Michel Zwiers is the club manager at Happy Bodies in Sassenheim, a perfect fit for him because of his passion for fitness and personal development. In this blog post, Michel explains why he chose Happy Bodies and the unique approach that sets it apart from other sports concepts.

From lifestyle coach to club manager

Since May 2023, I've been the club manager at Happy Bodies Sassenheim. Before taking on this role, I worked there for almost five years as a lifestyle coach. Over the years, I worked my way up to the position of manager, a role that suits me perfectly. I've always had the ambition to grow and lead a sports and lifestyle club. Working at Happy Bodies doesn't feel like work; it's more like a passion. I love being so involved in sports and wellness. It also helps, of course, that I know all the members personally.

Why Happy Bodies?

Choosing Happy Bodies was quite a coincidence. My mother was having lunch with my sister when she ran into Michael, my current employer. He was looking for a new lifestyle coach, and I was currently studying at the ALO (Academic College of Applied Sciences). From our first meeting, I felt a great connection, and I've been associated with Happy Bodies ever since.

A unique approach to fitness

Happy Bodies distinguishes itself through its personal approach; guidance is our top priority. We offer not only support but also motivation, because we notice that people sometimes experience a dip in their fitness or lose sight of their goals. But what truly makes our club special is the atmosphere. We often hear, even from older athletes, that it feels like a warm welcome, which is, of course, a wonderful compliment. People feel seen here, but not watched. Unlike many other gyms, which are full of large mirrors, ours has a homey atmosphere. Everyone can do their own thing, but if they're looking for social contact, that's also possible. Just grab a coffee or tea and join us at the coffee table. It makes us just that little bit more sociable.

The Milon Circle: A Revolution in Fitness

A key component of the Happy Bodies concept is the Milon Circle. What we love about the Milon Circle is that it makes exercising simple and accessible to everyone. It's a fully automated circuit training program that takes just 35 minutes and incorporates both strength and cardio elements. This makes it ideal for a wide range of fitness goals. Whether you want to build muscle mass, lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or simply work on your overall fitness, the Milon Circle makes it possible. The system is computer-controlled, which greatly enhances its user-friendliness. Each member receives a personalized wristband that stores all relevant data, allowing everyone to work at their own level and achieve their own goals. Another major advantage is the safety of the training. An advanced body scan ensures that all equipment is perfectly adjusted to the individual, ensuring you always receive the correct workout.

Beyond the Circle

At Happy Bodies Sassheim, in addition to the Milon circle, we also work with free exercises, which we perform in the functional training zone. I've noticed our members really appreciate this. The variety in exercises keeps the workouts interesting. This also allows us to help our members specifically with their personal goals, such as improving mobility, flexibility, and balance. Things are going really well here at the club, and that's wonderful to see.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

Are you looking for a way to get fit quickly and efficiently without endless sessions in the gym? The Milon circle is a revolutionary fitness concept that helps you achieve your health and fitness goals in a short time. In this blog, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, sheds light on the unique benefits of the Milon circle.

What is the Milon Circle?

The Milon circle is a smart fitness circuit that uses modern equipment that is automatically set to your personal needs. All you have to do is log in, and the machines will adjust themselves to the optimal settings for your body. This ensures a safe, effective and time-saving workout.

Why choose the Milon Circle?

If you choose the Milon circle, you choose convenience and efficiency. You don't have to think about which exercise to do next. You don't have to spend hours in the gym either. Two 35-minute workouts every ten days are enough. This makes it ideal for people with a busy schedule who still want to stay fit. In addition, the personal setting of the equipment ensures a much lower risk of injuries.

The benefits of efficient training

Efficient training not only means saving time, but also working specifically on your health. The Milon circle offers a balanced workout that targets all major muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health and helps burn calories. And all this in just over half an hour.

