Strength transformation

As the head team physician for the Cleveland Cavaliers for many years, Dr. Rick Parker was responsible for the comprehensive health, safety and performance optimization of some of the top basketball players in the world, including LeBron James.

So, when this internationally renowned sports medicine and orthopedic specialist felt himself becoming “de-conditioned” following a lengthy rehabilitation from rotator cuff surgery, he sought out an elite level of training. His wife Jana had already been training at MaxStrength Fitness for three years and was seeing wonderful results. He decided to give it a try.

“Prior to my injury, I’d been working out with a trainer who favored ballistic exercise and did not focus on form or technique,” he says. “I feel it may have contributed to my shoulder’s demise.”

In a Word

He says he doesn’t use the word “transformational” often, but that it’s the best descriptor of his MSF experience.

“Even though I only go twice a week for 20-minute sessions, my strength has been transformed,” he says. “I studied the philosophy behind it and believe in the modality of completely fatiguing the muscle through slow, progressive exercise so it can rebuild. I know the value of science that works.”

When Dr. Parker went for his last physical, he found out he’d gained 5 pounds of muscle without gaining any weight. And since he’s hitting the golf ball so much further, he’s had to play around with his club selection.

He retired last year from the position of president of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest/Mentor Hospital and says that before leaving, he’d begun referring patients to MaxStrength Fitness following their own journey through rehab.

In their late 60s, Rick and Jana enjoy spending time with their five grandchildren. Retirement plans include travel with friends and more golf. They plan to hit Colorado, Florida, Spain, Portugal and Italy in the coming months.

Safety in “Guardrails”

Jana and Rick report training has given them more energy and boosted their metabolism. After challenging sessions with their trainer Candace, they jokingly report to feeling “Candacized.”

“No matter how hard the workouts are, I feel protected against future injuries,” he adds. “There are guardrails and parameters in place. I like the fact that the sessions are one-on-one and the trainer constantly consults his or her iPad.”

Progressive, Personal, Fun

Jana has felt the positive impact gaining muscle and losing fat has had on her life. 

“I was playing a little tennis but knew I needed more exercise and strength training in my life,” she says. “Now my clothes are fitting better, my core is much stronger, and I feel that my posture has improved. Something else I love about the training is how efficient it is. You get there and everything is planned and done for you. All you have to do is show up.”

She also appreciates the trainers’ level of professionalism.

“I have arthritis and needed surgery on my thumbs last September,” she says. “The trainers modified my program around how and when I could use my hands for movements. They were incredible. They make the process personal and fun.”

MaxStrength Fitness

• 13500 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-467-0700
• 4212 State Route 306, Willoughby, 440-226-8080
• 2211 Crocker Road, Westlake, 440-835-9090

MaxStrengthFitness.com