Shier Strength May 2018

YOUR KALAMAZOO FBBC EXCLUSIVE JOURNAL 4026 SWestnedge Ave. Suite 1, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008 — www.fitbodykzoo.com

WHEN A SANDWICH FIASCO BECOMES AN IMPORTANT LESSON

WHY SERVICE IS CENTRAL TOWHATWE DO

waiting for a long time. If you hurry, you can probably still get him and give the guy some food.”

They looked at the man through the glass and blinked a couple of times. Eventually, one of them just replied, “Well, if he was a regular, he would have known to ring the bell.”

Um… what? My jaw dropped. Even though I wasn’t the guy without his food, this attitude really bugged the heck out of me. How could the employees of a restaurant that’s been around for decades justify that approach? Despite my anger, I wasn’t about to go up and tell them their mistake. Instead, I’ll be less likely to be their customer in the future.

I brought the incident up in one of my team’s weekly meetings. We do everything we can to ensure our space is a positive, fun, and welcoming place to work out. We read books to improve our service skills and constantly review ways to be better for our clients. For example, what happened at the sandwich shop would never happen here, because ever since I opened the doors at KFBBC, it’s been a rule that everyone who walks in is greeted by name within 10 seconds. And I’m not afraid if a client calls out a coach on that if it doesn’t happen. And if my coaches don’t know the client’s name, they go and ask ASAP. There are enough gyms out there that treat people like a number. We don’t just do things like this to serve the bottom line. I honestly believe that if a study came out showing that great customer service had no impact on profits whatsoever, most businesses would drop it and forget all about service. But I’d still take the exact same customer-centric approach. I don’t want to just help people get fit; I want to establish real, meaningful relationships with everyone at KFBBC. I want to encourage them in all areas of their life and help them gain control where they previously had none. I genuinely care about the people we serve. Customer service isn’t some fad or means to an end. It’s the be-all and end-all of what we do every day. –Adrian Shier (269) 271-9170 — PAGE 1

Like most people, I’m a sucker for a delicious sandwich from the deli. But even the best food in the world can’t make up for terrible customer service. A recent fiasco I witnessed at one of my favorite places here in town really hammered home the importance of a spirit of service. At KFBBC, we cultivate personal connections with our clients. To me, creating a comfortable, warm, encouraging space and experience for them is at the heart of who we are. At this particular restaurant, it was clear their priorities were elsewhere. My wife, my father-in-law, and I were enjoying some really tasty subs at the deli just a few weeks back, chatting away between bites and basically just hanging out, when something crazy happened. A customer walked in through the glass doors, and he was a nondescript guy looking to pick up some lunch on his break, no doubt. He stood at the counter for at least a few long, long minutes, expecting someone to come — but no one came to take his order or even say a hello. After what felt like forever with no response, he turned on his heel and walked briskly out of the restaurant, fed up. But here’s where it gets really crazy. As he opened the door and stepped outside, two staff members came up to the counter laughing about something. From my seat just a few feet away, I got their attention and pointed to the man they could see climbing into his car in the parking lot. “Just so you know,” I said, “there was a man here

May 2018

DON’T GO IT ALONE! THE HUGE BENEFITS OF AN EXERCISE COMMUNITY

When you’re trying to change your exercise habits and take the first steps toward true overall fitness, starting out can be incredibly intimidating. Even if you manage to dodge the staggering amount of misinformation out there and overcome those initial motivational hurdles, it’s all too easy to abandon your workout routine at any moment and relapse into your old ways. If we’re going to stick to our goals and make meaningful changes for the long term, we need all the help we can get. Regular exercise alone is a daunting prospect, and people often give up. But if we become part of an exercise community or even start working out with a single buddy, our peers can dramatically increase our chance of success. And on top of that, add the professional accountability of a certified coach, and nothing can stop you. This fact is reflected in numerous studies. A 2010 study in the Journal of Social Sciences found that people tend to naturally follow the exercise behaviors of friends and colleagues. In a 2016 study in the Obesity Journal, overweight participants lost more weight when they spent regular time with active and fit friends. In the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, one study showed that women who participated in a group strength-training program together were as much as 60 percent more likely to stick with their fitness routine for more than a year.

It’s no surprise that when we regularly work out with friends, family, peers, and colleagues, they tend to motivate, support, and inspire us to succeed. At Kalamazoo Fit Body Boot Camp, community is one of the most important parts of our program, ensuring every one of our clients feels empowered and supported by their Fitness Family. Over time, our clients and coaches forge meaningful relationships with one another, creating a support system that is truly unlike any other. If you know someone who wants to join one of the closest-knit exercise communities in the country, get fit, and make friends they’ll cherish for a lifetime, bring them in for a workout and discover the benefits of an encouraging team of peers who are dedicated to helping you succeed!