Milon circle with personal guidance tailored to your needs

As easy and efficient as the Milon circle is, at Happy Bodies we don’t leave you to your own devices. After registering, you will first undergo a quick scan with the advanced Milonizer. This scan records your body data, which is then used to automatically adjust the devices in the Milon circle to your specific biometric data. In addition, you will of course receive personal guidance from our professional coaches. This means that every training session is optimized to guarantee your personal progress. In this way, we combine the best of both worlds and create the perfect middle ground between the mass of large-scale gyms and the hefty price tag that hangs on a personal trainer.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

We live in a time where every minute counts, so it's crucial that your workout routine is both efficient and effective. This means you don't have to work harder, but smarter. In this blog post, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, explains how the right strategy can help you get the most out of every training session.

The art of efficient training

Efficient training is about maximizing results without wasting valuable time. This starts with a clear goal for each session. Know what you're working on before you step foot in the gym, whether it's strength, endurance, or flexibility. A focused approach prevents you from wandering aimlessly from machine to machine.

Time versus intensity

It's a misconception that longer sessions are always better. The intensity of your workout often has a greater impact on your results than its duration. Take interval training, for example, which can achieve significant improvements in both strength and cardiovascular health in a relatively short time. Done correctly, short, intense sessions are even more effective than long, boring, endless workouts.

Plan your workouts

Planning is essential for success. By planning your workouts in advance, you can ensure you train all major muscle groups in a balanced way and avoid overtraining. This also helps establish consistency in your routine, which is key to long-term success.

Listen to your body

The importance of listening to your body cannot be overstated. Overtraining can lead to injuries and decreased performance. If you're too tired or in pain, give your body time to recover. This is important not only for your physical health but also for your mental well-being.

The Milon Circle: A Revolution in Fitness

The Milon Circle offers a unique solution for efficient and effective training. This innovative approach guarantees you'll train every major muscle group at the right intensity, all in just 35 minutes, every five days. No aimless hopping from machine to machine, no endless workouts, no dragging yourself to the gym every day with the risk of injury and overtraining. The Milon Circle is designed to fully tailor your training to your personal fitness level and achieve results faster and more safely. Now that's smart training...

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

John Hielckert knows the importance of being active and fit. The athletic septuagenarian even ran the Rotterdam Marathon once. But sometimes life throws unexpected challenges in your face. The day before John turned 65, he was diagnosed with Waldenström's disease, an incurable form of blood cancer. Due to the neuropathy caused by the disease, John could eventually only hobble short distances around the house. Walking, let alone running, was a daily struggle. By chance, John found Happy Bodies in Lisse, and now he's fully enjoying life again. In this blog post, John shares how Happy Bodies and the Milon Circle contributed to his success.

Stumbling through the house

I've been active my whole life and even ran the Rotterdam Marathon a few times. Around 2010, I started experiencing increasing fatigue. My GP didn't take me seriously for a long time, so I wasn't diagnosed until 2013: Waldenström's disease, a rare form of blood cancer. Knowing it was an incurable disease at the time, the doctors gave me about ten years to live. After a few years, I started experiencing increasingly sharp pains in my feet and also mild pain in my hands. It turned out to be neuropathy, a nerve disorder that caused pain, tingling, and numbness in my limbs. At one point, I could only hobble around the house. I felt truly disabled.

Fantastic result

In 2022, I was completely out of it and started chemotherapy. I was dreading it immensely, but after five rounds of chemotherapy, my IgM, a type of antibody that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system, had already dropped from 26.69 to 9. And that level is still dropping. A fantastic result. In March, I turned 76, so I've now easily reached the number of years they gave me back then, and I hope to add a few more years to it.

