Give yourself the gift of a better body

By Laura Briedis

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
—Audrey Hepburn

Although movie star icon Audrey Hepburn was the one who so famously passed along this self-care tip, local resident Liz Aunspaw took the advice to heart when she joined The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center.

A busy wife, mother of three, and a business owner, Liz didn’t have much time for herself. This summer, however, she made her own well-being a priority and joined the fitness center.

“I thought I was always too busy to make time for myself,” says Liz, a Vermilion resident who, along with her husband, owns H & B Mat Rental in Avon. “But now I realize you just have to find the time.”

“For the past few years I have felt tired and sluggish. I wanted to get in better shape before I turned 40,” she says.

In just four months since joining the fitness center, she has lost 16 pounds, but, more importantly, has increased her strength. “It is amazing how my muscles are getting toned. I have much more energy and I can wear jeans that I haven’t been able to fit into for years,” she says. “I’m not stopping now.”

“The Fitness Center is so convenient, as it is close to work and has a child care center where I can bring my two-year-old daughter while I am working out,” she comments. “Now there are no more excuses.”

Liz works out three mornings a week before work, and then comes to the fitness center with her husband and 13-year-old son, who play basketball in the gym on Sunday Family Days.

Although she was intimidated at first, she signed up for personal training sessions with Lauren Roland, one of the dozen certified personal fitness trainers at The Fitness Center, to help guide her. “Having a personal trainer really motivates me,” Liz explains. “Lauren pushes me to help reach higher fitness levels.”

According to Lauren, Liz has greatly increased her muscle mass. When she first started she could barely do a plank. Now she can hold it with perfect form for one minute—and she can deadlift 100 pounds.

In addition to personal training, Liz signed up for the Better Body Challenge this fall because she wanted to push herself and set new goals.

This 12-week program features small-group training sessions, nutritional counseling, educational seminars and team challenges.

“This program always sells out as it is a proven program that helps people restart or redefine their wellness goals,” says Renee Barrett, program manager. “Whether your goal is weight loss or body composition changes, our personal trainers will educate and motivate you.”

The next Better Body Challenge starts Sunday, January 12. There are only spots for 32 people, so register now to participate in this program, which is open to members and non-members.

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.