Sheila Rohal talks about her success losing weight and healing her back pain with the personal trainers at Fitness Together Brecksville

Fitness Together Brecksville personal training client Sheila Rohal (Broadview Heights resident) talks about her success.  

As seen in Mimi Vanderhaven


A  litany of back conditions was exacerbated when Sheila Rohal, a resident of Broadview Heights, took a mid-winter tumble on her snowy driveway in 2010. The medical diagnosis was scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, herniated discs, and anterolisthesis. In layman’s terms, her spine was twisted, bulging, deteriorating, and out of alignment, all of which caused her extreme pain.

“The first thing the doctors offered was to prescribe pain medication,” she recalls. “then they wanted to jump into surgery, neither of which I wanted to do.”

Another doctor recommended that intense physical therapy might slow the progression of the deterioration, so she began working with a therapist in Brecksville. “To continue improving my core strength, I started training at Fitness Together in Brecksville with Justin Traft,” she says. “He was patient and super motivating in planning my program. All the movements were based on what I could and could not do. I’ve been training with him since 2010 and wouldn’t miss a session. The exercises he takes me through have slowed the spinal deterioration thanks to building a strong and supportive core. And, I don’t take so much as an Advil.”

Another nice benefit of her training at FT is that, gradually, over the past few years, Sheila has shed 30 pounds from her petite frame. “Without necessarily dieting, I’ve been able to get back into my skinny jeans and am in the best shape of my life,” she says. “The trainers work around my busy schedule to make sure I can get in three times a week, which is nice.”

Fitness Together owner and personal trainer Sean Sullivan says that Sheila’s across-the-board improvement in 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 big difference muscle-group-specific, one-on-one training makes in their lives, they enjoy sticking with us.”

In addition to Sean and Justin, the other nationally certified trainers at the studio are Jessie Regula, Steven Madden, Lisa Clark, Adam Teplitz, Joshua Teplitz, Kelly Bailey, and Monika Cotter. 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 personable 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.”

Always Adding Amenities 
Sean reports the studio recently underwent a mini-renovation, adding a shower so clients can leave the studio and go back to work (or play) following their workouts. “We also laid a new rubberized flooring that’s better suited to what we do here,” he mentions. “Whenever a client makes a suggestion, we listen and try to act on it. Our client-centered philosophy has us constantly looking for ways to make their workout experience better.”

He also says that once someone starts training at Fitness Together, usually that person’s spouse and/or children start training, too. “Great results are a big motivator,” he says. “Once people start seeing their fitness levels turn around, that makes them role models to others in their families.” Sean notes that they also train children, as well as area high school and college athletes to help them perform at their peak.

Fitness Together is located at 8521 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 Sunday. For more information, call 440-5504862, or visit the website at FitnessTogether. com/Brecksville.

Conquering Crohn's Disease with Fitness! Fitness Together Brecksville client Mike Berlin talks about his success

Mike Berlin, Brecksville Resident

Article as seen in Mimi Vanderhaven
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 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.

PGA Golf Pro Loses 65 pounds at Fitness Together | Kevin Sullivan PGA Golf Pro |

Training for golf

Article as seen in Mimi Vanderhaven

Published: 02/25/2015
by Patricia Nugent

Results are the true way to measure the success of a fitness program. But along with helping clients to accomplish their personal goals, Sean Sullivan, owner of Fitness Together, in Brecksville, believes his fitness center stands out from other facilities in another way.

“It’s our down-to-earth customer service,” Sean insists. “We greet our clients with a smile. As they walk in we hand them a towel and a bottle of water. We treat our clients like family.”

Glancing over at his cousin, Kevin, Sean pauses, then adds with a laugh, “Well, sometimes they are family.”

PGA Golf Pro Kevin Sullvan before losing 60 lbs at Fitness Together Brecksville

Kevin, a PGA golf pro and part owner of GolfTEC Brecksville, has lost almost 60 pounds since joining Fitness Together about a year ago. Kevin says his relationship with Sean wasn’t the only reason he decided to join the facility.

“I had a lot of mutual clients come in and talk up Fitness Together,” Kevin says. “They are all pleased with their results and they love their personal trainers. They liked that Fitness Together tailors their workouts to their personal goals. It isn’t one size fits all.”

When the effects of age started to show in his golf game, Kevin decided it was time for some conditioning.

“I wasn’t having any health issues or anything, but I started to notice that my scores on the back nine were never as good as the front nine,” he recalls. “I realized the problem could be weight and fatigue. When your feet are aching at the end of a round, it’s time to do something about it. I decided to lose some weight and build some strength to see whether it would help, and it did. Before I was noticeably dragging halfway through a round. Now I feel like I can run five miles after I play 18 holes—and I am seeing better scores.”

Having just turned 45 years old, Kevin realized he was sometimes competing with guys half his age.

“Nobody wants to see people hit the ball 50 yards past them,” he laughs. “It was time to start taking fitness more seriously.”

