BrickHouse Health & Fitness

Come experience the Gauntlet for yourself!

2010-04-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Recipe Sampler & Functional Training Workshop

2010-03-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Join us on Saturday, March 20th from 11am-2pm for a Functional Training Demonstration with our KettleBells & Battling Ropes! We'll also have a "healthy" recipe sampler too! Bring in a dish to share of your favorite healthy snack or dish and we'll print all the delicious recipes on our facebook fanpage for everyone to enjoy!

If you haven't been to the BrickHouse in a few months you should come and see the expansion and new functional equipment we have to offer so you have even more opportunities to improve your health & fitness.

Making room for growth

2010-02-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's snow day and lighter volume of traffic in the gym made it possible to get a head start on the revamping of the workout floor here at BrickHouse. Some of you may come in and feel a little out of sorts, but everything is still here to get in a great workout.

We are making room on the floor to bring in additional equipment & weights that will also allow us to expand our Gauntlet Training Program.

Stay tuned...Great Things To Come!!!

Gauntlet Workout

2010-02-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

Last nights Gauntlet Workout was intense! An additional 30 seconds added onto an exercise can really boost ones endurance and really intensify a workout without adding any additional weight.
Ken got to enjoy his first Gauntlet workout last night. He did the first half and I did the second half. I was able to take advantage of the additional modified round at the end...wow!

Great things are in store for our Gauntlet Training Program. We have plans to expand the program, expand the area for the program and we have new equipment ordered and planned for future workouts in order to keep everyone challenged and to incorporate new exercises into the program.

Beginning February 15th, there will be a $20 annual equipment fee required from those who wish to be part of this training program as well as a $1 pay for play for each session you would like to attend. The money will go directly into the Gauntlet program to help off-set the thousands of dollars necessary to purchase kettle bells, chin up bars, suspension straps, plyometric boxes, hurdles, sledge hammers, medicine balls, climbing ropes, gym mats and more.

If you haven't had a chance to get in on a Gauntlet Workout, you'll have the opportunity to try 2 classes FREE before having to pay the equipment fee to continue the training. Even if you attended every Gauntlet Training Workout currently offered, you would only be paying 1/2 of what a regular one hour session costs with a personal trainer. You can't buy Personal Training this cheap!

Everyone seems to be excited about the new things coming for the program and we are just as excited to bring it!

Gauntlet is lead by Beth Downey, B.S., Personal Trainer and is exclusive to BrickHouse Health & Fitness.

Cycle Sculpt

2010-02-01T10:12:00.001-08:00

The Cycle Sculpt classes on Monday & Friday mornings continues to grow! In the next few days I will be putting together a new structure to change things up in class and provide a different experience to accomodate for the growing number of participants!

You'll have to come & try it for yourself!

Determination & Results

2010-01-28T04:13:00.000-08:00

Last night I subbed the Crunch Time class for another instructor. When I got to the room where the Gauntlet Training was wrapping up there were people everywhere doing Burpee's and some standing off to the side cheering the rest of them on.

There was already 2 minutes that had gone by and the bystanders had already given their all after a grueling hour long training to push themselves to the limit. There were about 10 people still pushing themselves, soon they had nothing left to give.

Then it came down to a husband and wife and another guy still doing their Burpee's ... over 3 minutes had gone by ... then the husband had given everything he had which left his wife and another guy still going at it. The crowd of people where cheering them on and finally after 4 minutes the trainer called time (I mean enough already...The Crunch Time class needed to start! ... just joking!)

Anyway, at 4 minutes this one man and this one woman were still belting out the Burpee's it was awesome!

The Gauntlet Training Program offered only at the BrickHouse is going to be expanding in order to provide additional avenues which participants can increase their endurance, challenge their bodies and their minds. Exciting things will be coming in the next few months! The men and women who regularly attend this training workout have made remarkable progress over the last few months and continue to make tremendous gains with their fitness.

I applaud everyone!!

Last night before the class started I had met a new member and I had suggested that she go in and try a few rounds. I was thrilled to see that she was still there at the end of class doing her Burpee's! Wow! She thanked me afterward for suggesting she go to the class, I was truly surprised that she did the entire class and even participated in the Burpee Challenge afterward. There are not too many people who make it through the entire class their first time let alone make it through a challenge at the end!

It's amazing what the human body is capable of...all you need to do is believe in yourself and not be afraid to try new things. I suspect that if she continues to come to this training workout on a regular basis she will be more than thrilled with the progress she sees in herself.

I love being at the BrickHouse to support everyone who comes in here doing something for themselves!

