“I treat fitness like retirement investing — small deposits every day that compound over time,” shares longtime Liberty member Alan, who brings this steady, long-term mindset to his daily health and wellness routine. A Senior Project Manager at the University of Michigan and a Liberty member for over 10 years, Alan is a familiar face around the basketball court — and more recently, in the recovery spaces that help keep him in the game.

Some of Alan’s favorite Liberty memories come from playing basketball with his son and his son’s friends. “It’s full circle,” he says. “My friends and I used to coach them as kids, and now, when we play as adults, they run circles around all of us.”

“I still love playing basketball, but I’ve learned the hard way that recovery matters a lot more than it used to,” Alan says. That’s why he’s just as likely to be found taking a dip in the cold plunge or relaxing in the sauna or steam room as he is running the court. For Alan, recovery isn’t optional — it’s essential for being ready to play, move, and feel his best the next day.

Alan stays committed to fitness so he can keep doing what he loves — playing basketball, staying active, and keeping up with his family. His ideal day is simple: time on the court or in the gym, fresh air outside, and watching any game his boys are playing. And after a long Michigan winter, Alan is more than ready for the spring tip-off.

Welcome Alan Bai

General Manager

We are pleased to announce that Alan Bai has accepted the position of General Manager at Liberty Athletic Club. He is expected to begin his role on Wednesday, February 18.

Alan brings extensive leadership experience in fitness and recreation management. Most recently, he served as General Manager at Momentum Indoor Climbing in Houston, where he oversaw operations, programming, budgeting, and member relations for a 40,000-square-foot facility serving more than 3,500 active members. Prior to that, Alan was the General Manager of Denver Bouldering Club, where he led staffing, service standards, facility maintenance, and overall member experience.

Throughout his career, Alan has demonstrated a strong commitment to team development, operational excellence, process improvement, safety, and fostering an engaged and enthusiastic community. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and recently relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife.

Please join us in welcoming Alan to the Liberty Athletic Club community.

February in the Spa

Fall in love with the feeling of being refreshed and rejuvenated! 

Receive 15% off all February massages - along with a free, handmade shower steamer from locally owned BYOC (while supplies last)! 

We're Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day!

On Tuesday, February 17, we invite you to find one of our 50 secretly hidden smiling star pins! Keep it, pass it on, or leave it for someone else to discover.

Happy hunting - and let this be a little reminder to keep shining, Liberty!

Winter Warrior Challenge Congratulations Participants!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in this season’s Winter Warrior Challenge! Your energy, commitment, and resilience made this one of our most successful winter fitness events yet.

Throughout the challenge, members showed up consistently, pushed past limits, and supported one another every step of the way. It’s inspiring to see our Liberty Athletic Club community stay strong and motivated—even during the coldest months of the year!

We’re excited to recognize our top finishers:

Winter Warrior – Highest Total Points

• Donna Iadipaolo
• Libby Hemphill
• Adrian Forbes

These three showed exceptional dedication and racked up the highest overall points!

Consistency Crushers

Recognizing participants who showed up consistently and kept the momentum going all winter long:

• Amanda Freis
• Robert McGinnis
• Dan Edwards
• Naomi Goldberg
• Lisa Hutton
• Patricia Beals
• Joe Pollak

Your steady effort is what truly defines a warrior!

Recovery Rockstar



• Jason Gumenick

Because recovery is an essential part of training—and Jason led the way with exceptional commitment!

Congratulations to our winners—and to every participant who committed to the challenge. Completing Winter Warrior is an accomplishment worth celebrating!

Thank you for making this event such a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next club challenge!

Aqua Yoga - Ages 12-up

Tuesdays, 5:00-5:45 p.m.

$13.75 per class

Experience the benefits of yoga in the warm water pool. Aqua Yoga combines gentle stretching, balance work, and mindful movement in a supportive, low-impact environment that’s easy on the joints and suitable for all levels.

New Treadmills Have Arrived!



We’re excited to announce that two brand-new treadmills are now on the club floor! Whether you’re walking, jogging, or pushing through a tough training session, enjoy a smooth and refreshed running experience.



Stop by and give them a try!

More Mats Have Arrived!

Great news! We’ve doubled the number of mats available throughout the club, giving everyone more space to stretch, move, and get comfortable in class.



Roll one out and join us — we’ve got you covered!

Kids' Night Out!

Ages 5-13

Kids’ night out... and parents’ night off! Enjoy an evening away while your kids experience a safe and exciting night out at Liberty! Registration includes dinner, games/crafts, and lifeguarded swimming. We will end the night by preparing for bedtime with a late-night snack and a short kids show. Drop off and pick up is in the Conference Room. Children must be potty-trained to attend this event. 

Monthly on Friday evenings from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

February 20 | March 20 | April 17

Members only|$25. Registration opens four weeks in advance.

Enjoy Winter Break in the Liberty Lagoon & LAC!

We’re offering additional lifeguarded hours and additional rockwall attendant hours during Winter Break! Come join the fun!

Friday, February 13 | Monday, February 16 | Tuesday, February 17

• Lifeguards & Rockwall Attendants - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Also... don't forget to mark your calendar for extended lifeguarded evening hours in the Liberty Lagoon on select Fridays!

Friday, February 20| Friday, March 20 |Friday, April 17

• Lifeguards - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Nutrition Facts

From the desk of Bethany Williston, M.S., Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Liberty Athletic Club

What Food Expiration Dates Really Mean

Have you ever opened your fridge, spotted a date on a package, and wondered, “Is this still safe to eat?” You’re not alone. Food date labels are one of the most misunderstood parts of nutrition and food safety — and that confusion leads to a lot of perfectly good food being thrown away.

Here’s the surprising truth: most dates on food packages are about quality, not safety. In fact, federal law only requires expiration dating on infant formula. For most other foods, the date simply tells you when the product will taste or feel its best — not when it suddenly becomes unsafe.

Understanding what each label means can help you make smarter, safer decisions in your kitchen.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Sell by: Helps stores manage inventory
• Best if used by: Best flavor and texture
• Use by: Best quality (safety only for infant formula)
• Freeze by: Freeze by this date for best flavor

When to throw food out:

• Bulging or badly dented cans
• Food with off smell, taste, or texture
• Leftovers older than 4 days

When in doubt, store food properly and trust your senses — not just the date.

Strong wellness habits include safe food habits. Store food well, stay aware, and fuel your body with confidence — because feeling your best starts with what’s on your plate.