Part of Kevin’s personalized workout plan focuses on building strength in his shoulders and hips, which are vital for driving the ball.

PGA Golf Pro Kevin Sullivan After losing 60 pounds at Fitness Together Brecksville

“I was never big on weight training, even when I was younger,” Kevin says. “They tell you in golf to stay away from weights because tightening up can hurt your game. That myth has been proven wrong. I actually look forward to weight training now.”

That myth, Sean says, illustrates why it is so important to work with accredited personal trainers who understand exercise and how it works.

“It’s true that weights can make your muscles tight,” he acknowledges. “That’s why you need to do it properly. Our program is based on functional training. We don’t do anything that puts your body into a fixated position. It is all about movements that you use in everyday life. For golfers, we do weight exercises that incorporate twisting and swinging that help, rather than hinder, their games.”

Fitness Together has nine nationally accredited personal trainers and a licensed dietician on staff. Working with personal trainers, Kevin says, provides motivation to push forward. That, he says, is another advantage of working out at Fitness Together.

“It’s easy to skip out on a group class,” he says. “But when you make an appointment with a personal trainer you are less likely to blow it off.”

Another myth busted at Fitness Together is that personal trainers are a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.

“A personal trainer is not only for celebrities and professional athletes,” Sean says. “Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve flexibility or muscle tone, or just work toward a healthier lifestyle, our job is to help you develop a customized workout plan and pair you up with a personal trainer who gives you the one-on-one attention that you don’t get in traditional workout facilities. What we want to do is empower people to make healthy lifestyle changes.”

After managing Fitness Together since it opened more than seven years ago, Sean purchased the business in October 2013, realizing his dream of owning his own fitness studio. A certified trainer through the National Personal Training Institute, Sean has extensive experience training a wide range of clients, including Miss Ohio 2006, figure champions of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, the Cleveland Cavs Dance Team, and recovering cancer patients from The Gathering Place.

He also was once one of the world’s top Irish step dancers.

Personal Trainer Sean Sullivan getting golf instructions from GolfTEC coach  Kevin Sullivan

“I have been involved in a lot of athletics, but I had never swung a golf club in my life until about a year ago,” he admits. “Now that I am a business owner I am asked to participate in golf outings and charity events. I had been shy to do it because I couldn’t play. I had clients who raved about GolfTEC. The thing they always talked about was the amazing technology. They record your swings and put them online so you can watch and break down your hand and body position and compare them to where they should be, so you always know what the next thing is you have to work on.”

Armed with newly honed golfing skills, Sean, the treasurer of the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce, says he is now able to get more involved in local events.

“Brecksville is a wonderful community to get involved in,” he says.

Fitness Together is located at 8251 Chippewa Road, in Brecksville. You can call them at 440-550-4862 and find more information by visiting FitnessTogether.com/brecksville or their Facebook page. GolfTec is also in Brecksville at 8803 Brecksville Road, #209. The phone number is 440-792-6700. Visit the GolfTec.com for more information. Shop hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and by appointment.

Nutrition Together | Brecksville resident lost 85 pounds at Fitness Together

Fitness Together Brecksville helps with healthy eating, too!

Published: 01/28/2016

by Patricia Nugent

 As seen in Mimi Vanderhaven Newspaper

71 year old Brecksville resident Bob Fritz lost 85 pounds at Fitness Together

Seventy-one-year-old Bob Fritz of Brecksville has much to be thankful for. After suffering a heart attack 25 years ago, he signed his own new lease on life at Fitness Together in Brecksville.

“Following the heart attack, I tried to be more active, but never really made it part of my lifestyle,” says Bob. “Then I developed debilitating sciatica, which threw up a roadblock to training. I knew I needed professional help, so I turned to the disciplined trainers at Fitness Together. They helped me make major improvements in overall strength, conditioning, energy level and flexibility.”

Last year Bob’s trainer, Steven Madden, recommended for best results, as a complement to his training program, that he address the other side of his health and join the Nutrition Together program. (Steven has an eclectic background, coming into the personal training field as a formally trained stunt man, krav maga martial artist and theatrical fight choreographer. So he’s always open to trying different disciplines.)

The science-based Nutrition Together plan isn’t a diet or supplements. The goal is to basically change the way people eat through educational sessions that range from how to eat light to grocery shopping, dining out and establishing healthy eating behaviors.

In January 2015, Bob began working with Kerry Fairchild, the nutritionist on staff. She recalls that when she first met with Bob, he was a true “binge eater,” indulging in a lot of fried foods, junk food and sweets, but with an amazing level of dedication was able to lose 85 pounds over the year at the safe rate of loss of two pounds each week—and has kept it off for more than six months to date. Today, he is pain-free and happy to be off his pre-diabetes and high blood pressure medicines.

Putting it on Paper Reaps Rewards 

“Eighty-six percent of successful dieters, who have kept the weight off for a long period of time, record their daily food intake in a log,” says Kerry. “By having clients use our Weekly Accountability Journal, I train them not only to log their diet, but also their exercise as well as rate how hungry they are feeling at certain times.”

