Personal training can help you overcome health challenges

Article as seen in Mimi Vanderhaven Magazine

Published: 11/12/2014
by Patricia Nugent

For the more than 700,000 Americans suffering from Crohn’s disease, each day provides a set of challenges regarding chronic symptoms of abdominal cramping, irregularity, weight loss, and fatigue.

In Mike Berlin’s case, his symptoms had become progressively worse over a 20-year period, which ultimately lead to a nine-hour surgery in 2011 to remove half of his intestines and to fix other related issues. Mike had three abdominal surgeries spread out over a year-and-a-half, he spent over six weeks in the hospital, and he spent numerous months recovering at home in an adjustable bed.

“Needless to say, all of these surgeries had their affects on my abdominal, and overall, strength and conditioning,” The 45-year-old Brecksville resident says. “I wanted to get back into shape and a neighbor of mine had achieved success with the trainers at Fitness Together, so I gave it a shot.”

Mike started couple’s training with his wife, Fabi. The trainers’ workouts included core training for both of them. After a year, Mike reports he is in better shape than when he was in his 20s. “I am capable of doing things that I never thought possible, like the push-ups that I am doing for this photo shoot along with planks,” he says. “I have even managed to add all of the distance back to my golf game.”

“Today, I am living with Crohn’s without taking any medication, which is pretty unusual,” he says. “I credit the exercise regimen at Fitness Together, the taking of probiotics, and having a positive attitude. I look forward to my weekly workouts with Bronson and the rest of the team at Fitness Together.”

Sean Sullivan, owner of Fitness Together, says that Mike’s across-the-board improvement in endurance, muscle tone, and core strength is pretty much the norm at his fitness studio, and so is the length of time clients faithfully stay with their prescribed programs.

“It’s all about accountability and results,” he says. “Once people see the difference customized training makes in their lives, they enjoy sticking with us.”

In addition to Sean, the other nationally certified trainers at the studio are Lisa Clark, Taynee Pearson, Monika Cotter, Steven Madden, Bronson Rotaru, and Adam Teplitz. Each of the private training suites is outfitted with the latest equipment, from cardio machines to TRX suspension bands, medicine and stability balls, and weights geared to both individual and small-group “pack” sessions.

“We offer an elite level of training, but with down-to-earth customer service,” says Sean. “No matter who you train with, everybody knows your name here. And clients are greeted at the door each visit with a towel and water bottle.”

In addition to exercise, Fitness Together also provides the Nutrition Together counseling program to encourage people to eat smarter and avoid unhealthy behaviors.

Sean says his clientele is evenly split down the middle in terms of gender, with all ages of the spectrum represented. But he does confess to having a favorite client…his 56-year-old mom, who is in remarkable shape.

Bearing “Fitness”
Sean and his team are deeply enmeshed in the community and actively participate in several charities. They have just begun selling “Fitness” T-shirts (a play on the LeBron James’ “Witness” theme) to support the Let’s Play charity, and encourage underprivileged youth in Akron to get out and get fit. The black with white T-shirts are $10 and are available in the studio and online.“Keeping kids active is close to our hearts,” says Sean, noting that they also train children as well as area high school and college athletes.

Fitness Together is located at 8251 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. For more information, call 440-550-4862, or visit the website at www.FitnessTogether.com/Brecksville. 
Photos by Benjamin Margalit/Margalit Studio