Everyone has a different reason for working out at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center: What’s yours going to be?

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Sue Wagner (left), with her personal trainer Ashlee Ladikos, is working out at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center to help prevent a cancer recurrence. To reduce her risk, she hits the gym five days a week. (Photography: Felicia Vargo)

By Laura Briedis

When you look at people working out in a gym, everyone is there for a different reason. Some like the relaxation of a yoga class. Others lift weights to sculpt their muscles. And others are increasing their strength after a surgery or illness.

At the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, though, what everyone has in common is they are striving to improve their health and wellness.

For Sue Wagner, who is a breast cancer survivor, fitness is about more than just staying fit. Exercise is a way to prevent cancer recurrence.

“My radiologist oncologist told me the single most effective thing I can do to reduce the risk of my breast cancer coming back is to exercise regularly, especially cardio and weights, so I took that to heart,” says Sue, who joined the Fitness Center two-and-a-half years ago after moving to Avon Lake. “I used to walk on the treadmill and elliptical and, on occasion, participate in a fitness class before I was diagnosed with cancer last fall. Now I am here faithfully five days a week working on cardio and strength training. I also take part in Cardio Blast and Body Pump classes.”

Sue also joined the Summer Shape Up program and won the challenge. “Doing the body challenge program propelled me to the next level,” she says. “Though I lost a lot of weight, what I was happiest about is that I gained two pounds of lean muscle mass, which you lose as you age, so this, along with a healthy BMI, is more important than just my weight.”

Sue credits her personal trainer, Ashlee Ladikos, with helping her reach her goals.

“Participating in small-group personal training has motivated me,” she says. “Ashlee is so kind-hearted, but still pushes so you see results. And she explains how I will benefit from each workout.”

“Everyone in my group personal training has become like extra family to me,” she adds. “We all have the same mindset and help motivate each other.”

The Fitness Center also has a H.O.P.E. wellness program for cancer patients who are currently going through cancer treatment or who have been in remission for up to six months. Led by clinical cancer exercise specialists, this eight-week program is designed to help reduce fatigue and pain, increase energy, improve stamina and provide social support.

“We are here to help you wherever you are on your fitness journey, whether you have a health condition, you want to lose weight, or you just want to be more active,” says Renee Barrett, program manager. “We offer so many ways to get and stay fit.”

The 60,000-square-foot facility features two studios for fitness classes, a fitness floor with a separate free weight area, a six-lane indoor pool, a warm-water therapy pool, indoor and outdoor walking/running tracks, racquetball and squash courts, a multi-sport gymnasium, a salon and spa, and a childcare center.

Fall Skincare Event!
Exhale Spa, a quiet oasis tucked inside the lobby of the bustling Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, specializes in skincare with a full menu of spa facial treatments. It’s hosting a Fall Skincare Event Monday, October 19, until Saturday, October 26.

Exhale Spa, located just inside the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, features the Image Skincare medical-grade line of products.

During the weeklong event you’ll enjoy:

  • Free consultations on the latest anti-aging treatments and tips on skin care during winter months
  • Salon and spa giveaways
  • Product discounts on Image Skincare, including the MD line of professional-grade products, Jane Iredale makeup, and the RevitaLash cosmetics line

To take part, follow Facebook.com/UHAvonFitness or call Dana Doheny, at 440-988-6828.

The Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. Call 440-988-6801, or visit UHHospitals.org/Fitness for details.