May 2019
Greetings!
It's May- the flowers are blooming and Liberty is booming! We are busy preparing for a fun summer with the official opening of our outdoor facilities over Memorial Day weekend.

May is a great time to dream about warmer weather and to mix up your workout routine. Our fitness staff is here to support you on your journey to be your best self. Check out our summer class schedules and events on our website.

Most importantly, stay committed and know that you are giving the gift of good health to you and your loved ones by your participation in the Liberty community!

  
In good health,
Liberty Athletic Club
11th Annual Egg Hunt

An "Eggs"tra special time was had by all at Liberty's 11th Annual Egg Hunt. Our younger members enjoyed time with "Miss Bunny" who "hopped" by the club. Thank you to all who attended and made the event a success.

More photos can be seen on our Liberty Website!
Walk With Us and Support the American Heart Association!

R.J. Meske, Director of Fitness and Wellness at Liberty will be leading a group of members and staff at the 2019 Washtenaw County Heart Walk at Eastern Michigan University’s Rynearson Stadium on May 11 th. We’re excited to participate in this event as part of our ongoing support of the AHA and its mission.

Grab some friends and family and join the Liberty Athletic Club Team by clicking the following link: http://www2.heart.org/goto/teamlac . Check in is at 8:30 and the walk begins at 10:30. Routes are either one or three miles.

Donations are not required for participating in the Heart Walk. However, we encourage you to stop by the front desk and donate by buying a paper heart if you have not already done so. Thank you to the many in our community who have already contributed via participation in Myzone Mania on April 6th and/or through our Buy a Heart, Save a Life campaign. Together, we can make a significant impact!
Staying Hydrated this Summer
From the desk of Susan Cutshaw, M.S. Nutritionist

Ah summer! The season we all dream about in the depths of winter- getting outside, exercising and enjoying the sun. Yet, with great fun comes the challenge of staying hydrated. As the temps rise and sweating increases our bodies experience significant water loss which makes fluid replacement a key concern when participating in outdoor activities. But why is maintaining hydration so important?

For starters, maintaining the correct fluid balance makes it easier for our hearts to work efficiently and keeps us thinking clearly and functioning properly. If you wait until you feel thirsty it’s too late...you’re already dehydrated. The amount we need depends on climate, time of year, activity level, and overall health. Taking supplements and medications increases our need for fluid as well.

One of the simplest ways to monitor your hydration is by paying attention to the color of your urine. Ideally, it should be clear to lightly colored. If it's too concentrated, meaning yellow to orange, you’re probably in need of more fluid.

What’s the best way to stay hydrated and just as importantly, rehydrate, after exercise? Consider loading up on fluids prior to, during, and after any physical activity. For example, 2 hours before an event drink 2 - 3 cups of water, during the event drink ½ - 1 ½ cups of water (if tolerated). Water is always the first choice, but we have to pay attention to our electrolyte intake as well. We can lose a significant amount of sodium with heavy sweating, especially for those activities lasting 60 minutes or longer. Water alone will not replenish what you’ve lost.

One way to determine how much fluid you may need after an exercise session is to weigh yourself before and after activity. For every pound lost from start to finish of an activity, it also means 16 ounces of water lost.

For the best results, your fluid replacement should contain only 4 - 8% carbohydrate. Some sport drinks meet that criteria but be aware of the total amount of sugar they contain. Like sugary sports drinks, juice is not a good choice due to its high sugar content; more sugar means slower absorption of fluids.

Surprisingly, many fruits are excellent ways to rehydrate since they have such a high percentage of water; plus, you’re getting fiber, vitamins, and mineral to boot.

  • Watermelon - 92% water
  • Apple - 84% water
  • Cantaloupe and peaches - 89% water
  • Blueberries - 80% water

You can also try this homemade electrolyte mix instead of buying a Gatorade...

Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe (With Flavor Options)
Author - Katie Wells

Save money and avoid artificial ingredients by making your own homemade natural sports drink recipe with electrolytes. Endless options to make a flavor you love!

