At the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, the fitness specialists focus on your year-round goals

191218 Uhavon 6895
At the 60,000-square-foot Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center, members attend with a variety of health goals in mind. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Laura Briedis

If your New Year’s resolution to exercise more and live healthier is already a fleeting memory, don’t despair. At the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center the fitness specialists don’t put much stock in resolutions. Instead, they focus on year-round goals.

“While everyone has good intentions when making resolutions, statistics show that most people quit working out three weeks to three months after joining a gym,” says Brad Calabrese, general manager of the fitness center.

“Here, we take a vested interest in each member’s goals and devise a plan that will keep them motivated. Not everyone wants to lose weight, as many people join our fitness center to tone up, to get more energetic, to get ready to run a 5K, or even to get in better shape before a surgery.”

It all starts with a fitness assessment, which includes an InBody body composition test to analyze lean mass in your body. Using this detailed analysis, the fitness specialists personalize each exercise regimen depending on the person’s goal.

It all starts with a fitness assessment, which includes an InBody body composition test to analyze lean mass in your body. Using this detailed analysis, the fitness specialists personalize each exercise regimen depending on the person’s goal.

There are many ways to get in shape, and, more importantly, stay fit at this 60,000-square-foot facility.

In addition to the expansive fitness floor and two group exercise studios, there is a six-lane indoor pool, a warm water therapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, an indoor and outdoor running/walking track, a multi-sport gymnasium, racquetball courts, and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a childcare center and a day spa.

In addition to the expansive fitness floor and two group exercise studios, there is a six-lane indoor pool, a warm water therapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, an indoor and outdoor running/walking track, a multi-sport gymnasium, racquetball courts, and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a childcare center and a day spa.

UH Avon Fitness Center not only keeps their members engaged with so many ways to exercise, they also make it convenient by offering a place where they can bring their children while they attend a class or workout.

“We not only keep our members engaged with so many ways to exercise, but we also make it convenient by offering a place where they can bring their children while they attend a class or workout,” says Renee Barrett, program manager.

Partner with Fitness Specialists
The UH Fitness Center is much more than just a gym. What sets it apart from other fitness centers in town is that it is a medically based facility.

The degreed and certified fitness specialists and personal trainers utilize University Hospitals’ professional network to develop fitness programs.

The degreed and certified fitness specialists and personal trainers utilize University Hospitals’ professional network to develop fitness programs.

“We also work with University Hospitals’ neurological institute and cancer center to create specialized programs to help people going through illnesses,” says Brad. “Plus, we now offer a post-physical therapy exercise program.”

For those looking to lose weight, the Better Body Challenge, takes a team approach for extra motivation. During this 12-week program, small groups work out twice a week with their teams and personal trainers and meet with a registered dietician.

For those looking to lose weight, the Better Body Challenge takes a team approach for extra motivation. During this 12-week program, small groups work out twice a week with their teams and personal trainers and meet with a registered dietician.

Dive in to Aquatic Workouts
Surrounded by windows that let the sunlight stream in, the 75-foot, six-lane indoor pool hosts a bevy of aquatic group fitness classes. An adjacent warm-water pool is used for workouts to help those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia or other medical conditions.

Surrounded by windows that let the sunlight stream in, the 75-foot, six-lane indoor pool hosts a bevy of aquatic group fitness classes.

A sampling of the fitness classes that take place in the pool include Yoga in the Water, which uses gentle poses underwater designed to increase flexibility, and Barbell Workout, using weights in the water for an upper body workout that increases muscle tone.

“We also offer private swim lessons for ages four and above, as well as lessons for adults,” notes Brad.

“Even though we have daily aquatic classes and swim lessons, there always are at least two lanes open for members who like to swim laps,” he adds.

Spa Your Way to Wellness
As part of its focus on overall wellness, there is a spa tucked inside the front lobby of the fitness center. Open to the public, not just fitness center members, Exhale Spa offers massages, facials, makeup, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

When booking any service at the spa, you get a complimentary pass to enjoy all of the fitness center’s amenities before and after your salon services.

The Spa added eyebrow microblading and hydro-facials to its menu last year. Plus, it continues to offer unique spa services, such as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, which is a barefoot massage technique using deep strokes from the therapists’ feet, and the Ionic Foot Detox, which pulls toxins out of your body through your feet.

When booking any service at the spa, you get a complimentary pass to enjoy all of the fitness center’s amenities before and after your salon services.

The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. You are invited to tour the facility and learn about membership opportunities. Call 440-988-6801, or visit UHhospitals.org/Fitness for details.