LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: fitness

  • Living or visiting Loveland can be a Naturally Healthy 2025

    Living or visiting Loveland can be a Naturally Healthy 2025

    The Loveland Bike Trail in Loveland’s Historic District

    Photo © David Miller 2025

    by Julie Watson

    Just over half of us have made New Year’s resolutions. The most common ones revolve around physical and mental wellbeing.  Topics like exercise, fitness, and losing weight weigh heavy on our minds. Just as important are issues such as socializing, de-stressing, finding life’s balance, inner peace and others that fall under the mantle of mental health.

    Living in or visiting Loveland, Ohio can mean you are in the perfect place to help you live up to the promises you’ve made to yourself on January 1st.

    If you’ve made a personal health related resolution or goal for 2025, there is a simple and free way to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. I’m talking about nature.

    Research shows that spending even short amounts of time in nature can have positive effects on both mental and physical health. The American Psychological Association purports that spending time in nature can improve mood, and attention while at the same time lowering stress levels. They even claim reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and increased empathy and cooperation. Studies show that exposure to green spaces like parks and trails can increase cognitive development and promote self-control.

    Photo by David Miller © 2025

    Hiking, walking, kayaking, canoeing, and jogging are great ways to get some exercise while spending time outdoors. Don’t forget about taking in deep breaths of fresh air which promotes better sleep.

    So how much time do we need to spend in nature to start seeing benefits? One study found that two hours of nature exposure per week led to significant upticks in both mental and physical health. The best part is that the breakdown of those two hours didn’t matter. In other words, the benefits are the same whether the two hours were spent in one block of time or several shorter blocks of time.

    Rafting on the State and National Scenic Little Miami River in the heart of Downtown Loveland. Photo by David Miller © 2025

    Southwest Ohio residents have easy access to many free, fine parks and trails. Check out city, county, and state parks (https://ohiodnr.gov) as well as The Loveland Bike Trail (The Loveland Bike Trail Map Home – The Loveland Bike Trail Map). This trail is paved and offers users over 70 miles of safe exercise. It also connects the Ohio to Erie Trail which connects the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Lake Isabella is a Hamilton County park right on the outskirts of Loveland. Lake Isabella is a quiet 74-acre park on the bank of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.

    As you can see, opportunities to reach your health and fitness goals for 2025 are plentiful. So, get out into nature for a better you.

    Some tips for enjoying all the benefits that nature can offer this winter:

    • Be sure to check the weather forecast.

    • Dress appropriately. Light thin layers that can be removed as you warm up are best.

    • When temperatures dip, keep sensitive skin like fingers and ears covered.

    • Wear good shoes or boots to keep your feet supported and dry.

    • Beware of snow and ice. Slow down. Invest in walking cleats that slip on over shoes or boots (think Yaktrax).

    • If there is snow and the sun is out, wear polarized sunglasses to help you see while preventing snow blindness.

    • Drink plenty of liquids. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter so be sure to drink enough.

    • Prevent chapped lips and hands by using lip balm and lotions that contain sunblock.

    • When possible, go with a friend, not only for safety reasons, but also for accountability.

    • Be sure your cell phone is fully charged. Cold air causes batteries to drain more quickly.

  • [Video] Ribbon cutting at Body Alive Loveland Lagree Grand Opening

    [Video] Ribbon cutting at Body Alive Loveland Lagree Grand Opening

    David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller,

    Loveland, Ohio – On Friday, February 16, Loveland Magazine attended the grand opening for Body Alive Loveland Lagree, located on Loveland Madeira Road, right next to Starbucks. Owners Adam Engel and Isaac Spence, both 2010 Loveland High School grads, showed us exactly what Body Alive Loveland Lagree has in store for the fitness community. The President of Loveland Magazine Cassie Mattia got the opportunity to take the first workout of the day with trainer Samantha Johns, where she experienced what exactly the Lagree Method is. We are so pleased to welcome Body Alive Loveland Lagree to the Loveland community.

    Stay tuned for the full-length interview with Adam, Isaac, and Samantha along with Cassie in action taking the first Lagree workout!
    Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie working out in the first Body Alive Loveland Lagree class on February 16.
  • Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia Introduces “Kickboxing 101!”

    Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia Introduces “Kickboxing 101!”

    When children go back to school, it’s time for YOU!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine readers, are you ready to get your sweat on? Well now is your chance to join me in my first ever Kickboxing 101 video where you will learn how to Jab, Uppercut, and Kick your way into a fantastic workout routine!

    Since becoming a certified Kickboxing instructor, I have wanted to produce inspirational, instructional workout videos for Loveland Magazine readers so that they could have the opportunity to get in a great workout from their very own homes. During the “Road to Health and Wellness” Expo on Saturday, July 30 in Downtown Loveland’s Nisbet Park, I was asked to perform a fitness class for those who wanted to enjoy a free workout at the Expo. Of course, I chose to do a Kickboxing class and while preparing for the class, I thought, “Well this would be the perfect time to film my first workout video for Loveland Magazine readers!” David Miller grabbed his iPhone and we immediately began filming, Kickboxing 101!

    In Kickboxing 101, you will learn the basic boxing and kickboxing exercises so that you can learn the proper technique of each move before moving into “combination” moves. The Loveland Magazine TV workout videos are split into 5 parts as I demonstrate each exercise at a slow pace and then move into a faster pace.

    Although the Kickboxing video routine is only 15 minutes total (tune in to the 6th video to go straight through the workout with no break), this workout can also be extended to an intense 30-minute workout that will leave you drenched in sweat! I incorporate 1 to 2 Kickboxing workouts into my weekly exercise regimen as it is not only great for your cardiovascular but also works on muscles that are often hard to get to with just traditional weight lifting.

    Below is my Kickboxing 101 30-minute workout routine! Once you get the hang of the moves used in the workout feel free to write this workout down and perform it at any time and any place. You will need a timer for this workout. Boxing gloves are optional although incorporating them into this workout adds another level of intensity to the routine!

    Perform each move for 30 seconds twice on each side

    1. Boxer Shuffle with Arm Circles
    2. Jab
    3. Cross
    4. Jab, Cross
    5. Hook
    6. Uppercut
    7. Hook, Uppercut
    8. Elbow
    9. Knee
    10. Elbow, Knee
    11. Rear Elbow
    12. Front Kick
    13. Rear Elbow, Front Kick
    14. Duck
    15. Duck, Jab, Cross

    Are ready to box your way into a workout that combines cardio, muscle toning, balance, and self-defense? Click Part 1 of my Kickboxing 101 workout to begin instructional demonstrations on the technique of each move. Once you feel comfortable and have watched Parts 1-5, tune into video 6 to watch the entire workout all the way through. 

    Don’t forget to “Subscribe”, “Follow”, and “Like” Loveland Magazine TV on YouTube! We have a large collection of videos we have produced that you can enjoy on your big screen at home and at work or at the gym on your phone! You can simply tell Alexa, “Find Loveland Magazine TV” and she will take you straight to our YouTube channel to watch any of our on-demand videos. If you are better friends with Siri simply say, “Play Kickboxing 101 with Cassie Mattia!”

    Want more workout videos? Stay tuned for more exercise routines coming in the near future!

  • West Chester Nutrition Club ‘Revolutionizes’ Health and Wellness

    West Chester Nutrition Club ‘Revolutionizes’ Health and Wellness

    From popping flavors to colorful drinks, this nutrition club truly is a revolution!

    Divyana Bose

    by Divyana Bose

    In the city of West Chester, Ohio, a tea and protein shake shop named the REvolution Nutrition Club opened its doors in January 2018. From fruity and refreshing teas to smooth and rich shakes, each drink is made with the intention of improving health.

    REvolution Nutrition Club has over 40 shakes on their menu that are not only high in protein but are also low in carbs, sugar, and calories! Flavors like the Brownie Madness, Snickers, and Cake Batter keep REvolution Nutrition’s customers coming back time and time again. In addition to the nutritious shakes, the shop also carries high energy teas that are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and Guarana, which improves mental concentration. Some of the most popular tea flavors include The Blue Lagoon and the Kingsgate Punch.

    REvolution owner, Kiera Abrego, customizes each one of the shakes and teas she serves her customers according to their nutritional needs and goals. Each REvolution product uses nutrition to improve both the fitness level and overall health of each customer.

