Privately Held Cincinnati Sports Club Launches Post-COVID Regimens

The recent COVID-19 pandemic changed millions of Americans’ lives in often-profound ways. In winter 2020, many segments of the United States economy shut down as non-essential businesses were ordered to close. Patients who contracted the COVID-19 virus have often found it a life-changing experience. Although some people experienced mild cases and recovered without any major lingering side effects, others were more severely affected. Decreased lung capacity and/or muscle loss are just two of the virus’ troublesome aftereffects. Fortunately,  Mark Hauser’s Cincinnati Sports Club (or CSC) has stepped in to help patients regain physical strength, mental recovery, and a semblance of “normalcy.”

CSC Offers Custom Workouts for COVID-19 Patients

Victor Troha, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is keenly familiar with the workings of the human body, explains that the Cincinnati Sports Club has adopted key parts of the Johns Hopkins “Bouncing Back from COVID-19” Program.

Troha, who serves as a Club Master Trainer and Wellness Clinician, is helping COVID-19 patients to improve their physical capabilities. For each person, he designs a custom workout that uses their current recovery stage as a starting point. Troha helps each patient celebrate small steps forward.

COVID-19 Recovery Workout Focus

For patients with impaired breathing function, Troha creates exercises aimed to help them make gradual improvements. Many patients become easily taxed while performing previously simple exercises. Troha helps those patients to build their strength and endurance.

“A lot of it has been breathing under a certain amount of load. For example, some people may get really winded just going up and down the stairs,” notes Troha. “It might take some people a half hour of vigorous exercise before they realize how difficult it is for them to breathe.

“The other one that I actually do see is a lot of dizziness or vestibular issues, things where some people tend to have some dizziness walking, standing up too fast. We address those issues. Then, strength and endurance. Because a lot of them are bedridden for a certain amount of time, the strength and endurance aspect has definitely decreased, so we just work to build that up as they can tolerate.”

CSC’s “Manage Your Health” Wellness Series

As with many companies, the Cincinnati Sports Club’s Board of Directors is composed of recognized business leaders, each with specific expertise. Mark Hauser, a financial services industry executive and Cincinnati native, helped to develop the Club in 1990. Serving on the Board, Mark Hauser uses his financial and management acumen to help guide the Club forward.

In winter 2020, the CSC Board became aware that the COVID-19 pandemic’s wide-ranging lockdowns and business closures were taking a major human toll. Many people were ordered to shelter at home, depriving them of their everyday social interactions. As a result, much of the population was experiencing mental health and well-being issues.

The Cincinnati Sports Club’s Board of Directors quickly realized the wide-ranging implications of the problem. With valued input from Mark Hauser, and guidance from recognized professionals, the Board developed a plan to help uplift their Cincinnati community during this challenging time.

To accomplish that goal, the Cincinnati Sports Club and TriHealth sponsored the “Manage Your Health” series during winter 2021. A TriHealth professional led each free session, and everyone in the community was invited to attend. Topics included a COVID-19 vaccine Q&A session, COVID-19 fatigue, and development of healthy conflict management techniques.

The CSC Contact Tracing Program

To better ensure the safety of members, guests, and staff, the Cincinnati Sports Club implemented an onsite contact tracing program. The goal of the Summer 2020 initiative was to identify people who might have been exposed to an individual who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The exposed person would then ideally get tested or quarantine themselves at home.

“Contact tracing is key,” explained Mary Frank, a member of the Cincinnati Sports Club leadership team. “We have been very transparent in sharing information with both our members and our staff when it comes to their safety.

“Our Security and Risk Management Team developed a contact tracing protocol in May, while our facility was still closed. We have repeatedly amended this plan quite a few times, as the guidelines have changed.”

Guidelines for the CSC Contract Tracing Program

1. A CSC club member or staff member self-reports that they may have the COVID-19 virus. As a result, they are termed a “person under investigation” (or PUI).
2. Club officials interview each PUI to learn where they think they contracted the virus. The person is asked when they last visited the Club and the facilities they used. Finally, the person is asked to list the people with whom they interacted on that visit.

