Business & Tech

Body Creations is a Fitness Center for the Ages

Business provides personal training for youths to senior citizens.

personal training isn't for those who join gyms to socialize or show off.

Tucked away in the basement of an office building at 5875 Landerbrook Dr. in Mayfield Heights, the facility is far away from retail hubs where many competitors are located.

Owner and certified trainer Brian Kraus said being away from the crowd suits his clientele.

"Here, we're mostly appointment-only and have three or four people in here at a time," he said. "They don't spend three hours talking to people. They come in, do their workout and they go."

Being in an office park, you might expect that they'd attract area workers looking to fit a workout into a hectic day. But that's not the case.

"Most of our clients aren't from the buildings," Kraus said. "We get people from all over."

Many are in their 50s and 60s and are businesses owners and doctors who want to stay in shape. They come in a couple times a week to work with Kraus or one of the other trainers and occasionally stop in for a solo session on the strength-training machines, treadmills, ellipticals and other equipment.

Kraus said costs vary, but it can run $30 to $35 for a half-hour session with a trainer. Clients also get free access to the gym to work out on their own.

"We don't sell memberships per se," he said.

The facility has Nautilus equipment, including the Nitro line of plate-loaded machines that combine strength, flexibility and balance conditioning.

Kraus, who is certified as a trainer by the International Sports Sciences Association and also specializes in fitness for older adults, said he and his staff can tailor a workout regimen to fit a client's particular needs.

"We provide everything somebody needs," he said. "We can work with them on their diet and answer questions about everything."

He said some clients have health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure and are looking to take better care of themselves. Others may golf and want to work on strengthening their core to improve their game.

Kraus said his love of sports is what got him started in the fitness business.

"Growing up, I played sports my whole life so we were always working out. It was part of my ritual growing up," said Kraus, who played baseball and football and also wrestled.

Although people can buy their own equipment and work out at home, Kraus said when it's there all the time it's easy to keep convincing yourself that you'll get to it later.

"They could do it at home. We have one woman who has everything she needs in her basement," he said. "But people don't use it at home. Here, they have an appointment. They have to show up."

There's also the benefit of working with a trainer who will show you the proper way to use the machine.

"When I work out at a rec center, I cringe when I see what people do. If you have bad form, you're not working the right muscle groups," Kraus said.



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