Gauntlet Training only at BrickHouse

2010-01-21T03:54:00.000-08:00

Gauntlet Training is one of the most popular training classes held 6 times a week at the BrickHouse. The Gauntlet consists of 5 exercises for 1 minute each with a 2 minute break for a total of 6 rounds during the hour long training. Recently, the format has changed a bit to work & improve on endurance with 4 exercises for a minute & a half each. Every month and throughout there are Time Challenges so you can keep track of your progress and improvements over time.

During the evenings, we have to limit the class to the first 20 people because it is so popular.

Excitement continues to grow for this class with members bringing in their friends who want to know what all the hype is as they read all about it on their friends facebook pages.

This is a class that delivers immediate results in overall body composition, strength, agility and endurance. During the class you'll experience core work, strength training, plyometric training, speed training and an overall cardio blasting experience! Lunges, Pull Ups, Dumbbell Training, Slosh Tubes and so much more! You'll get everything out of this training that you put into it! It's a class that will build your self confidence and challenge your body, mind & spirit.

There is no tricky choreography to learn or know. You'll find functional training exercises that everyone can do. The harder you work, the more your body will thank you! Don't get me wrong, you'll walk out of this class breathless, sore the next most (or two) for sure and you'll soon find yourself a Gauntlet Junkie!

Become a fan of the Gauntlet today, join a class and make 2010 YOUR YEAR! We are currently working on creating new programs for this class and introducing new equipment to further your abilities and progress for a better, healthier, fitter YOU!

Deal of the Decade!

2010-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

The BrickHouse Gym is running a membership drive SALE. If you know somebody with a BrickHouse Gym membership (It shouldn't be hard there are over 10,000 of them) You can buy the same membership they have at the same rate they have even if its an old $9/month plan, find the right member and you save big. It's like leasing millions of dollars of equipment for pennies a day. (Some restrictions do apply). Email brickhouse@brickhousehfc.com for more information about this fabulous deal going on now through February 28th, 2010! Prizes will be awarded to the member who brings in the most family & friends!!

Welcome to 2010

2010-01-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We are about a week into the New Year and our members are in full force with their resolutions coming into the gym and getting in their early morning workouts either in Group X classes, walking on the track, lifting weights, challenging themselves in the Gauntlet classes, reducing waistlines in the Crunch Time classes and stretching and relieving stress from the holiday's in Yoga classes. BrickHouse has an outstanding Group X program to keep everyone fit from head to toe no matter your shape, size or ability. There's something for everyone at the BrickHouse to keep you on track with your health & fitness goals.

Now is the time to meet with a personal trainer to review your current workout routine and make some changes to help you meet any goals you might have missed last year. Start by writing everything down from the time you wake up in the morning until you retire at night. Include your activity, food and beverage intake along with the amount you ate/drank and the time. You might even get in the habit of noting how you felt during the day too. This information becomes very helpful when you want to asses your needs and goals.

It's great to see the hustle and bustle here, it's nice to see faces who haven't been here in a while but what I enjoy most is the camaraderie among our members. They form bonds, they form groups, they encourage & motivate one another, they recognize the accomplishments of others. They keep each other going! So many of our members have made such progress and I look forward to watching them continue to challenge themselves and each other throughout the year.

If you feel something is missing in your fitness routine, come in to the BrickHouse where you will be welcomed and encouraged throughout your journey.

What's New & Upcoming

2009-09-16T04:48:00.001-07:00

NEW CLASS STARTING:

Foam & Function Foam Roller Class on Thursday nights at 6pm and Friday mornings at 9am.
Purchase your Foam Roller from our Pro shop and your first class is FREE!

UPCOMING EVENT:

Red Cross Blood Drive on September 28th from Noon till 6pm. Every BrickHouse member who donates (or attempts to donate) will earn 1,000 reward points good towards your purchases at the BrickHouse!

Sweaty Interval Class for the 6:15 am crew!

2009-09-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

Today's 6:15 am class packed a punch! We ran through the intervals twice, the first for 60 seconds and the second for 90 seconds. After our warm up this morning we got started!

Our interval Line-up included:

Burpees
Jump Rope
Lunge/Squat
Hill Climbers
Glute Raises
Tricep Dips
Oblique Crunches
Lunge Kick
Squat Jumps
Push-ups with a side plank
Bicycle Crunches
Superman

See everyone Friday morning for Ride & Sculpt!

Gauntlet New Days & Time

2009-09-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

Our ever popular Gauntlet class has moved its evening classes from Tuesday/Thursday to Monday/Wednesday followed by the 30 minute Crunch Time class.