To confirm that information, Club officials view the facility’s security footage. They also review relevant transaction and management software.

3.   Club officials tell anyone who interacted with the PUI about the potential virus exposure. The Club also determines if any of these people have been confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus.
4.   Club officials notify the Hamilton County Health Department about any PUIs who are diagnosed with the virus. For confirmed child cases, the Club also notifies the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

For perspective, the Cincinnati Sports Club was ordered to close as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. The facility reopened to members on June 1, 2020.

Cincinnati Sports Club Overview

The Cincinnati Sports Club (or CSC) is an extremely well-equipped “hybrid” club that offers a wide range of services to members. Set on 16 acres on the city’s East Side, the spacious campus contains 110,000 square feet of indoor space and 400,000 square feet of space overall. 

Opened in 1990, the facility is one of the largest of its kind in Ohio. In addition to numerous indoor and outdoor workout facilities, the venue offers several pools and an onsite social club with a lively calendar of events.

Members can also utilize a wellness center that offers health-focused services along with acupuncture and massage therapy. Finally, the Cincinnati Sports Club provides value-added services to members through partnerships with area businesses and other organizations.

Indoor Fitness Facilities

Group fitness enthusiasts have 100+ classes from which to choose. Qualified trainers lead sessions in circuit, high-intensity interval training (or HIIT), spinning, and dance fusion. Barre, yoga, and Pilates Reformer Training are also popular.

The 1/5-mile indoor track accommodates dedicated joggers, walkers, and runners. This facility provides members with an all-weather workout free of potential vehicle hazards.

Basketball fans appreciate the full-sized (NCAA-compliant) and small basketball gyms. With several courts available, members are invited to engage in frequent pickup games.

Racquet sports players have multiple venues in which to play their chosen sport. Racquetball, tennis, squash, and pickleball courts are popular. For golfers, there’s a PGA indoor golf simulator that enables skill improvement.

Aquatics enthusiasts can swim laps or otherwise exercise in two indoor pools. In addition, a warm-water therapy pool is ideal for instructional classes.

Outdoor Fitness Facilities

The CSC’s outdoor facilities include two outdoor pools, a zero-entry baby pool, and a splash pad. An outdoor exercise facility invites energetic open-air workouts.

High-Tech Synthetic Turf Field

In April 2021, the Cincinnati Sports Club installed Ohio’s first recreation and sports synthetic turf field featuring T°Cool® technology. This innovative evaporative cooling technique cools the field, making it safer to use.

The 40-yard synthetic turf field accommodates outdoor exercise along with social activities. At the same time, users can easily meet relevant pandemic-related health measures.

Health and Wellness Services

The Cincinnati Sports Club offers health and wellness services via a partnership with Cincinnati-area TriHealth with Beacon Orthopaedics. Members can access an engaging health and wellness speaker series, free health screenings, and conversations with TriHealth’s experts.

Complementary Services

An HMR Weight Management Program is complemented by nutritional counseling services. In addition, an in-house Wellness Clinician provides therapeutic physical therapy services.

A licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist are also available for appointments. Finally, an onsite spa and salon meets members’ varied hair, nail, and other aesthetic needs.

Year-Round Social Calendar

The Cincinnati Sports Club offers a full slate of year-round social activities and special events. The adults-only pool is a popular summertime gathering spot. The Club’s wine steward leads Tuesday wine tastings, and members also enjoy Friday Happy Hours.

Members can easily book a private meeting or party room. The Club can arrange for limited or full-service catering. Finally, the Cincinnati Sports Club hosts more than 45 lively social events annually. Locally prepared food and live music add to each event’s ambience.

The Cincinnati Sports Club’s pandemic-related services demonstrate the organization’s concern for the health of its members, guests, and staff. Should a future health emergency arise, the CSC leadership will be prepared to address it in a proactive manner.