Fitness Class Schedule

The Health Club offers a variety of fitness classes that combine cardio and strength training including Aqua Aerobics, Cycling, Pilates, Yoga, Cardio Dance Fitness, TRX training, and more. Resort guests and members can also get back on track with a personalized workout program with a personal trainer, yoga instructor, or meditation coach.

Member News
Keep up to date on the latest Member News and Events through our member newsletter and Club Facebook page. Not on our newsletter email list? Contact Nichole McDonald at 231.534.6586 or [email protected]

Dear GTRS Members,

On Thursday, September 3rd, there was a new executive order from Governor Whitmer regarding gyms and fitness studios reopening. We have been operating under the guidelines for our Northern Michigan Region 6 since June 10th, which allowed our fitness center, tennis facility and pools to reopen.
At that time our industry was not giving any direction or specific requirements for reopening, so we consulted the local health department and other public health experts on how we should reopen safely.

Based upon advice and guidance we determined it was safe to require masks while moving through the health club, masks could be removed once you started your work out with maintaining a social distance between 8-10 feet.
The new Executive Order 2020-175 now states specific requirements for the fitness industry. GTRS health club will be complying with the updated mandates.

In order to comply with the Executive Order, GTRS will be requiring that members always wear face coverings while indoors at the health club, tennis courts & pools apart from when you are actively swimming or playing tennis, effective Wednesday, September 9th.
We understand this will take some adjustment and we have a couple of resources on wearing a mask while exercising on our website grandtraverseresort.com

We appreciate our members and are thankful for your continued support during these unprecedented times.

Sincerely-

Dawn Olsen Director of Spa and Recreation

Important Aqua Aerobics Update:

Beginning the week of September 14th all aqua classes will be indoors and resume the previous schedule of 8am and 9am MWF classes. Please contact the front desk to sign up. Locker rooms available for class members.”

Fall/Winter Group Fitness Classes:

As the days grow colder and shorter, we will need to move our group fitness classes indoors.
We will offer these classes a lot of space as we will need to keep our members socially distanced even more as they work out. The resort offers us plenty of space for proper social distancing and comfort for our members. Our large meeting spaces will be where we hold our group classes once the weather starts turning. For the time being we will continue to enjoy the outdoors until further notice.

Member Appreciation Days in the month of September!
Enjoy extra discounts and giveaways resort wide just for our members… we want to show you the appreciation we have for our membership.

Spa Offers:
Members will receive 25% off on spa treatments and retail for the remainder of September
Valid Tuesday-Sunday Mondays- member appreciation day 30% off all spa treatments and retail.
This offers excludes salon, waxing and lash services.

Spa Give-a ways- enter to win a 50-minute Relaxation massage or a 50-minute HydraFacial

Golf Offers:
Thursday, September 17, Bear Members will receive complimentary golf on all three courses on this day only. Village, Pick 6 will receive a $35 rate on any of the courses. Normal Guest fee will apply.

Tennis Offers:

Members have the chance to win a private tennis lessons with our amazing team of pros!

Tennis giveaways include the following:

*Complimentary stringing
*Two 12-week adult sessions
*Two junior sessions

Must be a member in good standing (membership must be currently activated)

Members can win one prize max

Prize is good for 1 year from date of drawing

We will do a drawing each Friday in the week of September- go to our Club Facebook page starting Weds 9/9 to enter to win these amazing prizes and many more.

Hotel Room Offers:

Hotel/Tower Member Special- 30% off Sunday-Thursday and 25% off Friday/Saturday (off prevailing rate)

Member discounts apply to hotel and tower only.

Retail Store Offers:
30 % off Spring / Summer North Face
50%-75% off on select merchandise in Ashleigh’s and Bear Logo
Receive Lole water bottle with a $75 purchase in Adventure North (Lole merchandise) while supplies last

Governors Pool Hours Update:

Please note that starting Sept 8th we will be adjusting the Governors Pool hours to the following:

Sunday-Thursday- 11am-6pm
Friday and Saturday- 11am-7pm

The pool will remain open weather permitting throughout the month of September.

