LifeWorks of Southwest General is helping members live their best life
By Ken McEntee
"Today, more than ever, it’s important to take care of ourselves,” insists Karen Raisch-Siegel, executive director of LifeWorks of Southwest General.
“Because of our outstanding programs, amenities and expert instructors, we are able to help our members do just that. We realize that for many people, coming to work out or exercise is not at the top of their to-do list. The hardest part about working out can be showing up. That’s why we make sure to provide the best classes, programs, instruction and support to keep our members engaged and coming back.”
And the best facilities, too, Karen adds.
“Our members appreciate our deluxe locker room amenities, like full towel service, a dry sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and digital lockers,” she says. “Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers and lotion are also provided for their convenience. And you should see our newly renovated showers. They are gorgeous.”
The knowledgeable and caring LifeWorks staff, she says, may be the facility’s most important amenity. Karen and her team believe everyone has the potential to live their best life—and they are there to help.
“As a hospital owned facility, you can trust us and know that healthy living is what we are about,” she says. “Our team strives to help every member leave feeling better than when he or she arrived.”
The variety of group exercise classes, led by experienced and professional instructors, provides a well-rounded workout. All instructors are certified and most have at least 20 years of experience. All classes are included with your membership.
“We can tone your muscles, strengthen your heart, help you lose weight and increase your flexibility,” says Stacey Hancock, Ph.D., LifeWorks’ group exercise coordinator. “We’re flexible and are attentive to what our members want. Exercise can sometimes be boring, so we do our best to add new class formats to our schedule throughout the year. The classes help people to stay motivated and keep coming back each week because they are having fun. The freedom our members have to come to any class any time also is a big help. If a member wants to try yoga that day, they can just go to the class.”
In addition to the classes, LifeWorks features three full lines of strength training equipment, two floors of cardio equipment, an indoor/outdoor track, two exercise studios, racquetball courts and a gymnasium. The spectacular aquatic facility features a six-lane exercise/lap pool and one of the few warm-water therapy pools in the area.
“The warm-water pool is 91 to 93 degrees and is wonderful for members with arthritis, orthopedic injuries and joint issues,” Karen explains. “Because the warm water is so beneficial, we provide warm-water classes five days a week.”
If the plentiful calendar of class offerings and array of equipment at LifeWorks seems intimidating, there’s no need to worry. The LifeWorks team is ready to guide you on your journey toward living a healthier lifestyle, Karen promises.
“Our fitness coaches will help acquaint you with the equipment and help you choose group exercise classes that are most suitable and beneficial for you,” Karen says.
A membership at LifeWorks can cost about $49 per month. Your membership includes complimentary fitness coaching for the length of your membership with degreed exercise specialists, over 100 exercise classes weekly, program reviews and reassessments and various free health seminars and incentive programs. You don’t pay extra for any of these services.
To get started, you can call the membership department at 440-816-4214 to schedule an appointment for a facility tour that will help you decide whether LifeWorks is right for you. LifeWorks of Southwest General is located at 7390 Old Oak Blvd., in Middleburg Heights. The website includes a complete class schedule and can be found at LifeWorksFitness.net.