LifeWorks of Southwest General helps you take better care of you with a comprehensive list of fitness options
By Ken McEntee
More than ever, it’s important to take care of yourself, insists Karen Raisch-Siegel, executive director of LifeWorks of Southwest General.
“The fitness center you belong to can make a huge difference,” she says. “Our outstanding programs, amenities and expert instructors give our members just about everything they need to stay fit and healthy. Most importantly, LifeWorks is a place where they want to be.”
LifeWorks, which once again ranked among Club Industry magazine’s Top 100 fitness centers in the country in 2018, offers some distinct differences, Karen insists.
Here are some of the LifeWorks advantages:
Comfortable Atmosphere
“One of the things we realize at LifeWorks is that people just want to feel better,” Karen says. “We all want to look better, of course, but I think people want to feel better, and I think our comfortable environment provides that feeling. For many people, the hardest part about working out can be showing up. When you feel good about yourself and about where you are, it really motivates you to come and work out.”
Fitness Diversity
LifeWorks offers a wide variety of exercise options. “We can tone your muscles, strengthen your heart, help you lose weight and increase your flexibility,” says Stacey Hancock, Ph.D., LifeWorks’ group exercise coordinator. “We’re flexible and are attentive to what our members want. Exercise can sometimes be boring, so we do our best to add new group exercise class formats to our schedule throughout the year. Our classes, included with membership, help people to stay motivated and keep coming back each week because they are having fun. The freedom our members have to come to any class any time also is a big help. If a member wants to try yoga that day, they can just go to the class.”
“The diversity lets members work out at their own pace and ability level,” Karen adds.
“Not everybody has the ability to jump on a Plyo box,” she says. “Everybody has their different needs, and we have options that work for each person.”
Equipment and Amenities
In addition to a full schedule of group classes, LifeWorks features three full lines of strength training equipment, two floors of cardio equipment, an indoor/outdoor track, three exercise studios, racquetball courts and a gymnasium. The spectacular aquatic facility features a six-lane exercise/lap pool and one of the few warm-water therapy pools in the area.
“The warm-water pool is 91 to 93 degrees and is wonderful for members with arthritis, orthopedic injuries and joint issues,” Karen explains. “Because the warm water is so beneficial, we provide warm-water classes five days a week.”
Amenities
The amenities don’t end with the workout.
“Our members appreciate our deluxe locker room amenities, like full towel service, a dry sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and digital lockers,” Karen says. “Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers and lotion are also provided for their convenience. And you should see our newly renovated showers. They are gorgeous.”
Coaching and Assistance
“Coaching is one of the main things that separates us from most of the gyms and recreation centers,” says Jessica Livers, LifeWorks’ membership supervisor. “A lot of places sign you up and then kind of leave you on your own. There are so many different machines and there’s so much equipment that it can be overwhelming to people. And then if you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing, it can be discouraging. So, we provide our members with the assistance they need with helping create an exercise routine and how to properly use all the equipment.”
Member Engagement
Extending from proactive assistance, the LifeWorks staff reaches out to find out what members want and expect, Karen emphasizes.
“Feedback is critical,” she insists. “We constantly engage our members for feedback, whether it’s through comment cards or email surveys done by an unbiased national firm. I think our members appreciate the fact that we listen and we care.”
Mature Atmosphere
“We are an adult only facility,” Karen says. “That lets our members concentrate on what they come here to do without distraction.
Hospital Owned
“Being owned and operated by Southwest General, I think we are held to a higher standard of cleanliness than most other places,” Jessica says. More bluntly, says Karen, “We don’t smell like a gym. LifeWorks is a very pleasant place to be.”
A membership at LifeWorks can be as low as $49 per month, and senior and corporate discounts are available. Your membership includes complimentary fitness coaching for the length of your membership with degreed exercise specialists, over 100 free exercise classes weekly, program reviews and reassessments and various free health seminars and incentive programs. You don’t pay extra for any of these services.
To get started, you can call the membership department at 440-816-4214 to schedule an appointment for a facility tour that will help you decide whether LifeWorks is right for you. LifeWorks of Southwest General is located at 7390 Old Oak Blvd., in Middleburg Heights. The website includes a complete class schedule and can be found at LifeWorksFitness.net