Guest Policy Reminder

Family members/friends are not permitted to use a member’s card for any reason

Guest fees $10 adult $6 for kids under 12
One guest per family currently

Guest must be with members at all times

Program Descriptions
Aqua Aerobics (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00am and 9:00am, 55 min) Awaken the power of the body through water fitness. These classes are designed to challenge your endur-ance, strength, cardiovascular condition and flex-ibility through water resistance and use of aqua bells and or noodles. Enjoy the benefits of exercise without the added stress on your joints. Learn techniques to strengthen and support your core for overall stability. Modifications are offered for varying fitness levels, in-cluding high intensity exercises. Your instructor will help create a fun and active workout you can take at your own pace. Held indoors.

Power Yoga (Monday 10:00am,45 min) Relax as our instructor walks you through meditative exercises and stretches that will help you start your morning out right. This class is sure to leave you feeling invigorated and ready to face whatever the day may bring. (Meet in the Health Club Lobby -Jamie Bell. Weather permitting)

Indoor Cycling (Tuesday 7:30 & Saturday 8:00am,45 min)Our 45-minute ride combines dynamic movement and high-intensity interval training with musical motivation. We’ll run, sprint, push and fight through a workout that will light you up and keep your heart rate bumpin’ for the rest of the day. (held under the white tent next to the outdoor tennis courts)

Gentle Yoga (Wednesday 6:00pm & Friday 11:00am) Gentle and restorative with a deep connection to the breath as a tool to release unnecessary tension, stress,and pain. With a focus on centering and present-moment mindful-awareness, participants are guided to inner stillness through movement and meditation. Participants of any physical ability are welcomed and encouraged. (Yellow Pavilion tent next to Governor’s pool with Jamie Bell)

OverAchiever (Tuesday 5:15pm, 45 min) Do you desire to be pushed past your own limita-tions? Become stronger, build endurance and push through mental barriers that can inhibit results. This class will push you beyond what you could Achieve on your own. Implementing various techniques and modalities this class will bring out your inner athlete. The class offers modifications for all fitness levels. Meet outside the Health Club entrance.

Total Body Blaster (Thursday 5:15pm, 45 min) Melt away the stress of the day with our total body workout! This class combines fun and creativity to bring about the challenge your mind and body need. Incorporating equipment such as kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands, stability balls and more this class will keep your heart pumping and your whole body in shape as you blast through the exercises. Modifications offered for all fitness levels. Meet outside the Health Club entrance.

Turbo Tone (Monday & Wednesday 9:15, 45 min) This class offers a wide range of exercises to help tone and strengthen. You will be challenged and pushed to your limits with a fun mix of cardio and resistance exercises. High energy and creative use of equipment make this a great start to your day! Class can be modified for any fitness level. All are welcome! Meet outside the Health Club entrance.

Yoga Class At Home (Thursday 1:00pm, 45 min) Join our practice of the gentle art of yoga in the comfort of your own home with your computer on Zoom. This interactive and mindful practice will include postures, breath exercise, and meditation that cultivate flexibility, strength, and balance in body and mind and spirit. Inner peace that heals is the ultimate gift of this ancient art. Ongoing classes will be offered on Thursdays at 1:00 P.M. Joining is easy, just contact the health club desk at 231-534-6770. If you are not familiar with using Zoom, don’t worry, it’s easy and we will walk you through it!

Weekend Warriors (Saturday 9:00am, 45min) Don’t let the weekend derail your fitness goals! Designed to motivate and challenge, this class will not disappoint. This interval training class will move you from one station to the next, keeping your heart rate up for maximal fat burn. Come ready to fight like a warrior as you prepare for the week ahead. All fitness levels are welcome. Set your own pace. Meet outside the Health Club entrance.

Aqua Strength and Sculpt (Tuesday & Thursday 5:30pm-55 min) A unique, non-aerobic sculpting class that uses the force of water as resistance to create a challenging and effective workout. Improving strength in the core, shoulders, biceps, triceps, back, chest, glutes and legs with a focus on muscular endurance, power, tone and joint range of motion. Modifications are included for athletes, cross-trainers, or anyone desiring to increase their fitness levels.

Kick It Up Cardio (M/W-12:00pm-30 min) “Kick it up a notch” with this fast and furious cardio workout. A generous mix of kickboxing moves with built in strength segments. Designed for those who struggle to fit cardio in, this class is offered midday for a quick lunch break workout option. Modifications for beginner to advanced fitness.

