Strength before surgery

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

Knowing the best strength moves and protocol before and after joint replacement surgeries of the hip, knee and shoulder can be a game-changer when preparing for the procedure and thriving in post-surgical rehab.

We’ve helped many clients stay in shape throughout the journey.

We are trained to customize a program to each client and prescribe the right moves, tapping into free weights and bands, that mimic the muscles you’ll need to support the new joint. It’s done in a safe way. Well before a client heads to the hospital, we gather all the necessary information from the doctor or physical therapist so we understand the extent of the procedure.

Overall, one of the best ways to prepare your body for undergoing surgery is to build endurance.

Building lean muscle through functional training is important, too, as it will aid in maneuverability once you come home from the hospital.

Flexibility and balance are also keys to successful rehab after surgery. We put emphasis on strengthening the core muscles, as they are integral to good balance. People might be on a walker or a cane for weeks.

Training has been shown to decrease the aches, pains and stiffness of arthritis, which often leads to a joint replacement. I’m proud to be part of the team that might help someone delay surgery as long as possible, or even avoid it altogether.

People often feel like they get a new lease on life after a joint replacement, and we’re here to help them make the most of it.

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. For more information, call 440-630-9497, or visit the website at HigherHeightsFitness.com.