Course Drinks
Prep Time - 5 minutes
Total Time - 5 minutes
Servings - 4 cups
Calories - 26 kcal

Ingredients
  • 1 quart liquid such as green tea herbal teas, coconut water, or plain water
  • 1/8 -1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
  • 1 tsp calcium magnesium powder
  • ¼ cup or more 100% juice optional
  • 1-2 TBSP sweetener such as honey or stevia optional. I suggest brewing stevia leaf into the base liquid for the most natural option
 
Instructions
  1. Brew tea if using, or slightly warm base liquid.
  2. Add sea salt and calcium magnesium and mix.
  3. If using, add juice and sweetener and mix or shake well.
  4. Cool and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
  5. Will last up to four days in refrigerator, but I prefer to make as needed.
 
Notes
The normal recipe includes 1 quart of tea (brewed with red raspberry leaf, alfalfa, nettle and Stevia), ¼ tsp sea salt, 1 tsp calcium magnesium powder, and ¼ cup grape or apple juice. Can make half a batch or less if needed.

Nutrition
Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 26 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.1g | Sodium: 74mg | Sugar: 5.8g

References
Summer Swim Team Information

Registration is now open!

Important Dates
Sunday, May 5 - 12:30pm 
New Swimmer Evaluations

Wednesday, May 29 - 7:00pm
Mandatory Parent Meeting/Volunteer Meeting

Friday, May 31
Swim Team Registration CLOSES

Questions? Contact Marie Bondie at 734.665.3738 x154, or email  [email protected] .
  
Click here  to see this year's Swim Team calendar. 
Click here  for swim team brochure.  
Adult Tennis

Congratulations team Liberty for winning the USTA Southeastern Michigan 40 and Over 7.0 Mixed Doubles District Championship!
(back row)   Barry St Pierre ,   Jp Lammers ,  Brian Szymanski (front row)   Lichee Chang St Pierre ,   Jennifer Juul Sauld ,  Captain  Kusull Kim ,   Christina Slade,   (not pictured)   Jennifer Geer ,   Ryan Rooney
USTA Summer Leagues

Match play begins the week of May 13th and continues through July. Please contact MaryBeth Putnam if you are interested in joining a team.

USTA
Outdoor Courts  
Please bring your own tennis balls for outdoor play. Cans of balls are available for purchase at the front desk.
Court Fees 
All indoor courts will be charged at the non prime time rate of $32/hour beginning Monday, May 6th through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2019.   

Outdoor Tennis Court Reservations  
Outdoor court reservations have begun. Courts may be reserved 24 hours in advance at the front desk. At the time of play, one person from the group will be required to come into the club to secure the registration.

Non members will be required to pay the $12.00 tennis guest fee prior to playing. Please remember, tennis players are required to wear shirts on the outdoor courts at all times. 
Junior Tournament Training Program
Information packets have been e-mailed to all Jr. Competitive Players. Registration forms for the appropriate group(s) were included within the email for each individual. Please direct any questions to Paul Ripley at 734-665-3738 ext. 116 or  [email protected] .

Sign-up for any of the Tournament Training classes and receive 20% off 
until June 14, 2019!
Thinking about adding your children to your membership for the summer?  

In an effort to make this summer as seamless as possible, we are offering members the opportunity to upgrade their membership via email or phone. It's easy, just email the sales team at  [email protected]  or call us at 734-665-3738 ext. 112. Let us know the names and birth dates of your children and we will add them to your account. Your account will be billed accordingly. We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer! 
Memorial Day Weekend Hours  
All outdoor hours are weather permitting. If the weather is inclement over the holiday weekend, the lifeguards will move indoors to the Liberty Lagoon.
  
REMINDER: bring your own beach towels to the outdoor waterpark!
Club towels are neither provided, nor permitted, at the outdoor waterpark.
 
