by Liz Bonis, WKRC

Wed, December 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A medical exercise program at the TriHealth Fitness and Health Pavilion is offering a tailored approach to fitness, helping participants like Lori Ledermeier and Kim Rioux meet their health goals. "I wanted to avoid medication and I had been doing cardio and walking, was doing great and kind of hurt my hip," said Ledermeier, a West Chester resident. Rioux, another program participant, shared her concerns: "So my bones are weakening, I have degenerative discs, I have a lot of things going on and I’m starting to get nervous that I’m falling apart is kind of how I feel."

The program, directed by Karen Sims, runs for 12 weeks and offers group or one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs. "Our medical exercise program are programs to help people really learn how to exercise appropriately for themselves," Sims explained. Participants have reported significant benefits, including weight loss and improved health habits. Ledermeier noted, "The fact that you’re working kind of makes you stay away from, hey I don’t want to eat that unhealthy food because I worked hard this morning."

Rioux emphasized the educational aspect of the program: "The education that I’ve gotten behind this is amazing so I’ve learned why things are best to do it a certain way." Sims added, "It’s just educating them on what’s best for them and not having them worry about what the person next to them is doing and focus on what’s good for them."

Ledermeier experienced a 14-pound weight loss in 12 weeks, saying, "I have lost weight – inches, and I feel great, I’ve met friends and I’ve joined the club and I really enjoy it – it’s added a lot to my retirement." Rioux also feels more stable, stating, "I feel good and I feel balanced which is another important part of this."

Sims highlighted the program’s focus on functional activities, such as squats, to help participants maintain their daily routines. "It’s really finding the activities that they want to do or they need to do and making sure we help them gain the strength and endurance to be able to do it," she said.

The program costs $200 for 12 weeks, but cancer survivors treated in the last year can participate at no cost. Interested individuals can contact Karen Sims at 513-246-2422 for more information.