FEATURED MEMBER: Jim

This week's Featured Member is Jim.  I have seen Jim in the front row of 5:30 am RPM classes many times, and I officially met him when we were in the same HIIT class.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I might be known a little better at SWAT as Jimmy rather than Jim.

I'm originally from Grand Rapids and graduated from Calvin College where I met my wife, Lorraine.  We moved to Kalamazoo after we graduated and have four children (Jessalyn, Josiah, Micah and Isaac) ranging from 22 to 14.  We currently live out towards Paw Paw so my wife can drive into St. Joseph where she owns a Christian Bookstore.  It also allows us to be closer in the summer as we have a condo on Lake Michigan in St. Joseph too.

I am a CPA and currently the Managing Partner of the Jansen, Valk, Thompson, & Reahm accounting firm which I helped start 19 years ago.  We recently built our own office building on Stadium Drive near Eighth street and so it's nice being so close to SWAT.

What is your usual weekly workout routine?

I'm an early morning class guy.  Right now its 5:30 am RPM two days a week and 5:45 am HIIT two days a week.

What are your go-to snacks and meals? 

Go to snacks are usually some sort of fruit.

How do you balance being active with the demands of your daily life?

 The trick for me has been finding a routine and structure that works for me.  The early morning classes work great for me as it doesn't affect my family life and I can head right to work after working out.

What is a fitness or healthy living goal you have for yourself? 

 A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes and so my main goal is stay in shape and keep my blood sugar in check.  A regular workout plan is critical for me to stay healthy and prevent any of the typical diabetes issues.

What do you like about being a member at SWAT?

This is going to sound like a broken record, but it’s the classes and the people.  I am not self-disciplined enough to set up a work-out routine and so I need the classes to instruct me.  In addition, I've gained many new friends at SWAT and they all help keep me accountable.  It's awesome.

What is your favorite class at SWAT?

That's a tough one.  Probably RPM, but I am really enjoying HIIT too.

  

Do you have a person who is your healthy living/fitness inspiration? Who and why? 

You know there are so many inspirational people at SWAT that I see on a regular basis and am continually amazed at what they accomplish.  I'm especially thankful to my wife for encouraging me to come up with an exercise plan and to my business partner, Deb Pellerito, for introducing me to the plan at SWAT and helping keep me accountable.

Anything else you'd like to say?

SWAT has become so much more than a Fitness club to me.  It's part of my life and who I am now.