Saturday, May 25
Indoor Facility
Club Hours: 7:30am-8:00pm
Café Liberty: 9:00am-2:00pm
Treehouse: 8:30am-2:30pm
  
Outdoor Facility - Opening Day! (Weather Dependent)
Hours: 10:00am-8:00pm
Splash Café: 10:00am-7:30pm
Bounce House: 12:00pm-3:00pm

Sunday, May 26
Indoor Facility
Club Hours: 7:30am-9:00pm
Café Liberty: CLOSED  (Splash Café open outside)
Treehouse: 8:30am-2:30pm

Outdoor Facility (Weather Dependent)
Hours: 10:00am-8:30pm
Splash Café: 10:00am-8:00pm
Poolside Music: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day
Indoor Facility
Club Hours: 7:30am-6:00pm
Café Liberty: CLOSED  (Splash Café open outside)
Treehouse: CLOSED

Outdoor Facility (Weather Dependent)
GUESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THE OUTDOOR FACILITY TODAY
Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm
Splash Café: 10:00am-5:30pm
Kids Games: 1:00pm-3:00pm

Special Group Fitness Classes Monday, May 28
(all other classes are cancelled for the day)

8:30-9:30 am Spinning* with Cheryl M (SS)
9:15-10:15 am TKO with Hailey (GFS)
9:30-10:30 am Bootcamp with Sara (BBC)
10:30-11:30 am Yoga with Marty (MBS) 

*Registration required

With the exception of Monday, May 27, all Group Fitness Classes will run as originally scheduled during the Memorial Day weekend.

*No outdoor adult only lap swim Memorial Day Weekend
Friendly Reminders

Parking Lot
Please do not cut through the parking lot by driving between the pylons. There is a vast amount of foot and vehicle traffic and this activity increases the chances of an accident.

Outdoor Facility
The outdoor play structure (aka sand area ) opens Saturday, May 25th. Until then, the outdoor tennis courts are the only area of the Outdoor Facility that are open to members. 
General Age Requirement Policies
Children must be 12 and older to be dropped off at Liberty without a parent on the premises, unless in an organized Liberty program. The Treehouse Activity Center is not a 'program', thus requires parent/legal guardian to remain on the premises. This includes all guests.

Supervisors must be at least 16 years of age to supervise children in the absence of parent/guardian.

Fitness Floor and Exercise Facilities
Children under age 12 are not permitted in these areas unless working with a Liberty Athletic Club Personal Trainer.

Group Fitness Classes
Group Fitness classes, with the exception of cycling, are open to participants age 12 and up. Cycling participants must be 15 years of age or older.

Indoor Adult Lap Pool
Children under age 15 must be lap swimming -and- be accompanied by a parent.

Locker Rooms
Boys may enter the women's locker room and girls may use the men's locker room until their 4th birthday. Once a child reaches age 4, please use locker rooms of 'matching' gender, or use the Family Locker Room (co-ed) located on the east side of the indoor swimming pool.

Lagoon Activity Center
Children under age 8 must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Children ages 8 and up may use this area unaccompanied as long as a parent/supervisor remains on the premises.

Lagoon Activity Play Structure
Children must be 5 years of age or older to play in the Obstacle Play Structure. 

Liberty Lagoon Indoor Waterpark
Swimmers must be at least 15 years old to swim unaccompanied during non-lifeguarded hours.

During lifeguard hours, swimmers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult/parent in the pool area. 

Outdoor Waterpark
Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
Looking for a fun and friendly place to work? Join the Liberty Team!
 
 We are now hiring for both summer and year round positions ages 16 years of age or older: 
 
·          Birthday Party Supervisors
·          Certified Lifeguards  (lifeguard certification required)
·          Swim Instructors  (lifeguard certifications required)
·          Female Facilities
·          Male Facilities
·          Certified Group Fitness Instructor  (Cycling preferred)
·          Summer Camp Counselors
 
 
We urge you to apply as soon as possible because positions fill up quickly. In fact, we have already begun to review and interview candidates for summer employment.
 
If interested in employment at Liberty, please contact Katie Potgiesser, Human Resources Manager at 734.665.3738 ext. 118 or at   [email protected] , or stop by the Club and obtain an application at the Front Desk.
Giving Back 
Liberty Athletic Club is pleased to have provided in-kind donations to the following organizations during the month of April 2019.

Carpenter Elementary School
Unified
Dexter Community Players