Medical Fitness

Michele Whitt

I discovered Exercise is Medicine accidentally when researching LIFT's website for membership options for my son. I printed the application and information page. I proceeded to take the form at my next appointment with my primary care physician. Since I had not exercised in a long time, I knew I needed to be cleared by my doctor. I explained to him what it was and he was happy to sign the form to release me to participate in the EiM program at LIFT.

I called and scheduled an appointment with Ali, the EiM Coordinator. When I arrived at LIFT, the staff was friendly and helpful in providing the paperwork required for the evaluation.

I explained to Ali that I had been inactive for years due to illness and needed to get strong. I described myself as "weak as a kitten". She was amazing! Ali is professional, knowledgeable, and provided an atmosphere that made me comfortable. This type of appointment can be intimidating and embarrassing, since I was so out of shape, but I felt neither with Ali. I certainly appreciate the positive environment. The evaluation was very thorough, and we discussed my specific physical needs. She also guided me to set realistic and specific goals for me. I requested my program be in the pool to reduce stress on joints, and she agreed.

The next step was to meet Ali in the pool. She had created an individualized workout just for me and my needs. She showed me each exercise and provided a laminated copy of my workout for future use. I was impressed by the workout she created. It fit my physical needs perfectly. She also gave me a tour of LIFT and went over the monthly schedule of classes that would be beneficial to me if I wanted to attend. She is outstanding.

After doing my workout session with Ali, a water aerobics class was about to begin with Keith. I had attended this type of activity in the past and enjoyed it, so I thought why not give it a try. I ended up doing two hours of water workouts and it was a blast.

I have continued the personalized program Ali provided, and have participated in several of the water activities. the instructors Keith, Olivia, Shelia, and Beverly are outstanding! The atmosphere the instructors bring motivates me to return again and again. They are very welcoming, and motivating and emphasize adaptable movements if something hurts. This makes me feel safe to exercise.

I feel strong and in less pain! I am so thankful for Exercise is Medicine. I have been so impressed that I have told friends, family, doctors, etc about this program, so that others may benefit from it as well.
 

Program Overview

One of the best things to help strengthen bones or even maintain bone mass is to incorporate exercise and general physical activity into your life. Under the guidance of an Exercise Specialist, individuals in this program will perform safe and effective low-impact, weight-bearing and resistance exercises that are specific to the individual’s needs and goals. Better Bones is designed to help individuals learn a variety of functional exercises and movements to enhance their quality of life.

Program Overview

One of the most important decisions people will make regarding their overall health is to incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle. We understand the encouragement from a physician may be the greatest influence on a patient’s decision to make a lifestyle change.

Exercise is Medicine is an initiative of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. This program is a quick, simple and effective process for a person to get on track to improving their overall health and well being.

Program Overview

Diabetes can be very complicated and needs to be taken seriously. Luckily, there is research that shows that an exercise program can help individuals reduce their risk of diabetes or even help control current diagnoses of diabetes. There are safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with diabetes. Under the guidance of an exercise specialist, individuals will learn how to include cardiovascular, strength training and flexibility programs into their everyday lives. They will learn how much exercise is needed and learn how exercise can enhance their quality of life.

What is Joint Effort?

Recovery from a total joint replacement surgery can be scary. Being mentally and physically prepared for the surgery and the physical therapy that occurs afterward can alleviate the anxiety and make the road to recovery a little less bumpy.

Joint Effort is designed to help you understand your surgery, educate you on the recovery process and prepare your body for the surgery. Studies have shown that patients who are more physically fit prior to total joint replacement surgery have a much easier time during the recovery process. Let the professionals at the LIFT Wellness Center help prepare you to get back on your feet as quickly and effortlessly as possible.

The Next Step program is a service offered by the LIFT Wellness Center staff for individuals with specific musculoskeletal conditions or limitations due to injury. The member will have the benefit of a degreed and certified exercise specialist working with your physician and physical therapist to ensure that you are safely and effectively carrying out your prescribed exercise.

The Next Step program is the "next step" for individuals and athletes recovering from a musculoskeletal injury or condition. The Next Step staff will supervise the program and regularly consult with your referring medical professional.

What is Phase III Cardiac Rehab?

Phase III is a supervised exercise program designed for individuals with known risk factors for developing heart disease, existing heart conditions, phase II cardiac rehab graduates or for those simply wishing to improve their level of cardiovascular fitness. Individuals who join the Cardiac Phase III program learn how to exercise, eat healthy, manage stress and develop other positive habits for permanent lifestyle change with a goal of reducing the risk of a future cardiac event.

This program is designed to give individuals the tools he or she needs to feel confident in returning to a healthy, active lifestyle. If at any point a medical condition were to arise, the physicians, nurses and other clinical staff on-site within the LIFT Wellness Center are available for rapid response.