellness. Located in the same building as the fitness center, is the Beaumont Weight Control Center, which offers free seminars to explain available weight loss options. Staff includes dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists and physicians can customize programs to meet individual needs. Community members interested in exploring the Beaumont Health and Fitness Center are encouraged to come in for a free, two-week trial fit pass.

If you’re struggling with excess weight, low energy or just need a little help getting off the couch, talk to the experts. There are adult weight loss programs and health improvement programs throughout southeast Michigan to help anyone lose weight. Check out our list of the best weight loss programs in metro Detroit and beyond - and find one that’s right for you. Many of these centers offer free seminars so you can decide if the program fits your needs and lifestyle. On this list, you’ll find holistic, behavioral, clinical and surgical approaches that can help you shed pounds and improve your health. They’re all attached to medical facilities, but you might also consider looking into the many Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig centers throughout the area. And if you want to get the whole family involved in your journey to health, check out our lists of weight loss programs for kids, top personal trainers in Southeast Michigan and fitness centers in the area, too.

Note: Make sure to check in with your health insurer to see if all or part of the cost of your weight loss program is covered. Offering weight loss help for over 30 years, this Beaumont Hospital-affiliated center takes a complete approach to health. Personalized programs combine nutrition counseling and fitness, along with physician, psychologist and group support. There’s also a fitness center available for weight loss participants, and surgical options, too. People enrolled in this medically-monitored program participate in 24 weeks of health, exercise and other classes that will help them lose 1-4 pounds a week. The program, along with coaching and nutrition options, is designed to help participants make healthy, long-term changes. Register online for a free informational session. This nationally recognized center has several medical procedures and weight management programs available for men and women who are at least 100 pounds overweight. To find out more, attend one of their free informational seminars, or view the seminar online.

Whether you need to lose a little or a lot, this program can help. Participants learn how to make small changes in their diet, exercise and behavior to lose inches. There is a four-month commitment. The surgeons at Henry Ford’s bariatric surgery facilities have performed thousands of procedures - 99 percent of them laparoscopically, making for a quicker recovery time. Comprehensive support is offered pre- and post-surgery. Choose from five programs designed for anyone looking to lose weight. Each program includes coaching by a health educator, meal replacements and medical supervision. St. John Providence Weight Loss Center of Excellence, the leading program in metro Detroit, offers a variety of weight loss options. The program is accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Many procedures are minimally invasive and performed laparoscopically. Most recently, the FDA-approved ORBERA™ Intra-gastric Balloon technique is offered for those patients not considering invasive surgery, but for whom diet and exercise or pharmaceutical interventions have not worked. Non-surgical weight-loss programs include lifestyle and behavior modification and nutrition counseling. Schedule a visit at one of the convenient locations or sign up to attend a free informational seminar. Looking to lose weight or lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, St. Joseph Mercy offers its HMR Weight Management program, which will provide you with proper nutrition and diet information, with the help of medically trained professionals. If you’re considering surgical procedures, the hospitals perform laparoscopic gastric bypasses, sleeve gastrectomies and adjustable gastric bandings, too. A team of dieticians, exercise physiologists and other medical experts will help you reach your weight loss goals and teach you the right way to live a healthy life. If the traditional diet and exercise hasn’t worked for you, inquire about bariatric surgery, also offered through Henry Ford. Know of any other great weight loss programs for adults, Tell us in the comments section below.