Training with physical complaints

In 2018, my wife Carla and I moved to Lisse, to a so-called "life-sustaining" home near our children. It took a few more years, but in mid-2023, we stumbled upon Happy Bodies in Lisse, where we live. They use the Milon circle. Before you start, the Milonizer scans your body based on biometric markers. This is incredibly convenient, as all the equipment is always perfectly configured for you personally, even if you have physical complaints. My muscle and fat mass were also measured. The equipment then tracks your progress during every workout, and you receive support from well-trained professionals. This makes progress truly demonstrable, which is very different from the average gym. My wife and I now go to Happy Bodies every other day and also follow the Happy Bodies nutrition program. My muscle mass is visibly improving, and my fat mass is decreasing. From our very first intake at Happy Bodies Lisse, Carla and I felt incredibly supported. The careful guidance, the removal of the fear of injuries and the confidence that you are in good hands is invaluable to us.

Intensive recovery process

Chemotherapy has a profound impact on the body. It not only destroys cancer cells but also impacts healthy cells. The recovery process after chemotherapy is intensive and requires healthy cells to become active again and help the body recover. This is a demanding task for the body, and any support is welcome. I find that support at Happy Bodies. Thanks to my training with Happy Bodies, the painful neuropathy caused by my illness has reduced to a level I consider acceptable. In short, my quality of life has improved enormously.

On to the ten years

My goal is to postpone my next chemotherapy as far in the future as possible, thanks to strength training. According to my hematologist, this could be three to four years. Due to the proven growth in my muscle mass, I'm aiming for ten years. Is that realistic? Time will tell. For now, we're enjoying life to the fullest. I do have one big wish I'd like to share. It would be wonderful if our patient association Hematon and the UMC Utrecht embraced the benefits of training at Happy Bodies with the Milon circle. I also see a great opportunity here for OncoFITness. It would be a valuable addition for people who, like me, are looking for ways to improve their strength and fitness during or after their medical treatment. This training not only improves your physical health but also has a positive impact on your overall well-being and quality of life.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

That Happy Bodies distinguishes itself by focusing on personal guidance and a friendly, accessible atmosphere will come as no surprise to many. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or fitness experience, feels welcome and comfortable. Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, recently saw this growing need confirmed. He read an article in Het Parool about "gymtimidation," the feeling of discomfort or insecurity between the barbells. In this blog post, he focuses on this phenomenon and offers a solution.

What is gymtimidation?

According to this article in Het Parool, gymtimidation is the feeling of intimidation some people experience at the gym, when they feel surrounded by muscle-bound and experienced athletes. This creates a sense of insecurity, which only makes it more difficult to exercise. It's no wonder that #gymanxiety is a frequently used hashtag on social media for social awkwardness at the gym. The phenomenon is apparently widely recognized. It has even led the trade association for gyms NL Actief, the sports governing body NOC*NSF, and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to announce a central reporting center for undesirable behavior in the fitness industry.

The impact of gymtimidation

This feeling of uncertainty can be a major obstacle for people who want to start exercising again. It can even lead people to abandon their good intentions to live healthier. That's a real shame, of course!

A friendly and supportive environment

At Happy Bodies, we were already fighting gymtimidation before we knew that's what it was called. That's precisely why Alex and Romano founded Happy Bodies Lifestyle Clubs in 2015. No huge gyms full of gleaming bodies, no large mirrors, no fancy equipment, and no rousing music, but a special fitness formula for people with limited time, where attention, customer experience, and results are paramount. Our focus is strongly on personal guidance and providing a safe space where everyone can feel comfortable.

The benefits of the Milon Circle

Our concept is ideal for those looking for an accessible and efficient fitness experience. The Milon Circle offers a complete workout in just 35 minutes, making it easy to fit fitness into a busy lifestyle. And most importantly, the Milon Circle adapts to your personal physical situation, eliminating the risk of injury.

