Active aging

The members at the newly opened MaxStrength Fitness in Solon share common characteristics that are as unique to them as the training protocol is to the local landscape of training studios and gyms.

They are usually busy people, with better things to do than spend loads of time at a gym. The two, 20-minute sessions twice a week appeal to their devotion to lean efficiency.

Though most members are successful self-starters, they value their health and well-being enough to put themselves in the hands of trained professionals.

I recently spent an afternoon interviewing a few members to find out more about the five-star phenomenon that’s made waves in the Cleveland training scene for nearly 20 years.

Owner Tim Dardis says his new members are discovering the high-intensity workouts are challenging, yet safe and beneficial.

Meet William and Jody

These two active grandparents share similar stories.

Jody Malsch works a full-time job as an administrative assistant and a part-time job as a licensed massage therapist. As a former gymnast and dance major at Kent State University, she’s accustomed to the rigors of training. With four grandchildren she likes to “lug, lift and love,” and an active social life (zip-lining with her girlfriends), joining MSF was an act of self-care, a time to do something for her current and future self.

“When my twin sister from Virginia came for a visit and was super toned, I found out what kind of program she was doing. It was similar to MaxStrength,” says Jody. “At 63, I’d like to reach my full potential without worrying about risk of injury. My trainer Christian Lupia is at my side for every rep, pushing me to safely do more than I’d do on my own.”

In the first three months of training, she says she’s noticed improvements to her muscle tone.

“The workouts aren’t easy, but they are effective, and I leave feeling amazing,” she says. “When I was 25, I hated going to the gym, but now it’s a source of confidence. I deserve this.”

Strength=Improved Flexibility, Reduced Pain

With advanced osteoarthritis, 77-year-old William Powers knows a thing or two about pain management and using strength training to maximize his functionality.

“The first time my back seized up in 2021, I couldn’t walk,” he says. “The imaging of my spine was not good. The doctor told me my T9 vertebra was shot. Six months later it was the T8, then the T7. I could see the writing on the wall and took matters into my own hands, working intensely with a physical therapist and finding MSF Studio Manager Marina Borden to strength train with. She’s been a phenomenal coach.”

The slow movement with constant tension appeals to him and he feels the muscles he’s built, especially up and down the spine, have helped support his joints.

“I usually walk into the studio with pain, and walk out with none,” he says.

Marina says she’s enjoyed seeing William’s progress.

“He’s learned to slow down and truly focus on engaging the targeted muscles, which has led to noticeable increases in strength, improved flexibility and reduced pain,” she says.

William says his long-term plan is to “stay upright and mobile,” and that he’s thankful to MaxStrength for playing a big part in his success.

MaxStrength Fitness is located at the corner of a white brick shopping plaza at 33705 Station Street, just off Route 91, in Solon. Call 440-692-2345 or visit MaxStrengthFitness.com for more information.