Homestead’s “New Leaf” offers health and fitness
By Pat Stinson
Sun contributor
New Leaf, The Homestead’s state-of-the-art health and fitness center for resort guests and the public, opened in June and hosted a reception and tour recently for fitness enthusiasts and others contemplating change.
The 4,000 square-foot center was built to attain the highest possible LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating. Posts, beams and trim were cut and milled locally from timber harvested by Leelanau lumberman Jesse LaCross and his team of horses, who gathered trees from areas of the resort where future construction is planned.
The luminous New Leaf interior boasts numerous windows, contemporary décor and award-winning equipment from Life Fitness, including free weights, circuit training machines and cardio equipment with iPod stations and LCD TVs. Those who prefer outdoor views can catch glimpses of golfers, shoppers and skiers in season from New Leaf’s location in the resort’s Village.
An all-around health and wellness program includes indoor and outdoor fitness activities.
“Our goals are to help people live more healthily, including their physical bodies but also with their relaxation and emotional well-being,” said New Leaf Manager Tara Ziegler.
To that end, experienced personal trainers, including Ohio State-trained Lou Ricord, will work closely with new members to design creative, challenging and results-oriented routines. Group fitness instructors provide yoga, belly dancing, Pilates and weight-training classes. Tai Chi at the Spa Amira location (for inspiring lake views), Hoopercise® (hula hoop exercise), Tai massage (offering compressions and stretching to warm and relax the muscles), and ski pole walking are in the planning stages. Other outdoor fitness activities will include kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.
Life Coach and author Megan Raphael (The Courage Code) will offer “Deeper Conversations,” a series of discussions over coffee that include such topics as grief (what the grieving process is, what it means, timeline and markers), aging and priorities.
As a life coach, Ziegler said Raphael listens carefully, asks the “right” questions and focuses attention: “She’s an excellent group facilitator.”
In addition to her New Leaf program, Raphael will host her own “Beach Coaching,” a one-on-one, walk-and-talk dialogue for individuals.
“We encourage people to pursue that opportunity,” Ziegler added.
About four years ago, The Homestead surveyed past guests, condominium owners and group guests, to ask them about the importance of spa and fitness.
“The results were staggering — which led us on the road to add a spa and improve our fitness facilities,” said Jamie Jewell, senior vice president at The Homestead. “The focus on health and wellness is clearly at the forefront of our guests’ and owners’ minds.”
New Leaf’s annual membership rates start at $31.50 per month plus a $75 initiation fee for individuals, and $54 per month plus a $125 initiation fee for couples. Per class attendance fee is $10, and personal training is available starting at $30 for 30 minutes. Pre-paid punch cards for multiple classes and personal training include free sessions. The center’s summer hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call New Leaf at (231) 334-5160 or visit www.thehomesteadresort.com for more information.