From intimidation to motivation

Our goal isn't just to help you get fit, but also to boost your self-confidence. At Happy Bodies, you're not a number, but part of our community. Here, only your personal growth matters, both physically and mentally.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

Stefan Buenen had been unhappy with what he saw in the mirror for some time. When the scale tipped toward 110 kilos, he decided he'd had enough. Google led him to Happy Bodies Eindhoven. The combination of personal and professional guidance, the VYTAL nutrition app, and the Milon Circle appealed to him. Stefan has since lost an impressive 30 kilos. In this blog post, Stefan shares how Happy Bodies helped him discover the best version of himself.

Almost 110 kilos on the scale

It was a little over six months ago that something flipped for me. The scale was slowly but surely creeping towards 110 kilos, and I was done with my reflection. Something really had to happen. Where do you start your search? Google, of course. And that's how I found Happy Bodies. The funny thing is, they're only a few minutes' walk from my house. I'd seen the place before, but it never clicked. This time, it did.

This is where I need to be

I decided to take the plunge and make an appointment with one of the lifestyle coaches. She created a wonderful, balanced program for me: a combination of the VYTAL nutrition app and exercising in the Milon circle. The professional and personalized advice immediately made me feel at home. I knew: this is where I need to be!

Lost thirty kilos

I can only say that it went incredibly well. The program is tailor-made for me: the perfect combination of exercising under expert guidance and a customized nutrition plan. I've since gone from 108.8 kilos to 78 kilos—well, 78.5 to be precise. That means I've lost thirty (30!) kilos in seven months. The guidance from Happy Bodies was invaluable, as were the Friday weigh-ins. That's certainly extra motivation. Of course, I played the biggest part. "Everything works, but as a person, you have to cooperate," says Rémon Koetje, lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, not for nothing in a previous blog post, and that's how it is. I took all the advice to heart and worked incredibly hard. If you truly want to say goodbye to your old self, you have to make a change. You can't do things halfway; you won't get there.

Fitter

The best thing about losing all those pounds is that I feel so much fitter. About five years ago, I had a hemorrhage in my pituitary gland, which caused my stress hormone, cortisol, to become imbalanced. Because of this, I have to take medication daily. If I don't, things can go seriously wrong. Moreover, this condition also causes my thyroid to work too slowly, which makes it very easy to gain weight. That makes me extra proud that I've managed to lose those thirty kilos. My goal is to lose another three or so, and then I'll call it a day. After that, it's mainly a matter of maintaining it, because I really don't want to lose this fit feeling!

Sports clear and manageable

I've been to the gym before. It was at one of the big chains, but I have to admit, I felt completely uncomfortable there. All those shiny bodies. And it seemed like the people there were more focused on taking selfies than on the workout itself. At Happy Bodies, the barrier to entry is much lower. And the Milon Circle? It's truly amazing. Fitness has never been my thing and never will be, but the Milon Circle makes it clear and manageable. In 2 x 17.5 minutes, you've done both strength and cardio training. No hours in the gym, but after 35 minutes you're done and ready to go home.

Professional top performers

I usually train on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Nicole is my regular personal lifestyle coach: a young, enthusiastic woman who's incredibly committed to helping people like me. If I train on a different day, there are sometimes different coaches. But to be honest, it doesn't really matter. All the coaches know exactly what they're doing. They're all top-notch professionals.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

Is the average gym too crowded for you? Do all those sweaty bodies and pumping music give you the creeps? You're not alone. For many people, that makes it too much of a barrier to start strength training. But what if there was a place where you could be yourself, where you receive proper guidance, and where you could—literally—discover your strength in a comfortable environment? In this blog post, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, shares a friendly way to start strength training.

The benefits of strength training, also for women

Strength training is an effective way to improve your overall health and well-being. It not only strengthens your muscles but also improves your bone density, boosts your metabolism, and can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Besides these physical benefits, strength training also boosts your self-confidence. Women sometimes worry about looking like the Hulk, but don't worry. Strength training for women actually accentuates muscles and creates a more toned, stronger body.

