Beyond the New Year’s resolutions

Patricia Nugent • January 12, 2026

Higher Heights Fitness helps members move past quick fixes with customized, long-term training programs designed to deliver sustainable strength and health.

A person performs a plank in a gym while another person watches and holds a tablet.

Progressive, functional workouts are uniquely designed to meet needs and goals. (Photography: Adrienne Rose)


If you’re looking for a quick-fix training solution to address the vague and unsustainable New Year’s resolution of losing weight and getting back in shape—Higher Heights Fitness is not for you. 


“We focus our model on long-term goals that are achievable,” says owner and trainer Kyle Hotz. “We dive deep into finding out the kind of person our members want to become and then customize a regimen that will take them there.” 


Within two plush, ultra-private training suites, Kyle and his team lead progressive, functional workouts that are uniquely designed to meet needs and goals.


“We are metrics-focused, our trainers track every aspect of a workout on wall-mounted tablets,” says Kyle. “We’ve recently invested in next-level power rack equipment that offers progressive overload and versatility in movements.”


Adding Value The Higher Heights Way

The studio offers members a well-rounded wellness experience to reach their personal best.



For those rehabbing from surgery or injury, Physical Therapist Aidan Simenc sees members at the studio for stretching and manual therapy. He also practices dry needling, which releases muscle tightness, improves blood flow, speeds recovery and improves conditions such as tendonitis and sciatica.


Kyle partnered with a local meal service called Unrefined that specializes in healthy dishes that are dietician-approved and delicious.


And most recently, he invested in industry-specific software to introduce convenient virtual coaching via the app Everfit. 


“This hybrid training mode has been a hit with our members,” says Kyle. “It opens doors to a more efficient level of training that works for them. On days they don’t want to come into the studio, members have enjoyed seeing their customized workouts pop up on their phone from their trainer, with suggested weights and instructional videos.”


Higher Heights’ Personal Nutrition Program also operates through Everfit. Nutrition Coach Brendan Faloon will review your current eating habits and customize a new healthy and balanced diet.


Meet Cassie K.

Studies have shown the importance of strength training for pregnant women as a means of easing discomfort like back pain, boosting sagging energy levels and mood, and building strength and stamina needed for labor.


Cassie K. began training at Higher Heights during the second trimester of her oldest child, who is now 22 months. When she became pregnant again (the baby was born a few weeks ago), the busy 30-something mom appreciated the effectiveness of personalized workouts.


Her trainer, Joe Bower, says the sessions evolved as her pregnancy did.


“She didn’t want to lose any of the strength she’d worked so hard to build; it doesn’t take long for muscles to atrophy,” says Joe. “Every pregnancy is unique and comes with its own issues to address. Near the end of the pregnancy, we focused a lot on shoulders, back and arms since she’d be doing a lot of lifting the baby soon.”


Cassie says, “Continuing to train throughout my pregnancies helped me with back pain, to retain lean muscle mass and was a beneficial preparation for labor and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. I also feel like it improved my mood and overall well-being.”


In addition to Brecksville, Higher Heights Fitness has locations in Medina and Lakewood.



Higher Heights Fitness

8251 Chippewa Road, Brecksville

440-630-9497

HigherHeightsFitness.com

  • A person performs a barbell squat in a gym, observed by a trainer standing behind them.

    Slide title

    The studio offers members a well-rounded wellness experience to reach their personal best.

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  • Four people posing for a group photo inside a gym with red walls, exercise equipment, and a mirror in the background.

    Slide title

    The Higher Heights Fitness team leads progressive, functional workouts that are uniquely designed to meet needs and goals.

    Button
  • A person stands smiling in front of a gray wall with a logo featuring red mountains and the text

    Slide title

    Cassie K. began training at Higher Heights during her second trimester of pregnancy.

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Mimi Reader Deal


Mention you read this story in Mimi and get your first month free when buying a 3-month package. Or take $200 off the 7-week experience package that includes initial consultation and fitness assessment, seven weeks of workouts (two sessions per week), plus a final assessment to reveal your progress. The package also includes the Nutrition Program (with no start-up fee) and two free Unrefined meals. New clients can call 440-630-9497 to get started. Offers good through Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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