It’s not enough to become more fit, you’ve also got to be well, and Higher Heights Fitness can help

By Patricia Nugent

Marilee and Harold Gaar of Richfield are remarkable role models for anyone who wants to age actively without giving up doing what they love. These avid cyclists and hikers have traveled the world in search of the most scenic trails, from Europe to Hawaii and all over the United States. They credit their training at Higher Heights Fitness as a means of helping them stay in the game and on the road.

“We both began cycling in our 20s,” says Harold, who reports they currently go on three to four 30-mile rides each week.

As a result of arthritis in his knees, in 2021 Harold had surgery to replace one knee in March and the other in July.

“The trainers here were helpful and knowledgeable about anatomy and advanced healing processes,” he says. “They were in touch with my therapist and surgeon. I felt as though I was in good hands throughout the rehab.”

Marilee says her favorite part of the studio is that the workouts are never dull, always challenging, and that the trainers push them safely to work their hardest.

Functional Training that Works
Founded by Kyle Hotz, the protocol at Higher Heights is all about personalized functional training.

“As professionals, we focus everything on a client’s specific needs and goals,” he says. “We want them to be the best version of themselves, whether that means running a marathon, overcoming chronic pain or joint rehabilitation, and thriving into their senior years so they can actively play with their grandchildren.”

Intense one-on-one sessions take place in private training suites with state-of-the-art equipment, from high-tech cardio machines to resistance bands, medicine and stability balls, battle ropes and weights. Trainers work with the safest and most effective movements adapted to the person’s capability.

The client-trainer relationship begins with the InBody 270 analyzer Kyle invested in last year. It can measure and track a slew of health indicators beyond a person’s weight, including lean muscle mass and body fat mass, as well as skeletal muscle mass. “It gives us exact insight into how to help our clients manage their well-being,” says Kyle.

Introducing Nutritional Counseling
Kyle and assistant manager Connor Gray are thrilled to introduce a nutritional counseling program in late spring.

“It seems the pandemic was a wake-up call for people to look at their health in a different way,” says Kyle. “Now they are more willing to invest in every component that makes up their best possible lifestyle. That’s why Connor and I became certified in nutritional counseling.”

During the 45-minute sessions that take place either virtually or in the studio, the trainers will find out about a client’s likes, dislikes and current diet. Then they’ll come up with the optimal amounts of macronutrients (fats, proteins, carbs) to achieve the best results. They’ll also offer a host of healthy swaps, so people don’t have to abandon foods they love.

“Our goal is to create a realistic eating plan people can stick with for a lifetime. This is not dieting,” says Kyle. “We will teach people how to decipher food labels, and even go grocery shopping with them,” he says.

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.