Through six initial 45-minute consultations, Kerry coached Bob on how to use the daily log and how to retrain his eating. Following that they did weekly weigh-ins, which still continue.

“Thanks to the successful combination of Nutrition Together and Fitness Together, I’m in the best shape I’ve been since my 20s,” says Bob. “Through the weight loss process, I was never hungry and never felt deprived. I actually enjoy eating now more than ever.”

Says Kerry, “Ultimately, I want to help clients answer the question, ‘Are you getting everything you can out of your body?’”

Fitness Together owner and trainer Sean Sullivan says that Bob’s across-the-board improvement is pretty much the norm at his fitness studio.

“It’s all about accountability and results,” he says. “Once people see the big difference muscle-group-specific, one-on-one training makes in their lives, they enjoy sticking with us.”

Personal Trainer Steven Madden working with client Bob Fritz of Brecksville

In addition to Steven and Sean, the other nationally certified trainers at the studio include Jessie Regula, Lisa Clark, Adam Teplitz, Amanda Ricci, Kelly Bailey, Justin Traft, Maria Kolodziej and Michael Roberto.

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 toward both individual and small group “PACK” sessions.

A Family Affair 

Sean also says that once someone starts training at Fitness Together, usually his or her spouse and/or children start training, too.

“Great results are a big motivator,” he says. “Once people start seeing their fitness levels turn around, that makes them role models to others in their families.” 

As testimony, Bob reports that after his body and health transformation, his wife, Linnet, also began sessions.

Fitness Together is located at 8521 Chippewa Road in the back of the Heinen’s Plaza in Brecksville. Hours are Monday–Friday, 5:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. For more information, call 440-550-4862, or visit FitnessTogether.com/Brecksville.

© 2016 Fitness Together, Inc. All Rights Reserved. .

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Cleveland Indians Fantasy Pitcher Success Story!

Josh Nathanson throwing a pitch at Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp 2016

Success Story: Cleveland Indians Fantasy Pitcher avoids shoulder surgery by strengthening his Rotator Cuff working with Fitness Together Personal Trainer and studio owner Sean Sullivan! 

  

Josh Nathanson avoided shoulder surgery by strength training

"I worked out with personal trainer Sean Sullivan from Fitness Together for over 7 years.  My strength and endurance increased dramatically under his watch.  In addition, with his help, I avoided shoulder surgery which was recommended by my doctor at the Cleveland Clinic.  I have continued my baseball career and have been throwing as hard as I ever have as evidenced by my performance at this year’s Cleveland Indians fantasy camp.  Thanks again Sean!"

-Joshua Nathanson

February, 2016

Fitness Together Brecksville personal trainer and studio owner Sean Sullivan looks back fondly on his time working with Josh. "Josh was a great client to work with. He always gave it his all, and that's why he continued to get the results." Sullivan states. "He loved making progress and seeing his strength and conditioning improvements...his enthusiasm made it worth the while to get up early to train on all of those mornings."

Then the pain started. Josh was diagnosed with a shoulder injury from over-use and the repetitive motion of pitching in baseball. His doctor said that he was facing immenent surgery.  

"That was sad news. It wasn't too long after we started exercising together that we were faced with this major set-back, and I was worried we were going to lose all of the progress that Josh had made." Sullivan continued "I often say that if there's one flaw in the human body, it's the glenohumoral (shoulder) joint! The way that the top knob of the humorous bone fits into the cup doesn't really work...it's too big! That's why for a lot of people it slips out so easily. A lot of people don't realize that when we talk about the rotator cuff, there are actually four different muscles that it consists of--and each one has a different job attempting to hold that bone in place. Once we determined which muscle was effected for Josh, I knew exactly how to properly modify each exercise and stretch to make it the most effective for his progress." 

Josh was determined to continue pitching. 

"He didn't let it get him down," Sullivan recalls, "There were some times when his shoulder pain was worse than others, and I had wondered if we were going to have to shut it down...but we would just change the pace from strength training to stretching, and post therapy work." 

"I knew how much he loved playing baseball; and how much it meant to him to be able to go and participate in the Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp every year. There was a period of time when we kept him out of playing. I encouraged Josh and told him that his body would heal---and reminded him that I would much rather have a setback from an active lifestyle as opposed to diseases from a sedentary one."

And then the shoulder started healing. In fact, it seemed better than ever...

FT Owner, Sean Sullivan

"We slowly started letting Josh get back into pitching, a couple of innings at a time. After every game, we would evaluate the pain levels. He seemed to be doing fine. Next thing you know, Josh was back to pitching double-headers without pain! I was so happy for him to see all of his hard work and dedication pay off. He definitely deserves it!" 

To schedule a free consultation with a personal trainer at Fitness Together, click here.

© 2016 Fitness Together, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Fusionbox.

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