In Harmony: Body Balance is a Gym in Tune with the Times

Jan. 5, 2005

For those who think of gyms as sweaty, windowless bunkers where musclemen groan over altars of steel barbells, the Body Balance fitness center in Suttons Bay is a revelation.
There are plenty of windows here, along with plants, recessed lighting, artwork, and attention paid to interior design, woodwork and wall coverings. The relaxed vibe is more one of a cozy health club than a boot camp; in short, it’s not what you’d expect to find in a small town.
Kevin Pryor, a long-time fitness fan, videographer and photographer, built the 2,400-square-foot gym on the south side of Suttons Bay with an eye towards making it an inviting, accessible place for people who want to transform their lives through exercise.
“We talk about fitness a lot in our society, but I don’t think it’s really supported all that well,” he says. “We need to make fitness more accessible, and that’s what I’m trying to do here.”
Pryor, 48, has pursued personal fitness for 30 years, going back to team sports in his teens. For him, making fitness accessible means having a gym that’s comfortable for people of all fitness levels.
“I caught a lot of flak when I was building this place that it was too warm for a gym and not stark enough,” he recalls. “It costs more to do a gym like this, and these aren’t real moneymaking businesses, but I wanted a place where people would feel comfortable coming in each day.”

ARTFUL ADVANTAGE
Thoughtful touches extend to the photographs of Susi Pilath, who is Pryor’s partner and co-owner of Body Balance. An exhibition wall at the gym will feature the work of local artists. The goal is to integrate fitness with the ideals of creativity and spirituality. That integrative approach includes classes in Pilates, Bikram yoga, meditation, spinning, aerobics and other popular gym programs.
“We’re trying to make a lifestyle here,” Pryor says, noting that the gym is next door to the holistic health Evergreen Center in the Hansen’s BayView Village supermarket plaza. “I’d really like to see this become
an area for sustainable, organic living and total health.”
Susi adds that this summer the couple added hybrid bike and kayak rentals to their offerings in order to expand on the idea of what a gym has to offer. Body Balance is located next to the start of the Leelanau Trail, while Grand Traverse Bay is a stone’s throw across the road.
“Fitness has been a lifestyle for me for awhile now and I’m passionate about skating, dance and all of the outdoor activities like biking and running,” Pilath says. “It just made sense to have the rental equipment here for people who wanted to bike the trail or go paddling.”

FEEL THE BURN
If pumping iron is more your speed, Body Balance has a full range of TechnoGym eliptical cam and cable crossover weight machines, made in Italy. The equipment mimics the effects of free weights, tailored for all levels of ability. Early on, Pryor thought of establishing a Curves-style fitness center, but became sold on the weight machines after visiting the colossal Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing where they are in use.
A one-time cross-country coach, Pryor has been active in football, cross-country skiing, cycling and running through the years, mostly working out on his own before he caught the gym bug. “I ruptured a disc in my back in college and had to figure out a way to rehabilitate myself,” he recalls.
That experience helped him understand what it means for a newcomer trying to get in shape from the get-go. He notes that even the most unfit and intimidated neophyte can achieve wonders with a little encouragement and direction. “It’s not rocket science -- you just have to know what to do and keep at it.”

For more information on Body Balance in Suttons Bay, call 231-271-2210, or check out www.bodybalancenorth.com.