Quick, effective, and wildly popular, the MaxStrength Fitness model continues to grow across Northeast Ohio

By Patricia Nugent

When a doctor tells you to make exercise a priority to enjoy a longer, fuller life, you take note. But when it’s your own son…you really listen.

Meet Theresa Parente. Her son John, who is an emergency room physician, gave her the gift of free sessions at MaxStrength Fitness 11 years ago, letting her know the importance of investing in your health.

“I’ve been going ever since,” says the active 69-year-old grandmother of five. “I drive from North Royalton to the Westlake location twice a week and it’s worth it.”

In 2002, Theresa was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes her body to attack its own joints. The disease had progressed to the point where she couldn’t pick up a hanger without dropping it. But she refuses to let it slow her down.

“I’ve made the commitment to enjoy these years as actively as possible,” she says. “I keep my muscles strong to protect the joints and bones and give me enough energy to run around after my precious 4-year-old grandson Vinny.”

The trainers at MaxStrength planned a program around Theresa’s goals and capabilities and modify it when needed.

“Since the training is one-on-one, they are always monitoring to make sure my form is perfect,” she says. “I let them know if I’m having a bad day. They push me when needed and I have progressively become stronger over the years. I have no plans of stopping. I keep telling myself that a moving river doesn’t freeze. It’s nice at my age to be on a path of improvement.”

The Secret Sauce
What’s the secret sauce that has made MSF so refreshingly novel in the local strength training landscape over the past 16 years?

Founder Jeff Tomaszewski says it’s about results, of course, but it also goes deeper than that.

“I think people enjoy the experience here (like Theresa, most clients stay with us for years), because of how easily our science-based protocol fits in with their busy lives,” he says. “We help them reach their goals in two weekly 20-minute sessions on low-friction equipment. Another game-changer is we keep studio temps pleasantly chilly, so clients enjoy sweat-free workouts. They can come in on their lunch hour or mornings and then go directly to work or wherever without needing a shower.”

With an extensive background in training and exercise science, Jeff founded MaxStrength with an ethos of helping people age better, avoiding the cascade of negative health effects that happens when they lose muscle over the years.

“Our clients become stronger, gaining muscle mass, flexibility and energy,” he says. “The change is profound.”

His clientele is on the grow. This month they opened another corporate-owned facility in Strongsville, as well as two more franchise locations to be opened in Niceville and Destin, Florida in the upcoming months.

Get Your Balance Right
Discover easy hacks for eating a balanced diet and building a healthy lifestyle that supports your goals with MaxStrength’s October e-book: “Plate Perfect: Your Quick & Easy Guide to Balanced Eating.” Request your free copy at MaxStrengthFitness.com/BalancedEating.

MaxStrength Fitness is located at 4212 State Route 306 in Willoughby. Call 440-226-8080 and at 2211 Crocker Road in Westlake, 440-835-9090 or for more information or to view more testimonials, visit MaxStrengthFitness.com.