Last night I finally had my opportunity to participate in this very popular class after months of trying to make it to a class. The class was held outside in the outdoor workout area and you couldn't have asked for better weather (really, it was perfect considering the cool, soggy summer we've experienced).

We did 5 exercises for 1 minute rounds with a 2 minute recovery break in between and completed 6 rounds during the 1 hour class. It was a fantastic workout. As a fitness instructor at the BrickHouse, I tend to instruct rather than to participate in many of the classes that I lead, so it was nice for a change to actually have an hour to let someone else bust my behind. Not bad for a women over 40! I even made it to the 30 minute Crunch Time class for abs afterwards.

Last week, my parents of 60 some years of age did the Gauntlet class so, I had to get myself into a class soon (I couldn't let them make me look bad! :)) They didn't make it through the entire class, but I am so proud of them for getting through the 2 and 1/2 rounds they did make it through. I'm sure in no time they'll be hanging on right to the end with everyone else. For the record, they did the hour long class that followed the Gauntlet and then came back that evening for Yoga.

If you haven't been to the Gauntlet, you have nothing lose for trying it out!

20 minute challenge

2009-08-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another fun and quick workout for those of you short on time and without equipment.

Start with a 2 minute warm up of Jumping Jacks (you can use gliding discs or paper plates to eliminate impact on your joints)

Do each of the following exercises for 1 minute after the 2 minute warm up

Push Ups
Alternating Lunges to the front
Alternating Lunges to sides
Alternating Lunges to the back
Squats
Jumping Jacks
Push Ups
Ab Crunches
Superman
Jumping Squats
Jumping Split Lunges
Side skates jumps
Jumping Jacks
Pointer Dog
Side Bridge on the Right
Side Bridge on the Left
Running Man
Walking Lunges
Knee Tucks
Alternating Ab Crunches

Follow this up with a 2 minute walk and some light stretching

On your mark, get set, GO!

The Ski Slopes in Summer?

2009-07-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I visited Coudersport, PA or more specifically Ski Denton for the Eastern Traditional Archery Shoot. We took the chair lift to the top of the mountain over 2000 ft high. We decended down the mountain everyday for several hours on an Archery Shoot with our longbows along the black and double black diamond trails and climbed up it once on the Cardiac Run trail (not as trecherous as coming down) and boy did this get my heart rate up. And to make it a bit more challenging, Mother Nature decided to add in rain, lots of rain, throughout the day over the 5 day stay making the trails very, very slippery.

The scenery, although gloomy at most, with a few sunshine breaks, was beautiful. The trails were heavily wooded. And as the days passed by, became even more muddy and slippery. By the end of the day, my legs and butt were feeling the effects of climbing, my abs were sore while I engaged my core in order to avoid falling down the mountain. My back, shoulders and arms were tired and pumped from drawing back my longbow over and over and over again (ok, I missed a few times and tried again in order to hit the target, but I really am a pretty good shot).

You don't always have to be in the gym to get a workout in. Head out to your local park or bike/ski hill (there's a great one to hike or bike out at Stony Creek) and get moving. To make it more challenging you can add a backpack with some light weights, books, etc.

Check out what's new at BrickHouse

2009-07-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know we are open 24 hours?

We also have evening babysitting during the week Monday-Thursday 5pm-8pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am-Noon.

We have 2 new stair steppers, a dip machine and a new chest press machine.

Have you noticed all the new members to the BrickHouse? Welcome to all of you!

Have you tried the Gauntlet class yet? This week is the 500 challenge. If you missed it you can try it again next month. If you completed it than you'll want to take it again next month to mark your progress. This class will leave you so sweaty and your muscles will scream!

BrickHouse goes 24 hours!

2009-06-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

Head on over to the BrickHouse we are now 24 hours! Beginning Sunday, June 28th we will open at 6am and remain open until 10pm on Friday! We are open on Saturday's 6am-6pm.

Now you can work out when ever you want! No more excuses!

Have you tried The Gauntlet at the BrickHouse?

2009-06-16T10:21:00.001-07:00

More Gauntlet classes have been added to our schedule during the week for this increasingly popular group class. Challenge yourself, compete with your fitness friends and have fun! This class is drawing in a variety of fitness enthusiasts with its upbeat music, energetic instructor and gut-busting exercises that will whittle away at the last of your fat! New exercises and equipment are being introduced at every class. Come and see what's new or check it out for your first time...judging from what I've seen ... you'll be hooked!

The Gauntlet!

