Is your New Year’s resolution to exercise at a state-of-the-art health club in Kitsap County? How about getting away to a world-class resort for some R&R? You can combine both as a member of the brand new Club Meridian on Bainbridge Island.

Members enjoy both personal fitness and a social lifestyle in the Meridian’s comfortable, resort-like atmosphere. Club Meridian, which is located on the top floor of The Meridian luxury condominiums, is now accepting memberships.

Members have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, private lockers, a covered swim spa, a sauna and steam room, entertainment lounge and expansive sundeck for barbequing and soaking up the sun and fresh air.

Mark Smaha, who is Director of Health & Fitness, oversees the facility and is a nationally known athletic trainer. His expertise in the areas of training, injury prevention, injury treatment and care has distinguished him as one of the foremost authorities in the field of sports medicine.

“Club Meridian is a unique place to get healthy and stay active,” says Smaha. “We provide a personal touch through our customized care approach to members. Our job is to make members feel comfortable and provide them with a lifestyle they desire.” The club’s staff of professionals provides personal training and fitness assessments, nutritional counseling, hydro fitness strength and exercise program as well as free injury evaluation and counseling.

The Meridian’s mantra for service extends beyond the club walls. The staff can arrange kayaking, golf, tennis, or skiing outings for members, as well as tai chi class, swimming lessons, step aerobics, and other activities.

Smaha adds, “Club Meridian provides something else that we all cherish but rarely find when we most need it — solitude and privacy. In addition to service and privacy, we pride our facility on having the best exercise equipment available, which translates to ease of use for our members.”

The club’s gym equipment includes the Vectra 3850, which is considered to be the best engineered, highest quality multi-user gym available on today’s market. The equipment is “on-line”, which means it is “exercise ready,” with minimal rearranging necessary with a turn of the fingers. With conventional machines, you can spend a third of your workout time adjusting seats, press arms and other components with pins and tightening down knobs.

The patented Parallelogram Direct-Drive Arm Press uses no cable, and fingertip adjustment levers allow users to select any of 21 different press arm positions with the flick of a wrist. Other features include a Pinnacle bench, which allows you to roll it completely away from the gym and do dumbbell exercises independent of the weight machine — or as part of the gym.

For those who get bored while working out on a treadmill, there’s the Cardio Theatre — a personal viewing system that allows users to watch their favorite DVD while exercising. Users can even listen to a favorite CD while watching a program.

The club also boasts a covered rooftop swim spa. The Aquafit 19 Dual Temp, features a pool-side for lap swimming and a hot tub side, separated by a wall, where members can rejuvenate tired muscles via the soothing effects of 17 swirling jets.

Club Meridian also features a rooftop sundeck where members can relax with a book, take in the view and fresh air, or use the Club’s deluxe gas grill barbecue to cook a favorite meal. For those who prefer indoor retreats, there is a private entertainment lounge with a beautifully crafted fireplace. Special programs and seminars are available to members, and the club offers reciprocal partnerships with various other Puget Sound recreation facilities.

Members also have the opportunity to entertain friends, clients or business associates by ordering your favorite coffee creations or a meal at the Meridian Bistro, adjacent to the fireside lobby at ground level. The lobby features a grand piano and intimate seating areas, and can serve as a gathering place for special occasions, catered events, musical performances, parties, art shows, dances book readings and more.

The Meridian caters to club members and condominium owners in true resort fashion with on-site concierge service. The concierge staff can order a special meal, arrange outings and handle numerous special requests.

Club Meridian is located on the fourth floor of the Meridian complex at 737 Ericksen Avenue, on Bainbridge Island. Memberships are limited and are currently available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, contact Club Meridian at 206-780-9731 or visit www.themeridian.net.