    Kingsgate Punch Tea Energy Bomb

    “My personal goal this year is to serve as many teas and shakes as possible as breakfast and lunch meal replacements,” Abrego said. “I also strive to make this business just a great atmosphere that is safe, fun, and inviting.”

    The REvolution Nutrition Club gains most of its “first-time” customers through social media as Abrego believes it is the best way to market what the club has to offer. The community has also greatly contributed to REvolution’s growth in sales according to Abrego.

    “Advertising comes from community interactions and communication,” Abrego said. “It is not only the social media factor but the positive word of mouth that gets around about my small business.”

    To reward REvolution Nutrition Club’s loyal customers, Abrego developed a customer referral program in order to spread the word about the products her club has to offer and to give back to those who have supported the products the club serves. If a customer promotes REvolution through social media or refers someone to try out the club, that customer receives a free tea or shake! 

    “The community itself passes on invitations and referrals as we utilize social media to the best of our ability,” Abrego said. “The program consists of coupons to come in and try our products and try new and improved healthy drinks.”

    REvolution continues to progress as a small business, but (like many businesses during COVID-19) did experience some struggles. Luckily Abrego had such a loyal customer base that her nutrition club was able to make it through tough times, bouncing back successfully!

    “The largest impact on REvolution was that we were not able to be the bright and shiny part of someone’s day like we normally were,” Abrego said. “Relationships that we continued to build throughout the community had to be put on hold during this time and it was extremely difficult.” 

    Blue Lagoon Tea Energy Bomb

    REvolution rose above the COVID-19 challenges and continues to grow as a business to this day! Abrego said new and improved drinks are constantly being made every month due to the influx of new customers this year. 

    “We do monthly features that normally take place around the holidays or special events,” Abrego said. “The drink features typically end up becoming a fan favorite and bring in even more customers!”

    A personal preference of mine is the Blue Lagoon, the blue raspberry blend and standout color are just too hard to resist. Not to mention the energy boost I get in the day from just a few sips of this is amazing. Along with the blue lagoon, the Kingsgate punch is a close second with the bright red flavorful tea punching my palette with cherry and fruit punch all in one. In my eyes, these teas are perfect for a Summer refreshment and a perfect pick-me-up.

    Five to ten years from now and with these never-ending flavors, Abrego plans to keep her business running and make her customers content. Her hopes are for her business to grow and expand not only in the social media market but through the community as well.

    Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake

    “My goal is to be within the basis of one-hundred healthy and nutritious breakfast shakes with every breakfast and lunch meal replacement,” Abrego said. “We thrive off of person-to-person marketing and my desire is for my business to continue being the inviting and fun atmosphere for all.”

    Hoping for a bright future ahead, Abrego’s past with bringing about the business has not been the easiest especially due to COVID-19. She started the business in 2018 and took ownership of the business through her personal wellness coach and over time lost a substantial amount of weight, meeting her weight loss goal. 

    “I decided to take on the Herbalife business full time because I instantly fell in love with the products and results,” Abrego said. “My husband was the confirmer as well when he fell in love with the shakes we offer and I knew I had to be a part of this.” 

    “We are truly a REVolution with these beverages that make staying healthy and sustaining energy possible,” Abrego said. “Our drinks can hopefully branch out to every community and  will bring in more customers to try them.”

    Abrego recommends for first-timers the Special Tea category from the REVolution menu since it has the most subtle energy level out of the three energy categories. The Tropical lemonade though in the Boosted category is her personal favorite with blends of strawberry and lemonade coming together with a little more energy added to it. Out of the shakedown category though, Abrego recommends the Cinnamon Toast crunch blend with 24 grams of plant-based protein, only two-hundred and thirty calories, and thirteen grams of net carbs. Not to mention, there are only nine grams of sugar in every shake! There are four separate categories in the “Shake down” category itself such as the Chocolate Sensations for the chocolate lovers, Sweet Tooth, Fan favorites, and Fruity Licious.

    Along with the luscious flavors, the name REVolution says it all. Abrego said that these products truly stand out and benefit health or weight loss goals, which is where the name stemmed from. 

