Your better body, with help from the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center
By Laura Briedis
“I can and I will” is the mantra Joyce Shellenberger lives by. With her personal trainer Linda Lavalle by her side rep by rep, she works out 5-6 days per week at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center and has never felt better.
A pharmacist who is on her feet all day, Joyce has fallen arches and ankle issues that held her back from exercising. However, after a personal trainer devised a workout regimen starting with low-impact exercises, including aquatic workouts in the warm-water therapy pool, she not only lost 96 pounds last year but has also increased her strength and overall fitness.
“Being in the healthcare profession, I want to practice what I preach,” says Joyce, proudly noting that when she started working out, she barely could do a single push-up, and this week she did 41 push-ups in one minute. “Now I want to help inspire others.”
Joyce’s success story is just one of many at the Fitness Center, where more than a dozen certified personal trainers have created innovative programs to keep members motivated and on track to reach their fitness goals.
“Each personal trainer has his or her own niche, from sports-specific conditioning to specializing in pre- or post-surgery rehab to focusing on weight loss,” says Renee Barrett, program manager.
“They find out what motivates individuals and provide them with a safe and effective workout program—whether via one-on-one personal training sessions or small-group personal training.”
Better Body Challenge
For those who like team competitions, the small-group personal training program not only helps people lose weight and get fit, it also makes healthy living a lifestyle.
Participants work out twice a week together with personal trainers and do fun fitness challenges. The person who loses the most percentage of body weight and body composition at the conclusion of the program wins $500, with additional prizes awarded to second- and third-place winners.
“Everyone who participates is a winner because it helps them step out of their comfort zone, lose weight to improve their health status and increase energy,” says Renee.
The Fitness Center is currently enrolling individuals in the next Better Body Challenge, scheduled for April.
Running Program
For those who may aspire to run in their first 5K race, or marathon runners who want to improve their personal best times, the UH Avon Running Program will put you on the right track.
Led by personal trainer Jordan Smith, who is a certified long-distance running coach, this 12-week customized running plan is based on each individual’s running goals. Weekly interactions with running specialists combined with group runs once a week provide the instruction and motivation needed.
H.O.P.E. Wellness Program
The Fitness Center launched a new exercise program for cancer patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment, or who have been in remission for up to six months.
Led by specially trained fitness professionals, this eight-week program is designed to help reduce fatigue and pain, increase energy, improve stamina and provide social support. Individuals work out in small groups two days a week and have 10 additional passes to use the Fitness Center amenities and attend group classes.
Due to the generosity of the Hampson Mole Foundation, this program is offered to the community for just $50 per person.
The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. Call 440-988-6801 or visit UHhospitals.org/Fitness for more information.