Creating a realistic training plan

A common mistake beginners make is biting off more than they can chew. Start with a realistic training plan that suits your current fitness level and lifestyle. Build up slowly and incorporate a mix of exercises that target all major muscle groups. Ensure proper guidance so you learn the correct form and technique, which is crucial for preventing injuries and achieving the most effective results. In short, a solid foundation is crucial.

The role of nutrition and recovery

Strength training isn't just about what you do in the gym; it's also about how you care for your body outside of it. Good nutrition is essential to give your body the fuel and building blocks it needs to recover and grow stronger. Also, make sure you include adequate rest and recovery time in your schedule.

Overcoming mental barriers

It's normal to feel a little hesitant when starting strength training, and you're certainly not alone. Remember that strength training is a personal journey where you determine your own success. Don't compare yourself to others; focus on your own progress. It's about improving yourself and finding your own unique strengths. And don't forget to celebrate the small successes. Be proud of yourself!

The Milon Circle: Your Fitness Ally

For those who don't want to spend hours in the gym, the Milon Circle offers an efficient and effective way to strength train. With just two 35-minute sessions every ten days, it's the ideal solution for busy people who want to get fit. Moreover, with the Milon Circle, you can be sure that the workout is completely tailored to your body. This way, you can still enjoy a workout even with injuries or other limitations.

Get started today

Want to know more about how to exercise effectively by training twice for 35 minutes every ten days, under the guidance of your own personal lifestyle coach? Then take the membership test and sign up for a free personal introductory meeting and tour of the club. We bet you'll be sold right away!

A new year is the time for a fresh start and good intentions. But we all know how hard it can be to be persistent. Less than ten percent of people actually keep their good intentions the entire year. Want to end 2024 fit, but don't feel like sweating for hours in an uncomfortable gym environment several times a week? That's possible! In this blog, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, explains that you can also achieve your fitness goals with just two 35-minute workouts every ten days. And that in a place where everyone feels at home.

A revolution in fitness: the Milon circle

When Alex and Romano founded Happy Bodies Lifestyleclubs in 2015, they wanted to shake up the fitness industry with a special fitness formula for people with little time and where attention, customer experience and results are paramount. They opted for small-scale boutique-style fitness clubs where people can train as efficiently as possible in the Milon circle. The Milon circle is not just a fitness experience. It is a fully automatic training circle that is precisely tailored to your physical needs and capacities. This means that you train without the risk of injuries, with constant progress and a program that is adapted to that progress every time, so that you are always challenged without going beyond your limits.

Simplicity and efficiency

The idea of spending less time and still seeing results may sound too good to be true. But with the Milon Circle, that’s exactly what you get. And that in just six 35-minute sessions per month. Before you start, you’ll undergo an intake where the Milonizer, a state-of-the-art device, quickly scans your body for important biometric data. This ensures that during your training, each machine is perfectly adjusted to your unique body type, condition and any complaints or injuries. This way, we can develop a training program for everyone, regardless of age or physical limitations. For example, someone with ankle problems will get specific exercises that do not overload the ankle, while someone with hip problems will do exercises that are tailored to their specific range of motion. So no more excuses in 2024! We are ready to guide you.

Arjen van der Veen has over twenty years of experience in the fitness industry. He is now the new franchisee of Happy Bodies in Houten, IJsselstein, and Zeist. In this blog post, Arjen explains why he fell in love with Happy Bodies' unique values and why he believes they help promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Time for the next step

I've been working in the fitness industry for over twenty years. My career started as a fitness instructor, but I quickly progressed to the role of club manager and later regional manager. A few years ago, I briefly joined Boretti as a customer service manager, but I quickly missed the gym world, so I returned. After another year and a half as a regional manager for several clubs, I decided it was high time for the next step and to forge my own path. With that in mind, I emailed Romano Morais, one of the founders of Happy Bodies, expressing my interest in opening my own Happy Bodies location. He told me they weren't opening any new locations at the time, but that Ben Romeijn, one of the franchisees, was looking for a partner. After a series of positive conversations, I started working as Ben's partner at the Happy Bodies locations in Houten, IJsselstein, and Zeist in September of this year.