        Contact Info: 

    Email: revolutionnutrition45069@gmail.com

    FaceBook

    Hours: 8 AM- 2 PM

    Address: 7324 Kingsgate Way, West Chester, OH 45069

  • LHS’s Men’s Track and Field Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    LHS’s Men’s Track and Field Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    On Senior Night, April 26, 2019, during the Dawn Dahart Track and Field Invitational, Cooper Smeller cleared 14’9” to break the school pole vault record by an inch.

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – As May inches closer and closer, many LHS athletes are working hard to stay in the best shape they can in preparation for their Spring seasons. School is set to potentially open on May 4th and if indeed that happens Spring sports will reconvene as well!

    Over the past couple of weeks, we have made it our goal to check in with LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have received some impressive responses from several motivated athletes and coaches! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky, to see what he is having his team do just in case the 2020 Track season continues.

    LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky

    Coach Vanatsky shared that he has been consistently sending out optional workouts every morning at 7:30 A.M. for his dedicated team.

    “Some of our guys are early risers and they want to know what the workout will be so they can plan accordingly as to where and how they may have to complete their workouts,” Vanatsky said, “We send our workouts out through an app we have used for several years called ‘Remind 101.’ Before the quarantine I would use the app to send reminders to our guys for all kinds of things in the off-season and in-season but is it obviously handy in our current situation.”

    Vanatsky also mentioned that the other Men’s Track team coaches have been getting involved by sending him daily optional workouts so that he can then add the workouts to what he sends out to the team.

    “Our strength coach Derek Berry sends the team various workouts they can do based on the teams’ access to available weights, dumbbells, stretch bands, etc,” Vanatsky explained, “Our kids have told us they have been using the Loveland Bike Trail quite a bit for their workouts. They are supposed to be practicing social distancing while they workout but without being there in person (which we are not allowed to do) so it is hard to say if kids are completely by themselves or if they are getting up with a teammate or two in order to stay motivated and accountable for their workouts.”

    With large neighborhoods spread throughout Loveland and easy access to the Loveland Bike Trail, Coach Vanatsky told us that he is very fortunate that his team is able to train outside in a safe and open environment.

    “What percent of our kids are actually working out is hard to say,” Vanatsky added, “Also we do not know what intensity and regularity the workouts are being completed. It is obviously difficult to stay motivated when the season is not guaranteed or even probable at this point but we have a lot of very committed guys who I am sure are staying on top of their fitness levels.”

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we commend all of the LHS coaches and athletes that continue to strive for success through these very tough times! We will continue to bring you the latest updates on what LHS athletes and coaches are doing to stay in shape so STAY TUNED!

  • [VIDEO] Mosaic Climbing doesn’t disappoint Cassie Mattia!

    [VIDEO] Mosaic Climbing doesn’t disappoint Cassie Mattia!

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown

    Loveland, Ohio – On March 15th, I got the opportunity to visit a brand new climbing facility right here in Loveland. It’s called Mosaic Climbing and believe me, you want to check it out!

    Before I walked into Mosaic’s opening day I envisioned a small facility with a rock climbing wall set up like the ones you see at the YMCA. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Inside the building are several rooms with state of the art climbing walls with routes that go from easy to hard depending on the color of the pegs. The Mosaic staff, both passionate and full of energy, gave me an in-depth introduction to climbing as well as walked me through the entire facility, which not only had multiple climbing walls but also includes a fitness room, yoga room, and a quiet nook for meetings or checking your work emails.

    The orientation the friendly staff provides is a must before you’re allowed to climb, which I think is great for those who have never climbed before.

    There is a bouldering room with shorter climbing walls, where you are able to train and work on your climbing skills with no harness, no ropes, and with or without a partner, all over large thick pads for safety. I highly recommend this room for those who are a bit afraid of heights or for small children just looking to climb a short distance.