2009-06-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, our new Gauntlet class will now be held four times a week and be an hour long! See how many rounds you can get through and shed all the weight you want, jump start your work, add variety to a boring routine! You'll build strength, power and endurance while you burn more calories than you would during your regular cardio or weight training program.

Join in with the many enthusiasts who are demanding a lot from themselves!!

Classes are FREE for members of the BrickHouse and are being held:

Tuesday's & Thursday's at 10am
Wednesday & Friday's at 8am

BrickHouse Health & Fitness Honors Memberships

2009-06-02T03:21:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself standing outside your gym with locked doors and a notice that it is no longer open for business, stop by the BrickHouse Health & Fitness in Mt. Clemens at Cass & Groesbeck, our doors are open and we are happy to work with you and honor your gym membership!

We have great hours (we open at 4am Monday through Friday), we are the largest independent gym in the state, we have an outdoor workout area, a private workout room for women, an indoor track, tons of cardio, over 90 group exercise classes a month and so much. We are worth checking out.

Yoga at the BrickHouse

2009-05-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

The BrickHouse has two new Yoga Instructors, Dawn Luca and Gunhild Dieslets (GG). Dawn teaches on Wednesday evenings at 6pm and Thursday's at 8:30 am. GG teaches on Tuesday mornings at 8:30am. Watch for their profiles and photo's on our website soon!

Come de-stress at the BrickHouse!

Children's Summer Program

2009-05-19T02:29:00.001-07:00

Register your children for the Summer Program at the BrickHouse! Two groups will be offered, one for ages 3 to 5 and another for ages 6 to 12. The program starts June 16th and runs through August 13th and meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information, you can log onto our webste at http://www.brickhousehfc.com and download a registration form.

BrickHouse is committed to bringing fitness to all ages. With the obesity rate among children pushing 50%, we would like to encourage children to explore their potential, increase their ability for sports and instill fitness and healthy habits in a fun and positive environment.

The classes will be lead by BrickHouse personal trainer Beth Downey.

Reap the Rewards of Exercise

2009-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

In the last two weeks I've heard from several members who are delighted that they have managed to reduce their blood pressure, lower their cholesterol, lose weight and notice that their clothes are fitting differently; better! I've noticed a change in many members, some who have started just a little less than 3 months ago. They are dedicated, they are determined and they seem to really enjoy being here.

There has also been a tremendous increase in the strength of many members. From women who could barely do a push up (now doing plyometric push ups!), to others who are enjoying classes they thought were too advanced for them (and doing rather well!), to others who never ran before but have gone on to run in their first (sometimes second or third) marathon.

It's exciting to hear this and to see this happen to so many members!

BrickHouse Health & Fitness strives to exceed the expectations of our members, to provide a fun and motivating atmosphere to work out and friendly customer service. If you haven't experienced us yet, what are you waiting for? You only have weight to lose, stress to eliminate, and strength and endurance to gain! Here's to YOUR health...come reap the rewards to a healthier lifestyle at the BrickHouse!

Great Group Fitness Classes

2009-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today's Anatomy Attack Group Fitness Class was awesome! There were 15 participants in today's class and I can't tell you the enthusiasm and energy that is generated when you have a large group of people like that. I think everyone feeds off the energy of everyone elseand that makes for a very enjoyable workout!

The class started out with a bike ride. We had all the bikes in the gym in use and a few people were on the elliptical and treadmill participating. Everyone rode 20 minutes strong with 15-20 second sprints every minute until the last minute when several participants sprinted a full 60 seconds long. We followed up with another 30 minutes of 1 minute strength training exercises that included body weight exercises, dumbbell exercises and ab & core work. The room was full and everybody was working up a great sweat.

Congratulations everyone what a great way to start your week!

Change for the better

2009-05-08T02:48:00.001-07:00

Change, which is often difficult to adjust to, is necessary and in the end a good thing. Change allows us to experience different things; it allows us to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically.

After a year, change has come to Yoga at the BrickHouse. We are pleased to announce the arrival of Dawn Lucas to our Group Exercise program as our newest Yoga instructor. in the next few weeks, we plan on adding an additional instructor to our schedule as well. This will allow our members to experience and enjoy the many different styles of yoga.

The BrickHouse strives to bring diversity and continued improvement to all of our programs. We encourage you to come and experience all of our great instructors and allow yourself the opportunity to find your favorite instructor.

Mother's Day Special

2009-05-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

This month at the BrickHouse we are honoring mother's for Mother's Day. Mom's can join this month on our low eft membership without any enrollment fee. (That's a $99 savings!)

We have great cardio classes, yoga classes, personal training and a private women's only workout room as well! There is plenty to do at the BrickHouse to help women get in shape and stay in shape!

