Here’s how MaxStrength Fitness helped local plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vanek stage the ultimate comeback
By Patricia Nugent
From treks up Mount Kilimanjaro to scuba dives off the coast of Belize and 50-mile biking journeys through Colorado, plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vanek leads an enviably active and adventurous life.
In 2017, when he was sidelined by a serious knee injury, in pain, and, in his own word, “hobbled,” he sought professional help from MaxStrength Fitness.
For someone who has spent his career helping others achieve their optimal appearance through rejuvenating procedures, the script was flipped. Dr. Vanek was in dire need of some rejuvenation himself.
“I was in a knee brace and barely walking when I came to the studio for my first visit,” he says. “After seven or eight months of deconditioning following the injury, I was also out of shape.”
The Science Behind Building Muscle
As a scientist and researcher, he says MSF founder Jeff Tomaszewski’s science-backed protocol impressed him.
“Delving into the behavior of the sarcoplasm, or cytoplasm of muscle fibers, was fascinating to me,” he explains. “I was interested to discover how muscles can respond more efficiently to shorter, intense-burst workouts to break them down so they can rebuild. Admittedly, I was skeptical that two 20-minute workouts per week could produce the results.”
Dr. Vanek says he vividly remembers what the first session felt like, being surprised by how all the muscle zones in his body were exercised.
“Another pleasant surprise—and game-changer for my busy lifestyle—was that I could do the workouts wearing business attire since the studio temperatures are kept at a chilly 60-something degrees,” he says. “I can go directly to work from the studio.”
“In rehabbing my knee, there was a safety factor, finding out how to best strengthen the surrounding muscles without affecting the injured meniscus,” he says, noting he was also going through physical therapy during this time. “After several months of strengthening, the muscles were strengthened and stabilized. I was pain-free.”
In addition to biking, hiking, climbing and diving, he also practices yoga, which, along with the training at MSF and a concerted effort with his diet, helped him lose 41 pounds.
No One is Too Far Gone
“I’ve been coming here so long because these amazing trainers push me harder than I would ever push myself,” he says. “Each quarter I’m still improving, making incremental strength gains.”
And that’s a good thing, as he says his future travel plans include more adventure trips.
“If I can be an example to anyone, it’s that they should never disqualify themselves as being too far gone to start strength training,” says Dr. Vanek. “The supportive trainers have the skills to take you from a low point and bring you forward.”
Dr. Vanek’s success story is not uncommon, and it’s not a surprise the company is on the grow. Jeff is thrilled to report his signature brand is in full-speed-ahead expansion mode. Next month, look for more details on the opening of another corporate-owned facility in Strongsville, as well as two in Destin and Niceville, Florida. What began 16 years ago as a dream put into action by an ambitious local fitness expert, is perched to reach across the country.
Lunchbox Rescue
MaxStrength has just published an e-book called “Lunchbox Rescue.” Packed with tips for making your mid-day meal super-fun and healthy, this e-book is loaded with recipes and mix-and-match options to help you reach your goals. Go to MaxStrengthFitness.com/lunchbox to view it.
MaxStrength Fitness is located at 4212 State Route 306 in Willoughby. Call 440-226-8080 and at 2211 Crocker Road in Westlake, 440-835-9090 or for more information or to view more testimonials, visit MaxStrengthFitness.com.