At the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, the focus is on teaching members how to live, look and love life better
By Laura Briedis
It may be a little more ambitious than most New Year’s resolutions, but Brad Calabrese is resolute to try all of the 120 group exercise classes this year at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center.
As general manager of the fitness center, he already knows the classes can help people stay fit, but he wants to experience firsthand the fun and varied workouts.
From Yoga Flow to Super Sculpt to Zumba, and a bevy of water exercise classes, the certified fitness specialists will have you stretching, strengthening, lengthening and dancing—not to mention decreasing stress and increasing strength.
“We focus on motivating our members year-round to stick to a workout regimen by offering over 120 weekly group exercise classes, personalizing exercise plan, having unique weight loss programs and focusing on overall wellness,” says Brad.
“Not everyone who belongs here wants to lose weight,” he adds.
“People are more focused on their overall health. Everyone has different goals. Many members are doing sport-specific programs to become more flexible, some are training for a 5K and others are rehabbing from an injury.”
Medical Focus
The Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center is much more than just a gym. What sets it apart from other fitness centers is that it is a medically-based facility.
“We strive to be the fitness, wellness and health arm for our community and our system,” comments Brad.
Throughout the year, University Hospitals holds wellness seminars and complimentary screenings for cholesterol and blood glucose, as well as gait analysis, for members. And the fitness center staff is always available to take blood pressure readings when people are exercising.
The degreed and certified fitness specialists and personal trainers also utilize University Hospitals’ professional network to develop fitness programs.
“With our partnership with University Hospitals, we offer disease management programs, including an award-winning Parkinson’s Program, that empower people suffering from diseases by improving their physical and emotional fitness,” says Brad.
“We recently launched a cancer exercise program for people going through treatment or those in remission to help them keep up their energy.”
A new benefit for all members is the InBody body composition testing. This complimentary service provides detailed analysis on how much lean mass you have in every part of your body.
“This advanced technology is a powerful tool that helps our members improve their health and wellness,” says Renee Barrett, program manager.
“This gives new members a starting point to see where they are and set goals.”
For those looking to lose weight, the Better Body Challenge takes a team approach to give you that extra motivation to lose weight. During this 12-week program, small groups work out twice a week with their teams and personal trainers, meet with a registered dietician, and do fun monthly challenges to win prizes.
Fitness Bliss
“We have reinvested this year in equipment, including an all-new free weight and strength area, as well as added SkillMill treadmills and Octane recumbent ellipticals,” says Brad.
“The new curved self-propelled treadmills allow members to train like athletes for peak performance, and the ellipticals offer more workout options.”
While the expansive fitness floor is the cornerstone of the 60,000-square-foot facility, it also boasts a six-lane indoor pool, a warm-water therapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, an indoor and outdoor running/walking track, a multi-sport gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, as well as a childcare center and a day spa.
“As the weather warms, we will look to utilize our outdoor tennis and pickle ball courts more,” adds Brad.
Aqua Workout
Surrounded by windows that let the sunlight stream in, the 75-foot, six-lane indoor pool hosts aquatic group classes. An adjacent warm-water pool is used for workouts to help those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia or other medical conditions.
A sampling of the fitness classes that take place in the pool include Yoga in the Water, which uses gentle poses underwater designed to increase flexibility, and Barbell Workout, which features weights in the water for an upper body workout that increases muscle tone.
“In addition to our weekly aquatic classes, there always are two lanes open for swimming laps,” says Brad, noting the locker rooms have a separate women’s and men’s whirlpool, steam room and sauna.
Spa Wellness
As part of its focus on overall wellness, there is a spa tucked inside the front lobby of the fitness center. Open to the public, not just fitness center members, Exhale Spa offers massages, facials, skincare treatments, makeup, waxing, sugaring, manicures and pedicures. The staff also is well versed in Reiki, reflexology and ionic foot detox.
“We have added several new services to the spa menu,” says Dana Doheny, member service/day spa supervisor.
“The new Rezenerate facial brings collagen to the surface of your skin, leaving it plump and hydrated, which reduces fine lines and evens out pigmentation. You can combine this facial with dermaplaning to remove vellus hairs, aka peach fuzz, and 28 days’ worth of dead skin to promote new regeneration.”
Also new this year is Nail Dipping, in which you dip your nail into a powder color, and when the top coat dries, it is as hard as an acrylic.
“Nail Dipping has far fewer chemicals than acrylic, it is faster drying and healthier on your nails,” says Dana. “The nail color lasts up to two weeks and looks amazing.”
The Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. Tour our facility and learn about membership opportunities. Call 440-988-6801, or visit UHhospitals.org/Fitness for details.