This month, mom's can also take advantage of our 20/20 personal training! When you buy 3 20/20's you'll only have to pay for 2! (That's a $20 savings!)

We have a great massage therapist also, so maybe you'd like to treat your mom, or wife, sister or daughter to a relaxing massage to thank them for all they do like shopping, cleaning, laundry, cooking, driving, paying bills, organizing family functions & holiday parties and oh, so much more!

So to all you mother's out there...Happy Mother's Day and Thank You for all you do!!

Six Pack Abs and more

2009-04-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

With summer time soon approaching, everyone is probably working hard to get ready to put on their swimsuit. We'd like to know what your favorite exercise for sculpting a flat stomach is.

Keep in mind exercise alone will not shed that layer of fat over your abs. What ever exercises you are doing, keep doing them but remember to include cardio and clean eating into your daily routine. Take a few group classes at the BrickHouse or schedule a 20/20 session with a personal trainer to help you with your goals or provide that little extra motivation you may need.

With a positive attitude & a little hard work your six pack abs will be revealed!

Favorite Workouts

2009-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

We would like to know what your favorite workout is! Tell us if you are a cardio junkie or serious weight lifter. What is your favorite body part and least favorite body part to train? Are you really into Yoga?

Did you know at the BrickHouse we offer a variety of group fitness classes that work your entire body with weights and cardio activities? We offer a 30 minute class twice a week dedicated to building and sculpting strong sexy abs. If you are a Yoga nut we have plenty of classes on the schedule to help you de-stress, relax and increase your endurance & flexibility. For those of you looking for cardio, cardio and more cardio you might enjoy spending time in our large cardio area including treadmills, airdyne bikes, stairmasters, steppers and ellipticals.

We have something for everyone here, and we'd like to hear what you enjoy the most!

Free Yoga at the BrickHouse

2009-04-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attended FREE Yoga classes every Wednesday night at 6pm at the BrickHouse during the month of May. Everyone is welcome!

Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, build endurance and increase flexibility! If you would like to know more about our Yoga classes, you can log onto our website at www.brickhousehfc.com

We sure hope you'll join us.

Weekend Activities

2009-04-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally looks like we are going to get a few days of great weather! What ever you have planned for the upcoming weekend I hope you are able to do something outdoors. Open up the windows and let the sunshine and fresh air sweep through your house; clean your windows, work out in the yard, go for a walk, or swing your clubs. What ever it is you choose to do enjoy yourself!

Weekend Away

2009-04-14T03:15:00.000-07:00

Some much needed rest and relaxation was had over the Easter weekend. We headed up to our favorite camping spot near Glen Arbor with our dog on Thursday. We had three days ahead of us that allowed us 10 hours of sleep each night which is about 7 & 1/2 hours more we usually get!

We woke up every day and walked our dog into town (about 1 mile) to our favorite coffee shop for our morning coffee. When we arrived back to the camp ground (which was vacant and without water this time of year) we made breakfast and took the dog for another walk around the camp ground.

After breakfast we headed up to Mission Point Peninsula on Friday and Leelanau on Saturday with our dog and walked around several of our favorite vineyards and tasted some delicious new red wines. On Saturday, we enjoyed a packed lunch overlooking one of the bays, the weather was beautiful! Sunny skies and sweatshirts were all that was needed over the weekend.

When we arrived back at the campground we took the dog for another walk, started a fire and read a book while we relaxed before making dinner. The dog looked forward to another walk after dinner before we retired for the night. There is nothing better than sleeping in the outdoors in a tent (on an air mattress)!

Sunday we headed home after breakfast, the fresh air, the sun & the extra sleep made for a perfect Easter weekend.

Get Certified!

2009-04-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in getting certified to teach Group Exercise classes or Personal Training, call us for enrollment information! We will be offering certification workshops during the year with Nationally recognized organizations.

De-Stress with Yoga at the BrickHouse

2009-04-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

If you are feeling the crunch of the economy, or if you are dealing with complications in your life that might have you feeling stressed, you should come and enjoy one of our Yoga classes. We have Yoga every Tuesday & Thursday morning at 8:30am; Saturday at 10:30am and Wednesday nights at 6pm.
I see a remarkable difference in the many participants that come into the gym after they have taken the Yoga class. They all comment on how wonderful they feel afterwards, they are cheerful and smiling and many linger for another 20 or 30 minutes afterwards in the lounge chit chatting with one another about the class, what they did the night before, or what they have lying ahead of them later in the day. They all have a calming ease about them which they attribute to the hour long session they spent relaxing & having fun during Yoga.