The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is raising the stakes for the annual community challenge

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All Avon and Avon Lake residents ages 15 and older are invited to participate in this year’s Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center challenge, which runs from Wednesday, May 23, through Thursday, August 9. Pictured above are some of the Fitness Center staff members who will help cheer you on during your journey. (Photography by Benjamin Margalit/Margalit Studio)

By Laura Briedis

Two cities separated by railroad tracks, Avon and Avon Lake residents have always playfully remarked about who lives on the right side of the tracks. From fierce competition on the high school gridiron to equally admirable school system educational rankings, this friendly rivalry is always oh-so even.

Now hoping to tip the scale in favor of both of the towns, the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is challenging the cities to a fun fitness challenge.

In its third year—with Avon Lake winning the inaugural event and Avon victorious last year—this is a rivalry where everyone wins.

“It is amazing how close the competition has been each year,” says Brad Calabrese, the Fitness Center general manager and the person responsible for creating the challenge as a way to give back to the community.

“Both years, about 200 residents participated, and the final results were decided by just a few points.”

“More important than just crowning the winning city, however, is that all of the residents who participate get on track to a healthier lifestyle,” he adds. “We offer this friendly competition as a way to connect with the community and help area residents improve their health and wellness.”

All Avon and Avon Lake residents ages 15 and older are invited to participate in this year’s program, which runs from Wednesday, May 23, through Thursday, August 9. Participants will have complimentary access to the Fitness Center on select days. Avon guest day will be on Wednesdays and Avon Lake on Thursdays, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Access to the 60,000-square-foot facility includes use of all fitness equipment on the expansive fitness floor, a six-lane indoor pool, a warm-water therapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, an indoor and outdoor running/walking track, group exercise classrooms and a multi-sport gymnasium.


“Participants are able to attend group fitness classes for free every Wednesday and Thursday,” says Brad.

“Plus, on other select days, we will offer specialty classes they can attend, such as outdoor yoga, as well as informative wellness seminars with topics ranging from how to stay properly hydrated to nutrition tips.”

The Fitness Center staff will conduct free wellness assessments prior to the challenge from Sunday, May 13, to Thursday, May 24, so the fitness specialists can gauge what type of workouts would be most beneficial.

After the wellness assessment, participants will get a program card that will electronically track points for working out, attending health and wellness seminars, maintaining weight criterion, as well as other activities. Each point they earn adds to their city’s total. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three individual winners, and the winning city will get a plaque.

“From trying out a spinning class to exercising in our pool or attending a fitness seminar, this summer, every resident can enjoy all we have to offer—for free,” says Brad.

The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. For more information regarding amenities and programs, check out UHhospitals.org/Fitness.