Functionally Fit (Thursday 8:30am,55 min) Increase muscle strength and endurance using a variety of modalities including body weight exercises, kettlebells, body bars, trx and more. Exercises will include both lifting weights for major/minor muscle groups and compound lifting for increasing overall muscle strength, function and flexibility. Designed to mimic everyday movement and activities. All fitness levels encouraged to join. Meet outside the Health Club entrance.

Move It (Friday 10:00am-45 min) This class offers a fusion of Barre, Pilates, and Step movements to create a routine you will look forward to each week. Get caught up in the music, build strength and torch calories in this low-impact cardio option. Experience an original choreographed seg-ment geared for those with two left feet.

Upcoming Events

Club Member Trial Offer

Learn More

Shop Spa Grand Traverse

Learn More

Reopening Updates & COVID-19 Info

Description

Learn More

October 11

Par 3 Shootout

Learn More

October 3

SOLD OUT - Big Hole Golf Tournament

Learn More

October 18

Tuff Enuff Golf Tournament

Learn More

Barefoot Magazine

Instant Gratification

HydraFacial delivers results on first treatment

By Cymbre Foster

When Spa Grand Traverse cosmetologist Sandra Umstead received her first HydraFacial, the results were so amazing that she knew it was something she wanted her clients to experience as well.
HydraFacial is a patented technology that marries a deeply cleansing facial treatment with relaxation.
“After just one visit, this medical-grade procedure leaves the skin with improved clarity, texture, and tone,” Umstead says.
I admit I needed convincing that it could be that good when I arrived at the spa for my first HydraFacial. Truth be told, I’d rather spend my money on a new pair of shoes than skin care, and I didn’t think she would be able to do that much with my neglected, sun-damaged, slightly saggy, middle-aged skin.
Was I ever wrong.

Instant Results
A HydraFacial is a three-part treatment that begins with cleansing that removes dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin. Next, salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to break up any dirt and oil that's clogging pores. Then the HydraPeel Tip is used to painlessly suction out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.
“No more manual extractions that may leave the skin blotchy and inflamed,” Umstead says. “The powerful serums break it all down, allowing the vacuum to pull it all up.”
The best part is that after just one HydraFacial, you will see immediate results. I certainly did.
“This treatment satisfies our need for instant gratification, so clients can’t wait for the next treatment,” Umstead says.
Corrine Olson is one of those clients.
“My favorite facial at the spa is the HydraFacial,” she says. “It’s the first time I can say that I noticed results.”
Each treatment starts with before and after photos.
“We have the ability to compare them side by side after your treatment,” Umstead explains. “This allows us to better track your progress every time you come in.”
For many clients, seeing those results is motivation not just to come back, but also to continue better skin-care regimens at home.
Umstead pulled up my pictures, and, to my surprise, I had fewer lines on my face and my skin was truly hydrated — literally glowing, in fact.

Part of a Skin-Care Routine
Since Umstead has consistently treated herself to HydraFacials, she no longer needs to wear makeup. Her skin did look flawless.
For long-term benefits and correction purposes, Umstead recommends treatments every six weeks. For maintenance, she suggests having one each season.
“This treatment is fairly active, and I like to think of it as waking up the skin,” she says.
“It’s invigorating and satisfying in many ways, which keeps clients coming back for more.”
When a friend commented on how nice my skin looked the day after my HydraFacial, I had to agree.
“You will leave with your skin glowing, looking healthy, hydrated, and with overall better skin tone,” Olson says. “I plan on keeping this as part of my skin-care routine.”
Still the Best: The Bear at 35

Iconic course remains top on golfers’ must-play lists

By Tom Lang

The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa comes out of hibernation each spring to test the best and entertain golfers of all skill levels.

2020 marks The Bear’s 35th awakening since Jack Nicklaus created his spectacular signature design in 1985.

Nationally ranked in the top 100 courses and consistently rated as one of Michigan’s toughest, The Bear has for decades drawn golfers who are looking for a chance to tame the challenge to northern Lower Michigan.

“The Bear has the reputation of being difficult, but it also has the reputation of being fair,” says Tom McGee, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa director of golf operations. “Golfers tell us they like the challenge. And they tell us each of the holes is so unique and memorable that no two holes are the same.

“It’s one of those golf courses where you have to think a lot, you need to look at the surroundings, and I think people appreciate that more and they concentrate more when playing it, as opposed to most other golf courses.”