“I joined Kalamazoo Fit Body Boot Camp because I needed to take back my life. I needed to make myself a priority — out with the old, and in with the new! In the midst of a divorce, I needed support, accountability, and encouragement. KFBBC gave me the strength to push through and make me the best I’ve ever been. In the past, I had two open-heart surgeries and was only continuing to gain weight. I reached out for help before my problems got worse. Now, I am happy to say that I have more strength and endurance than when I was a teenager. In just one year, I lost 48 pounds and 52 inches. Thank you, KFBBC!”

- Carlee Terpstra

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A YOGURT STATE OF MIND

Your body plays host to thousands of types of bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract alone is a remarkable ecosystem, filled with millions upon millions of microscopic organisms. These organisms play a key role in your ability to digest and process nutrients. But they also play another important role that’s not so obvious: They influence your mood and the way you think.

observed the effects of specific probiotics on humans. Over a 30-day period, they noted a decrease in the signs of depression and anxiety.

Many more studies are currently underway. The future of probiotics for the brain is promising. As we learn more about the connection between the gut and the brain, we may even be able to treat specific psychological conditions using probiotics. For now, though, if you want to boost your mood, reach for the yogurt. Just be sure to skip the sugar-laden processed stuff. Go straight for a high-quality Greek yogurt or, if you can find it, an Icelandic-style yogurt called skyr.

Researchers are studying the “how” behind the connection, but they suspect it has something to do with the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain and stomach. Bacterial activity in the gut may stimulate the nerve, causing it to produce chemicals in the brain that can change your state of mind. Probiotics — a helpful type of bacteria — are abundant in Greek yogurt and other cultured foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. When you eat these foods, the cultures they contain may be able to influence your mood. If you need a mood booster, yogurt might help. Studies in both mice and humans show promising results. In one Caltech study, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety in mice given certain probiotics. In another study published in The British Journal of Nutrition, researchers

Both varieties are packed with helpful probiotics and may help you change your state of mind.

BRAIN WORK

SAUTÉED ZUCCHINI AND SQUASH WITH FETA

INGREDIENTS

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1 zucchini

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2 teaspoons fresh thyme

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1 summer squash

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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

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1/2 medium red onion

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Salt and pepper to taste

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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1.

Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season

with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize.

2.

4.

Place in serving bowl and top with feta.

BLOOMING MAYO EMERALD GARDENING

GEMINI LILY MAY DAY MOTHERS DAY

NIGHTINGALE SPRING TAURUS WARM

3.

(269) 271-9170 — PAGE 3

4026 SWestnedge Ave. Suite 1 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

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KALAMAZOO

A Sandwich Fiasco and an Important Lesson Page 1

The Value of an Exercise Community Carlee’s Success Story Page 2 Boost Your MoodWith Yogurt Sautéed Zucchini and SquashWith Feta Page 3 The Best Family Activities in Kalamazoo This Month Page 4

FAMILY FUN IN KALAMAZOO THIS MAY

Now that we’re in May and the good weather is in full swing, there are all kinds of events kicking off in Kalamazoo. Read on for three of the most exciting goings-on this month to check out with your family.

If you have a budding fisherman in the family, Portage’s annual Fishing Fair is an absolute must. The first 250 kids at the event will receive a free fishing rod, courtesy of Suez Water environmental service, followed by all kinds of lessons like knot tying, casting, and rod rigging, as well as fishing from the shoreline. It’s the perfect intro to a hugely popular sport in Michigan and a great bonding opportunity for you and your child. KIDS ROAR (ROGUE OBSTACLE ADVENTURE RACE) Where: Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center in Augusta, Michigan When: Sunday, May 20; 12:00–2:00 P.M. Admission: $20 pre-registration, $25 on day of event During Kids ROAR, children ages 5–14 are invited to clamber over a thrilling obstacle course, trudging through mud and across winding trails to test their mettle. The course is 1 mile for kids ages 5–10 and 2 miles for kids ages 11–14. Parents are welcome to run with their kids totally free of charge. It’s a great opportunity to get kids active while getting a little exercise yourself!

CATS & DOGS EXHIBIT Where: Kalamazoo Valley Museum When: FromMay 16 to Sept. 9 Admission: Free

Cats and dogs have lived alongside humans for more than 15,000 years, but howmuch do you actually know about humanity’s favorite critters? Starting this month, Kalamazoo Valley Museum is offering you a chance to get a closer look at our furry friends. Three exhibits, “In Their Skin,” “In Their Heads,” and “In Our Society,” break down the anatomy, psychology, and the many different roles cats and dogs have played in human culture over the years. If you’re a pet fanatic, this is sure to be a fascinating dive into the intricacies of our relationships with these animals.

FAMILY FISHING FAIR Where: Ramona Park in Portage, Michigan When: Saturday, May 19; 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Admission: Free

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