    The first room I chose to start my climbing journey had climbing walls that extended more than 50 feet into the air. In this room, you are able to do “Top Rope” or “Auto Belay” climbing which includes a rope suspended overhead. I took on the auto-belay challenge and let me tell you it wasn’t easy! This is coming from someone who works out 6 days a week. The climb itself took skill and quite a bit of strategy when it came to what peg you were going to grab next or put your feet onto. Yes, I made it to the top and wanted to yell ‘I’m the queen of the world,’ but it definitely wasn’t without effort! After I finally convinced myself to come down (it was very high up and that was a bit scary for me) not only did my forearms burn but my muscles were shaking as well! It was a great workout and I felt very accomplished!

    Fortunately, Loveland Magazine Editor, David Miller, got my climbing experience at Mosaic Climbing on their opening night all on film so that you the Loveland Magazine readers could see what an unbelievable new business Loveland has added to its repertoire!

    Click on the video below to get the full Mosaic climbing experience right from your living room couch!

  • Orienteering team is recruiting new members at Loveland High School

    Orienteering team is recruiting new members at Loveland High School

    Students encouraged to “find their way…”

    The Loveland Orienteering Team won numerous awards last season, including at the Flying Pig XXII, a national event: (left to right) Joe Roman (team mentor), Sam Richardson (LHS student), Nathan Stewart (LHS student), Isaac Jouwstra (Loveland resident) Leslie Nash (LHS student) and Greg Fasig (team mentor)

    Loveland, Ohio – Have you ever wondered how people found their way from one place to the other before there were well-established roads, trails, and Google maps? Have you ever wanted to go into the woods, really into the woods, but worried you might get lost? If you’d like to develop skills to navigate in the wilderness while racing from one place to the other, you’re in luck. Loveland High School (LHS) is the only high school in the area – in fact, the only one in Ohio – with an orienteering club. While unfamiliar to most, orienteering is a competitive sport that combines running and navigation in timed races. The Loveland Orienteering Team, which completed its second year in May, was adopted as a club at LHS last fall.

    Several of our members placed in their respective categories for the season standings and at the national Flying Pig Orienteering event in April.

    “It’s really exciting to introduce this awesome sport to the students and athletes at the high school,” said Sam Richardson, LHS senior and club president who also runs competitive cross country for Loveland. “With a team of 22 – 15 youth and seven adults – our team had a great past year. Several of our members placed in their respective categories for the season standings and at the national Flying Pig Orienteering event in April.”

    Loveland Senior Sam Richardson approaching a control flag during an orienteering event.

    Often associated with the military, orienteering started in Scandinavia as a land navigation training exercise for military officers more than a hundred years ago, and the U.S. Orienteering Federation was established by officers at Quantico Marine Corps Base. As an off-road, off-trail running race where participants cross land with the help of just a map and a compass, orienteering requires a high degree of fitness and the ability to navigate through unknown terrain to various checkpoints. The season runs November through May, when the frozen ground allows for less impact on the land. The freezing, followed by thawing and spring rains, often erases all signs of orienteering during the winter. And, there are no worries about poison ivy or tick bites.

    Orienteering offers a great reason to get outside this time of year.

    “Orienteering offers a great reason to get outside this time of year,” said team mentor Greg Fasig, who has been an orienteering enthusiast since 2010. “People quickly learn how easy it is to stay warm, trekking up and down the hills of the Tri-State. It’s also easier to see the contour of the land when the trees are bare, which allows you to navigate using the contour lines on the map.”

    During the 2017-18 season, the Loveland Orienteering Team participated in 18 competitions. Some of the most memorable events happened in a lot of mud, rain, and even snow – it’s rare for an orienteering event to be cancelled for inclement weather.

    “The competition at Mt. Airy Forest was especially muddy,” said Fasig. “For the season finale at Governor Bebb MetroPark it snowed, reducing visibility to less than 10 feet at times – that combined with fogging glasses makes for a much more challenging event.”

    The sport does not only require physical stamina, but also mental skills.

    The sport does not only require physical stamina, but also mental skills. Orienteers learn and develop proficiency in analyzing, planning, monitoring, assessing, modifying, and other problem-solving skills.

    “Participants practice these skills in a fun and safe environment, while under the duress of trying to complete the course as quickly as possible when racing,” said Dave Volkman, LHS teacher and club advisor for the team. “No other sport in the world combines these elements of fitness and problem solving.”

      RP Diamond is the exclusive retailer of LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Welcome to  RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 370 Loveland Madeira Road.