Build a better body with Higher Heights
By Patricia Nugent
Like so many of us, Nikki B. says that Covid “put her in a rut” and she needed some help to get back on track in time for her wedding.
When she heard from friends about their success working one-on-one with the professional trainers in private exercise suites at Higher Heights Fitness in Brecksville, she decided to give it a try. She started training with owner Kyle Hotz and his team in August. By the time she walked down the aisle in October, she had to have her dress taken in four times and was feeling as fit as ever.
“I like to do a little bit of everything, from boxing to running and yoga,” she says. “But Higher Heights took my fitness to the next level. I lost inches and weight, while gaining muscle mass. The trainers here are motivating and efficient. I had a pre-existing sciatica injury from overtraining, and they worked around that.”
Nikki says the twice-weekly, high-energy workouts are always changing and that she plans to continue here even though her walk down the aisle is over.
Though Nikki is a newer client, there are plenty of long-term clients, too. For instance, 78-year-old Susan S. of Brecksville credits her training as a boost to her overall functionality.
“I have arthritis in my knees and ankles,” says Susan. “I would not be in the kind of shape I’m in today without these workouts. The sessions give me energy and help with balance. They cater to my capabilities, and the atmosphere is wonderful. The trainers are friendly and there’s plenty of laughter. I always look forward to coming.”
Putting the Right Tools in Place
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in health education and an ACE training certification, Kyle has been an ardent student of training since he was a multi-sport athlete in high school. He’s constantly researching his industry for the next best thing.
That’s how he found out about the InBody 270 Body Composition Analyzer, which he’s introducing to the studio this month.
“Not only does this machine precisely calculate everything from BMI to lean muscle mass and basal metabolic rate, but it also goes the next step and suggests calorie counts for the individual and nutritional planning,” he says. “The equipment was a hefty investment—$6,300—but I feel our clients will reap the rewards.”
The studio offers the InBody complimentary with training packages. People who aren’t clients can also make an appointment for a scan only for $50.
Another new fitness tool is the Theragun deep tissue massager. Kyle says they are using it during workouts as well as by itself on a therapy table for sports massages.
“This allows us to work on stretching the muscles, opening them up and allowing for more effective training,” he adds.
Buddying Up
Kyle says that lots of people take advantage of the two-for-one pricing policy he introduced. Whether couples or friends, if you sign up together and train at the same time, you only pay for one person.
“We work with clients from ages 14 to 87, with different capabilities,” he says. “Their success is our success, so it’s nice to see people achieve more and pay less while pushing each other. Everyone wins.”
Higher Heights Fitness is located at 8251 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. For more information, call 440-630-9497, or visit the website at HigherHeightsFitness.com.