Here’s how to get your sweat on for free at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center

By Laura Briedis

There is no denying that sweat gets a bad rap, but it actually is a good thing. Working up a sweat means you are physically purging toxins from your body and regulating your body temperature.

On average, humans sweat almost 300 gallons each year, with the feet excreting as much as half a pint of moisture a day. With more than two million sweat glands found on the surface of your body, the only areas of your body that do not have sweat glands are your lips and nails.

To embrace those little beads of perspiration, the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is offering free classes during the United We Sweat campaign.

Now in its seventh year, United We Sweat was the brainchild of Brad Calebrese, the fitness center general manager, and Ryan Aroney, of the United Way of Greater Lorain County.

“We started this initiative to promote healthier lifestyle options for the community, where area gyms and fitness facilities throughout Lorain County open their doors and offer fun programming for free on certain days,” says Brad.

“This breaks down all the access barriers no matter your location, age or skill level.”

“We are excited to offer free fitness classes in September during the United We Sweat campaign to get residents inside our center so they can see different ways to get fit,” he adds.

“Although we are part of a hospital system, we are the fun part of the hospital system.”

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, and a salon and spa.

“In any given week we have more than 120 weekly group fitness classes,” comments Brad. “And you don’t have to be a fitness expert to participate, as every month we offer beginner Pilates, spinning and yoga for those who want to come to a non-intimidating class and get started on their wellness journey.”

During the United We Sweat campaign, the center will host more than 20 free classes that offer something for everyone.

“In one of our classes, we have an acoustic guitarist strumming relaxing music while participants are doing yoga poses,” says Brad.

“And in the Pound Rockout Workout, participants channel their inner rockstar with an exhilarating full-body workout using drumsticks. We also are doing a bootcamp at Avon’s new community fitness court next to the pool.”

If you are not sure what fitness activity is best for you, try a slew of free exercise classes during the United We Sweat campaign.

“Our fitness center is continuously striving to support the community,” says Brad.

“On the heels of the Avon vs. Avon Lake Community Challenge this summer, which Avon Lake narrowly won, we are now transitioning into our annual United We Sweat campaign and offering free exercise classes this month to all Lorain County residents.”

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