The fitness specialists at LifeWorks of Southwest General can help you pinpoint the best way to get fit—for life

By Ken McEntee

Most of us want to feel good and healthy. But how do we get that way?

The trouble for many people is cutting through the ongoing bombardment of fitness philosophies and fads to determine what exercise program is right for them.

That’s where the fitness specialists at LifeWorks of Southwest General come in, suggests Karen Raisch-Siegel, executive director of the health and fitness center.

“It’s almost like having a personal trainer, and it’s all included in a LifeWorks membership,” Karen promises. “Especially when you’re just getting started with exercise, figuring out where to start and what to do can be overwhelming. Our fitness specialists support members by working on individual exercise plans and tracking their progress. All of our specialists are certified and have four-year degrees.”

New LifeWorks members are encouraged to begin their journey to wellness by taking advantage of their complimentary coaching sessions with a fitness specialist. This will help them to set goals and develop an exercise plan tailored to what the member wants to accomplish, Karen explains.

“From the best exercise equipment, to our swimming pools, to a wide variety of group classes, we offer everything you need to improve and maintain a healthy life, whether your focus is cardio exercise, flexibility or strength training,” she says.

The most important thing, Karen emphasizes, is that you start by “doing something.”

“The best exercise is the exercise you’re willing to do,” she says.

That’s why LifeWorks’ group classes are designed to be fun and energizing.

“Our classes may be challenging, but everybody is able to work at their own pace,” Karen promises. “Nobody is expected to do anything that exceeds their limitations, and nobody is judging you.”

But they may encourage you.

“One of the nice things about exercising with a group is the motivation and encouragement that you don’t get at home with virtual classes,” she says. “A lot of friendships develop in our group classes.”

LifeWorks offers a variety of group classes that include Zumba, spinning, yoga and muscle conditioning, and water classes like Aqua Zumba, Aqua Tabata, Warm Water Arthritis and other traditional type water workouts.

“‘Use it or lose it’ may be an old cliche, but it’s true,” Karen says. “As we age, it’s important to keep our muscles working and our bodies moving. It’s all about how you want to feel in 10 years.”

A healthy body, she adds, is usually better equipped to fight off illness.

“Exercise helps to improve our immune systems to help fight off infection,” she says. “It allows your cells to perform effectively. It increases blood flow, reduces stress and inflammation and can strengthen antibodies. It improves our respiratory system and our cardiovascular system, so it reduces the risk for many types of chronic diseases, like type two diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.”

In recognition of its 22nd anniversary of helping to keep its members fit and healthy, LifeWorks is offering a discounted $22 enrollment fee until the end of April.

“That includes six complimentary sessions of personal training, and, of course ongoing fitness coaching,” Karen offers. “With that personal training, a trainer will work with new members on an assessment and an exercise plan, then have some great workouts. It’s taking what we already do, but amping it up a little bit.”

LifeWorks of Southwest General is located at 7390 Old Oak Blvd., in Middleburg Heights. You can learn more about LifeWorks by visiting LifeWorksFitness.net, or by calling 440-816-4214.