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The OhioHealth Newsletter
April 2026
HEALTHY LIVING
Woman jogging wearing a weighted vest
Weighted vests are gaining popularity across the fitness and wellness world.
From hiking and walking to everyday chores, this added resistance can support overall health when used correctly. OhioHealth exercise physiologist Mairsol Wrightsel shares her perspective on the trend, explaining the benefits — and important considerations — of incorporating a weighted vest into your routine.
EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHTED VESTS
Health and fitness tip
Plan healthy meals in advance. Mapping out your week helps curb impulse grocery purchases and makes it easier to stick to your plan — so you’re less likely to order takeout when dinnertime rolls around.
Easter Sunday
The McConnell Heart Health Center will be closed on Sunday, April 5.
Easter Sunday
The McConnell Heart Health Center will be closed on Sunday, April 5.
CLASSES
Land class schedule
Aquatic class schedule
EQUIPMENT OF
THE MONTH
Introducing the SkiErg: a versatile, low-impact, full-body cardio machine perfect for all fitness levels and goals.
MORE ABOUT THE SKIERG
CHEF'S CORNER
Close up of a snack board
Close up of a snack board
Snack boards are a fun, flexible way to please even the pickiest eaters. OhioHealth wellness experts share why these build‑your‑own boards are perfect for everything from family lunches to effortless entertaining.
Snack boards are a fun, flexible way to please even the pickiest eaters. OhioHealth wellness experts share why these build‑your‑own boards are perfect for everything from family lunches to effortless entertaining.
BUILD YOUR PERFECT SNACK BOARD 
Big Red's Lodge exterior
Big Red's lodge exterior
Big Red’s Lodge
Tucked away on a serene 25‑acre nature preserve, Big Red’s Lodge offers a quiet escape in the heart of Columbus —conveniently close to downtown, the Short North and the city’s top attractions.

Designed to help you step away from life’s hectic pace, the lodge is ideal for a restful getaway, welcoming visiting family and friends or staying nearby while a loved one receives care at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Hospice House, or Bing Cancer Center.
Call (614) 566-2447 for more information and reservations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LODGES
Grab 'n Go
We’re excited to introduce a new Grab ’n Go self-serve food and beverage area in the front lobby. The area will be open during McConnell operating hours and on weekends. Purchases require a credit card.
Change to Medical Freeze Policy
Effective May 1, 2026, the McConnell Heart Health Center will no longer offer a medical freeze option to pause membership. Those already on a Medical Freeze prior to 5/1/26 will continue their medical freeze until released by a physician, or the 6-month maximum is met. No new requests for a Medical Freeze with a start date of 5/1/26 or later will be accepted. Those wishing to pause their membership can do so by requesting a leave of absence for $10 plus tax a month.

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
To register for any event over the phone, a credit card on file is needed. A credit card may be placed on file in-person only at the front desk.
Man swimming in lap pool
Man swimming in lap pool
Master’s swimming
Join us Monday mornings from 6–7 AM to hone your stroke technique with a swim instructor. Maximum number in the group is eight swimmers. Total mileage is 1,200-3,000 yards (dependent upon individual skill level).

Dates: Monday mornings
Time: 6–7 AM
Cost:  $60 for 5 one-hour workouts | $100 for 10 one-hour workouts
Registration: Contact Lisa Drugan at
(614) 566-3828 to enroll.
OhioHealth Spine Wellness
Dealing with back pain of any kind can affect your mobility, work and quality of life. Eighty percent of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. Learn to prevent, improve and manage your back pain with the OhioHealth Spine Wellness health improvement program. This program, created by physical therapy and exercise physiology, will discuss common spine injuries through stress reduction, improved mobility, flexibility, and strength will be discussed.

Dates: Tuesday, April 14 – May 26 (no class May 5)
Time: 6:15 PM–7 PM
Instructor: Jack G.
Location: Classroom A
Cost : $35
REGISTER NOW
Group yoga class
Group yoga class
 
Restorative yoga class
Discover the calming power of restorative yoga, a gentle practice designed to help you deeply relax and recharge. Unlike more active styles of yoga, restorative sessions use props like bolsters, blankets and blocks to fully support the body in restful poses. This allows your muscles to release tension, your nervous system to reset and your mind to quiet. Physically, restorative yoga can help improve flexibility, reduce fatigue, and support recovery from stress or injury. Mentally, it aids in cultivating mindfulness, easing anxiety and promoting better sleep. Join our classes to help restore balance, nurture your body, and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
*See the TechnoGym app for class days and times.
Happy Feet Workshop
Learn exercises to strengthen your toes, arches and ankles, working them both individually and together. Discover how caring for your feet can help reduce foot pain, with balls and a take‑home workout included.

Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 11:15 AM–12:45 PM
Instructor: Kami
Location: Mind Body Studio
Cost: $35 for members | $40 for non-members
Registration: Call (614) 566-5356 or stop by the front desk.
Pilates reformer group class
Pilates reformer group class
Pilates Starter Series
Interested in trying a Pilates Reformer class? Join us for a 5-week small group session with a Pilates instructor who will introduce you to the use of a reformer and educate you on class modifications specific to your individual goals, needs and abilities. Upon completion, you may choose to do private sessions, duet sessions or monthly unlimited reformer group classes.

Dates: Friday, April 3 at 1:30 PM
Instructor: Katie
Location: Pilates Reformer Studio
Cost: $125 for members | $150 for non-members
Registration: Call Joy at (614) 566-3767 or stop by the front desk.
OhioHealth Multiple Sclerosis Clinic – Hot Topics in Multiple Sclerosis
Join the multiple sclerosis team in person for an educational session on hot topics with opportunities to ask questions.

Hot Topics
8–9 AM
Registration and continental breakfast

9–9:05 AM
Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas

9:05–9:25 AM
NeuroWellness Yoga Session
Meghan Harder, MS, ACSM CEP/EIM, CETI CES, RYT 200

9:25–9:30 AM
Break

9:30–9:50 AM
Nutrition for Healthy Living with MS
Kristi Highley, MS, RD, LD

9:50–10:10 AM
Tools to Support Living with MS
Shannon Methany, PT, DPT, Board‑Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

10:10–10:15 AM
Break

10:15–10:45 AM
Featured Patient Story

10:50–11:10 AM
MS Physician Update
MS Physician

11:10–11:30 AM
MS Panel Q&A
MS Physician / CNP Team

 
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 9 AM–12 PM
Location: OhioHealth Blom Administrative Campus
3430 OhioHealth Parkway, Columbus, OH 43202
REGISTER NOW
Group of people walking in 5K
Group of people walking in 5K
 
15th Annual OhioHealth McConnell 5K and 1-Mile Walk
Registration is now open for the 15th Annual McConnell 5K and 1-Mile Walk! All participants will receive a t-shirt and race bag. We will have a silent auction and a raffle drawing for prizes. Proceeds from the event benefit the OhioHealth Foundation. The top overall male and female finishers in the 5K and 1-mile walk, as well as the top male and female finishers in each age group receive an award. 

Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 1-Mile Walk Race begins at 8:30 AM
5K Race begins at 9 AM
Cost : $30 (Registration cost increases after February 27)
*Must register by April 19 to guarantee a t-shirt.    
REGISTER NOW
 
REMINDERS
Cell phone usage
Cell phone usage is limited to common areas, including the lobby and atrium. Please do not use the speakerphone function on your cell phone during a conversation. Refrain from using your cell phone on the fitness floor, track level, exercise studios, pool areas and locker rooms.

Fitness equipment
If you notice that you are heavily sweating during your workout, please take a moment to clean up any sweat left on the cardio equipment or the floor around you. Sweat puddles on the floor can become a slipping hazard for others, and we want to keep our gym environment safe for everyone.

Proper attire
Proper athletic footwear (no sandals, flip flops or open-toed shoes) and appropriate clothing must be worn at all times on the fitness floor. The Center strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Locker room etiquette
Please dry off inside the shower area to limit standing water on the floor and prevent falls.

Cologne and perfume
Due to allergies and other sensitivities, please limit the use of colognes and perfumes.

Safety and security
If you are a member that uses our facility more than once a day, please check in at the front desk for each visit.

Locker rentals available
Men’s and women’s lockers are available to rent for only $15 per month. Stop by the Communication Center for more information and availability.
McConnell Heart Health Center
McConnell Heart
Health Center
3773 Olentangy River Rd,
Columbus OH 43214
(614) 566-5356 | Fax: (614) 566-6907
3773 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus OH 43214
(614) 566-5356 | Fax: (614) 566-6907
 
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Hours of operation
Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM-9 PM
Friday 5:30 AM-8 PM
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 AM-6 PM
Monday-Thursday 5:30 AM-9 PM
Friday 5:30 AM-8 PM
Saturday & Sunday 7:30 AM-6 PM
 

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