Total solution for safe movement

Happy Bodies clearly distinguishes itself from the average gym; it's a comprehensive solution focused on safe exercise. Many people want to exercise, but often don't know how to get started. You can work out incredibly cheaply at large chains like Basic-Fit and SportCity, but the question remains: how do you get started? Happy Bodies offers a unique platform with the Milon Circle, which allows you to train scientifically and safely with measurable results. Members receive a personal assessment, a customized training schedule, and are well-guided and motivated throughout the entire process. By scheduling a follow-up appointment for each workout, members truly feel responsible for their own progress. In short, a wonderful solution for the vast number of people who lack the natural motivation to work out hard.

The road to success

I live in Haarlem, and my workweek always starts at the Happy Bodies headquarters, which is also located in Haarlem. Three times a week, I drive to the clubs in Houten, IJsselstein, and Zeist. During these visits, I manage the club managers of these three locations. Together, we work to make each club a success.

Crossfitter and runner

I'm an enthusiastic CrossFitter and a keen runner. I'm currently training for the Egmond Half Marathon, which takes place on January 14th. I spend a lot of time training outdoors, but for strength training, I naturally utilize the support offered by the Milon Circle. This combination of outdoor activities and targeted strength training helps me stay in optimal shape.

Sustainable and healthy aging thanks to strength training

Back in the day, we all worked the land, so a tool like the Milon Circle wasn't necessary. Things are different now. Most of us sit behind a desk for eight hours a day. Then we get in the car and drive home to cook dinner. After that, we plop down on the couch to watch Netflix, "because we earned it so much." Strength training is crucial for those who want to age sustainably and healthily. From the age of 25, your muscle mass begins to decline, and if you don't actively work on it, it will only get worse. Do you want to use a walker at 60, or would you rather go for a run? Good strength training also helps alleviate and prevent aches and pains. The fact is, few people actually enjoy strength training. They do it more because it's good for them than for fun. A game of volleyball, for example, is more appealing. The Milon Circle makes training fun. The results are measurable, and it only takes 35 minutes per workout. So, just think of an excuse not to do it.

Once you've found a sport you enjoy, you might be tempted to do the same workout over and over again. You feel like you're getting stronger, and you're actually doing pretty well. But be careful! If you follow the same routine for too long, you'll eventually stop making progress. This applies to fitness and strength training as well as endurance sports like running or cycling. In this blog post, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies in Alkmaar, explains why variety is so important if you want to keep achieving results.

Law of Diminishing Returns

Exercise is healthy, there's no doubt about that, and if you exercise regularly, you'll become fitter and stronger. However, there's a catch. If you do the same workout for too long, you'll eventually hit a plateau. You'll make very little progress. You're then dealing with the so-called law of diminishing returns: as you improve, your body responds less and less to the training stimuli you give it. This applies to both strength training – your muscles grow less and less quickly – and cardio training – you barely get any faster, even though you train just as hard.

Variety is the magic word

It can be incredibly demotivating. You're exercising to get fitter, better, or stronger, and standing still feels like going backward, especially when you're trying so hard. Fortunately, this is easy to break. Variety—also known in sports as periodization—is the key. By varying your training in terms of frequency, intensity, and duration, you'll continue to make progress. By alternating between different training phases according to a well-structured training plan, you'll get the most out of your workouts. If you're working toward a specific goal, such a plan will help you peak at the right time.

Different phases

At Happy Bodies, you'll work with the Milon circle and your own personal lifestyle coach. During your intake, the innovative Milonizer scans your body using biometric markers. This ensures that all equipment is automatically configured correctly for every workout, even if you have any physical complaints. Our programs are also structured in phases, adding variety and constantly challenging your body. This ensures that the workout remains enjoyable and you make continuous progress.