RxFit: A new fitness opportunity that provides a little "extra"

   “In life the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” RxFit is an exercise environment that provides that “little extra.” This new fitness program offered in Strongsville at Prescription Fitness is a high intensity functional movement exercise class that is varied on a daily basis. It aims to improve all aspects of general fitness while uniting the group of individuals within the program. In contrast to personal training, in RxFit, exercises are completed in a competitive setting and the atmosphere feeds the competitive nature of the human being, which yields a higher output for exercise.  Prescription Fitness, which has been in the area for over eight years, has long been known for bringing a personal aspect to the world of fitness and wellness through personal training, speed and agility training, and sport specific training. The same philosophy has been applied to the RxFit program. Prescription Fitness owner, Joe Butler, said, “Our Strongsville location [on Progress Drive] is perfect for RxFit because of its physical layout and Spartan atmosphere.” Butler has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years and owns three Prescription Fitness locations. “Everything about the workout area screams ‘No excuses, you can do this!’” Butler said.

     Although the program is new to Strongsville, Program Director and coach, Aaron Clark, is not new to the fitness industry. Clark is a 2011 graduate from Bowling Green State University, with a B.S. in Exercise Science and he has since obtained a Crossfit Level 1 certification. “I started the RxFit program because I wanted to have an impact on an individual’s health and well-being while uniting a group for a common goal. I have a passion for training groups of people with common goals and I personally believe focusing on functional movements to achieve those goals,” Clark said. Jennifer Lisco, 28, was immediately excited about the program when she met Clark and heard about what he had to offer. “When I first met Aaron when I came to check out the gym he was extremely friendly, gave off positive energy and was very genuine. It is apparent that Aaron is passionate about what he does and wants to help others with their nutrition and fitness. He truly believes in his methods and wants to develop a program specifically to help you get to where you want to be.”

     Clark boasts that the program is different from typical group exercise classes because of the “little extra” it provides. The program prides itself on combining nutritional and personal goals into the focus of the class. Clark maintains contact with members throughout the week, even when they’re not in the gym, to communicate about client progress and setbacks. “What I like best about the program is the support. The support I get from Aaron and the others I work out with is phenomenal. Surrounding myself with people who care about their nutrition and have fitness goals really motivates me to keep up with mine,” Lisco said. Another client, Eric Schade, 25, agreed, “I am always excited to attend class because Aaron and the other people make it a lot of fun. I like that there's the competition aspect with other people and most are timed. It's a good change of pace from regular "bodybuilding" style workouts.” The movements in the workouts are constantly varied and composed of functional movements that can be applied to everyday life. “Constantly varied means you never know what you are going to get, and the body responds well to varied movements,” Clark said. “There’s a higher response to varied movements rather than continuously doing the same movements over and over again. Its organized chaos.” These varied movements combine a wide range of body weight movements, flexibility training, cardio, and lifting weights.   

     Currently, RxFit classes are held at six pm Monday through Friday and ten am on Saturdays. “As the program expands, we plan to add morning classes as well to increase options for our clients to make it to the gym,” Clark said. Clark defines ideal RxFit members as individuals 18-35 committed to challenging themselves and interested in exploring mental and physical realms they never before thought possible. Matt Skalak, 28, is one client who thrives on the competitive atmosphere. “I like competing and encouraging the others; it motivates me to keep pushing harder,” Skalak said.

 “Skill level is not an issue because movements and workouts are modifiable to each individual’s abilities, despite the collective group setting,” Clark said. “I program the workouts around the individuals committed; I would never allow someone to complete a workout that is outside of their skill level.”  Victoria Wawzyniak, a student at the University of Dayton who has been involved in RxFit, said, “Aaron is willing to take the extra time to make sure we are comfortable with what we are doing. I absolutely love coming to workout. The environment that Aaron creates makes it not only a good place to lift, but also a place to have fun doing it.” Clark’s enthusiasm for the program was clear when he said that clients are excited about the changes they see and the improvements they’ve made. He hopes to reach out to the community and share his passion and knowledge with people interested in challenging themselves.