We’re excited to welcome Nick Mesnard as the new Fitness Director at Bay Harbor Yacht Club. With nearly a decade of experience in strength coaching, education, and wellness leadership, Nick brings an approach to fitness that is thoughtful, sustainable, and grounded in helping people feel better in their everyday lives.
Nick’s background in fitness spans working with a wide range of individuals from youth athletes and the general population to professional and post-rehabilitation clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Kinesiology. This academic foundation allows him to blend evidence-based practice with real-world coaching.
“I’ve always been drawn to helping people improve their quality of life,” Nick shares. “Fitness gave me a way to combine movement, education, and relationships to make a real impact.”
In addition to his coaching experience, Nick has worked as a physical education teacher and as an assistant principal and athletic director. These roles shaped his ability to communicate, educate, and lead individuals at all levels—skills that translate seamlessly into his vision for the Fitness Center.
Bay Harbor Yacht Club immediately stood out to Nick for its strong sense of community and family-focused culture. “Bay Harbor’s emphasis on family and an active lifestyle aligned perfectly with my values,” he says. “The opportunity to support members across all ages from youth programs to adult fitness and wellness was especially exciting.”
At the core of Nick’s philosophy is the belief that fitness should feel approachable and sustainable. Rather than focusing on intensity or extremes, he emphasizes consistency, movement quality, and long-term habits. “Fitness isn’t about perfection,” Nick explains. “It’s about showing up consistently and making small improvements over time. Consistency always beats intensity.”
As Fitness Director, Nick’s vision is to create an environment where members feel supported, confident, and motivated the moment they walk through the doors. “I want the Fitness Center to be a welcoming, high-energy space where members look forward to coming not just to work out, but to invest in their overall wellness,” he says.
Members can look forward to structured group classes, personalized training options, youth and family-oriented programming, and wellness initiatives that emphasize strength, mobility, and recovery. Nick is especially excited about refining programming structure and coaching quality to help members train smarter and feel better year-round.
Winter in Northern Michigan presents unique challenges when it comes to staying active, but Nick encourages members to focus on routine rather than motivation. “Motivation comes and goes,” he notes. “Having a consistent schedule even a simple one makes staying active much easier during the winter months.”
He also reminds members that movement doesn’t need to be lengthy or intense to be effective. “Short workouts, mobility sessions, walking, or light strength training all count,” Nick says. “Even 15 to 20 minutes is better than doing nothing. Any kind of movement helps build consistency.”
Beyond physical fitness, Nick places strong emphasis on recovery, nutrition, and mindset especially during the darker winter months. “Proper nutrition fuels workouts, recovery keeps the body resilient, and mindset helps maintain consistency,” he explains. “These pieces matter even more in winter when energy levels are lower.”
When asked about one small change that can have a big impact, Nick’s answer is simple: sleep. “Prioritizing sleep improves energy, recovery, mood, and overall health more than most people realize,” he says.
Looking ahead, Nick is eager to build relationships with members and grow the Fitness Center into a true hub for wellness at the Club. “I’m excited to create an environment where fitness supports every aspect of life at Bay Harbor Yacht Club,” he shares. “Helping members feel confident, supported, and strong no matter where they’re starting from is what excites me most.”
We look forward to an energized year ahead and invite members to stop by the Fitness Center, say hello to Nick, and take advantage of all that’s to come!
