How to get a better workout

By Kyle Hotz, ACE Owner, Founder; Higher Heights Fitness

Here’s what you won’t find at Higher Heights Fitness: rows and rows of exercise machines.

When it comes to precision strength training, equipment makes all the difference. Our clients use only free weights, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, slam balls, resistance bands, battle ropes and TRX equipment. Why? Because they actually produce a more intense experience.

When you work out on a machine, the machine does the movement. But when you do free weight training, you are the mechanism moving the weight, utilizing a different set of smaller stabilizing muscles.

Simply put: free weights strengthen more muscles for a more efficient workout.

According to the International Sports Sciences Association, “The exercises you do with weights better mimic neurological patterns of actual fitness and sports skills than those you do with a machine.”

Also, exercise machines—like the ones at big box gyms—do a poor job of accommodating anyone shorter or taller than average, which makes a game-changing difference in how well they work.

Our equipment allows us to focus on progression, moving a client through peaks and plateaus, changing up the 45-minute sessions and getting the most out of every workout. We only work with top-of-the-line makers of equipment and are always bringing in new pieces.

We hope you come in to take a tour of our studio. Give us a try. You’ll be amazed at the difference an elite level of training can make to your fitness level.

Higher Heights Fitness is located at 8251 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. A multi-sport athlete in high school and college, Kyle Hotz graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Health Education for Exercise & Fitness. The studio offers one-on-one training, small-group training and nutritional sessions. For more information, call 440-630-9497, or visit the website at HigherHeightsFitness.com.