An Unusual Course
That’s exactly what Nicklaus intended when he was commissioned to create his biggest golf-skills challenge of that era. The Bear plays to 7,078 yards from the championship tees. It has four lakes, 10 holes with water hazards and only one hole with no bunkers.

“That was kind of an unusual golf course (at the time),” Nicklaus said in a recent visit to Michigan. “The owner at that time wanted the longest course in Michigan, over 7,000 yards, par 72 and the highest course rating (for toughness). I did all three of those … and, of course, the golf course was really difficult.”

The Bear is a links-style course with mature trees surrounding the outer edges of the property. The course features undulating, multi-tiered greens, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers that guard the greens and thick grassy rough. The rough has been cut back away from the fairways over the years to somewhat soften Nicklaus’ original design. Tee boxes have been added to provide more variety and shorter yardages.

Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and orchards are home to a variety of wildlife and add more golf hazards to navigate. The course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.

The fairways give The Bear its unique look. Elevated from the rough on many holes, the fairways appear to be floating above the surrounding property. The design also punishes shots that roll off the fairway and get hung up in the second cut of grass, creating a more severe side-hill position. Nicklaus later incorporated that design element into his signature course near Palm Springs, California.

A Must-Play
“Growing up in southern Michigan, this is one of the top five courses you always hear about that need to be on your list to play,” said golfer John Barkalow of Schoolcraft, Michigan, after playing The Bear for the first time in late 2019. “It was challenging yet playable. I’m certainly not a fantastic golfer, but I was able to shoot my average score.”

His playing partner that day, Brian Kowalski of Bowling Green, Ohio, added, “My first impressions were intimidating, but I wanted to try it because it’s listed as one of the top golf courses in Michigan. I definitely want to come back here and also try The Wolverine and Spruce Run. Always great golf in Northern Michigan.”

While The Bear sees most of its play by the average golfer, throughout the years it has hosted the state’s premier state championship — the Michigan Open — more times than any other golf course. (See related story on page xx.) And not long after The Bear opened, it hosted the PGA Champions Tour Ameritech Senior Open in 1990, won by global fan favorite Chi Chi Rodriguez.

“The Bear was the hardest course, as Jack built it, when it opened in 1985, and it’s withstood the test of time,” McGee says. “It’s still very attractive, people still love to play it, and those who come to the Resort, if they’re going to play one golf course, they choose The Bear.”
Simply the Best

Resort garners top convention center award

By Emily Doran

Being named “Best Convention Center” by Michigan Meetings + Events in 2019 is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication from the staff at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Boasting 86,500 square feet of meeting space, the Resort has established itself as a major hub for state, corporate, and private events. While the Resort has earned other accolades from Michigan Meeting + Events, including “Best Golf Venue” in 2019 and previous years, this is the first time the resort has snagged the “Best Convention Center” title (in the Non-University category). The award was determined in part through a readers’ poll, meaning clients and colleagues weighed in to push the results the Resort’s way.
“The award is, quite frankly, a reflection of our service, our food and beverage — the total meeting package,” says Ryan Buck, director of sales.
The honor also helps the Resort, which is booked by hundreds of groups a year, compete against larger venues like Detroit’s TCF Center (formerly the Cobo Center) and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Buck says.
“It puts us on a different level in a way, in a playing field commensurate with those other amazing venues that we have across the board, and it really shows the true capacities that we have,” he says. “These types of things help us establish legitimacy and credibility as an independent property.”
Certain features at the Resort help it stand out. For one thing, the convention space is wide open — no pillars.
“You don’t normally see that, especially with ballrooms like ours — 19,000 square feet,” says Buck, referencing the recently renovated Governors’ Hall. “Not having any pillars is a really distinct advantage.”
Other amenities, including a spacious loading dock, make the space particularly appealing to vendors.
“Another thing that we hear as feedback, and I see all the time, is it’s just easy to do business here,” Buck says.
Those and other features keep many clients, including the Michigan Credit Union League, coming back year after year. The League has been hosting events at the resort for more than two decades, booking all or most of the meeting areas and rooms to fit between 500 and 1,200 people, depending on the event.
For Janet Ormsby, senior director of events at the League, the Resort’s perks go beyond renovated spaces and beautiful grounds to include the staff.
“They’re just great people to work with,” she says.

Fitness Class Schedule

Club Membership