Here’s how Higher Heights Fitness is helping runners up their race game
By Patricia Nugent
According to RunRepeat, about 1.1 million runners finish a marathon each year, which translates to .01% of the global population. Preparing to put your body and mind to the ultimate test of 26.2 miles requires next-level physical and mental fortitude.
As a trainer known for walking the talk—well, he actually runs it—Kyle Hotz and his team at Higher Heights Fitness work with a lot of runners to up their race game, whether it’s someone just starting out to die-hard marathoners.
The team is thrilled to host a booth at the Cleveland Marathon Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland.
“We hope people stop by for our interactive booth experience, which will include free InBody 270 scans to provide unique metrics such as muscle versus fat ratio, skeletal body mass, and basal metabolic rate; free treatments with our Theragun to soothe aching muscles and increase range of motion; and also offer samples of Unrefined healthy meals and loaded goodie bags,” says Kyle, who will be running in the half-marathon race on Saturday. “Though I grew up playing soccer, taking on longer distance running has pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Meet Rick Krause
Unlike a lot of racers, Rick didn’t start running until his late 40s. Now in his early 60s, he’s competed in 21 half-marathons, more than 50 10ks and 5ks and runs about 20 miles a week.
He started training at Higher Heights when it opened, looking to stay active in the offseason. After he saw the impact strength training had on his running life, he signed up for year-round support.
“Cross training felt great,” says Rick. “I didn’t realize what it would mean to work with all the different muscle groups, especially core, as well as balance and flexibility.”
His future is filled with plans for races, and he says preventing injuries is another reason he trains at Higher Heights.
“The trainers here are passionate and the atmosphere has always been very motivating and fun,” he says. “I appreciate that every workout is tailored to my specific needs.”
Kyle notes they train a wide variety of runners, from younger athletes in their 20s, 30s and 40s, to a 70-something who still competes in triathlons.
“There’s a science to creating a program geared toward runners,” he adds. “We prioritize the strength you need in certain muscle groups like glutes, hips and quads, to get you up hills and lend endurance, as well as protect ankles, knees and backs. And overall core is important, too.”
The secret sauce Kyle started with in his boutique studio has evolved over the years. He’s introduced physical therapy, dry needling, small-group training, a nutrition program and Unrefined ready-made meals to help his clients meet their goals. Each workout is customized to the member, and they get a professional edge working with state-of-the-art equipment in private training suites.
Higher Heights Fitness is located at 8251 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. The Cleveland Marathon Health and Fitness Expo runs Friday, May 17, from noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. For more information, call 440-630-9497, or visit the website at HigherHeightsFitness.com or ClevelandMarathon.com.