The Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center kicks the traditional gym experience to the curb

190102 U08436 119
In the Beginner Spin classes, you’ll learn the proper way to cycle and burn calories and build muscle tone. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Laura Briedis

Every year in January, when it is time to hit the reset button and resolve to live healthier and exercise more, the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center sees a bump in membership. And though national statistics show that come February most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions, members at this Avon fitness center tend to stay the course.

If you ask the 4,000 members why they are resolute when it comes to their health and wellness, you might get hundreds of different answers—since there are so many ways to stay fit here.

“We keep our members engaged,” says Brad Calabrese, general manager. “Whether working out with free weights, running on a treadmill or our indoor track, swimming laps in the pool, playing racquetball and pickleball, or participating in the more than 125 weekly classes, we make exercise varied and fun.”

While the fitness floor is the cornerstone of the 60,000-square-foot facility, it also boasts a six-lane indoor pool, a warm-water therapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, an indoor and outdoor running/walking track, a multi-sport gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a childcare center and a day spa.


“There are many new gyms opening in town, but our membership still offers the best value,” says Brad, noting the fitness center will celebrate its 20th anniversary in March. “We host more than a hundred weekly group classes, with something for everyone, including Barre, Pilates, Les Mills BodyPump, yoga, spinning and water aerobics.”

“We pay attention to every detail, including our locker room amenities,” he adds. “We provide everything you need from locker keys to towels, shampoos, lotions and razors. Plus, we have a hot tub, sauna and steam room for both men and women to enjoy before or after a workout.”

Benefit From a Medical Focus
The Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center is much more than just a gym. What sets it apart from other fitness centers in town is that it is a medically based facility.

“We strive to be the fitness, wellness and health arm for the community,” comments Brad. “We also work with University Hospitals’ neurological institute and cancer center to create specialized programs to help people going through illnesses.”

Throughout the year, University Hospitals holds wellness seminars and complimentary screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose and osteoarthritis conditions. And the degreed and certified fitness specialists are always available on the fitness floor to take blood pressure readings while you are exercising.

“We offer all members an InBody body composition test to analyze lean mass in their body,” says Brad. “Using this detailed analysis, we personalize each exercise regimen depending on the person’s goal, whether that is to lose weight, feel more energetic or get through a fitness plateau.”

For those looking to lose weight, the Better Body Challenge takes a team approach to give you that extra motivation. During this 12-week program, small groups work out twice a week with their teams and personal trainers, meet with a registered dietician, and compete in challenges throughout the program.


Soak Up Water Workouts
Surrounded by windows that let the sunlight stream in, the 75-foot, six-lane indoor pool hosts a bevy of aquatic group fitness classes. An adjacent warm-water pool is used for workouts to help those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia or other medical conditions.

A sampling of the fitness classes that take place in the pool include Yoga in the Water, which uses gentle poses underwater designed to increase flexibility, and Barbell Workout, using weights in the water for an upper body workout that increases muscle tone.

“In addition to our weekly aquatic classes, there always are two lanes open for swimming laps,” says Brad.

Spa Your Way to Wellness
As part of its focus on overall wellness, there is a spa tucked inside the front lobby of the fitness center. Open to the public, not just fitness center members, Exhale Spa offers massages, facials, makeup, waxing, manicures and pedicures. The staff also is well versed in reiki, reflexology and ionic foot detox.

“Our massage therapists offer some unique treatments, such as ashiatsu,” says Brad. “The therapist uses a barefoot massage technique to deliver deep, broad pressure using their feet and body weight.

“We also offer new skin care treatments that will have you feeling and looking your best.”

The Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center is located at 1997 Healthway Drive in Avon. Come tour our facility and learn about membership opportunities. Call 440-988-6801, or visit UHhospitals.org/Fitness for details.