OPEN HOUSE EVENT

Thursday, March 6
10:00am-5:00pm

Open to the community.

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming MyFitRx Open House! Join us for a day of exploration, education, and fun as we showcase the incredible offerings here at Chelsea Wellness Center.

Here’s what you can expect:

Event Highlights:

• Facility and medical integration specific tours
• MyFitRx information table
• Tech Booth showcasing the latest fitness technologies, BodyScript demos and complimentary blood pressure screenings
• Drawings for exciting prizes, including a one-hour massage and a one-hour personal training session

Classes and Workshops:

• Importance of Exercise information table, including exercise demos

Additional Activities:

• Enjoy light snacks during the day
• All attendees that fill out an “Exercise Recommendation Form” will be entered into a drawing for a free MyFitRx Program 

Ready to conquer your health challenges? Join MyFitRx and receive personalized support for chronic conditions and increased physical activity. Begin any pathway for just $74 this March. This program is open to current members and the community!

Do you have a medical condition or need support to be more active? With MyFitRx, you can choose one of 10 specialized pathways designed to help you meet your health and fitness goals. In eight weeks, our certified fitness specialists will help you improve your level of physical activity through a customized fitness plan, fitness assessments and full membership access to our medically integrated wellness center.

To learn about the pathways and find out if MyFitRx is right for you, come to our open house, call 734-214-0220 or visit chelseawellness.org/myfitrx today.

Offer expires March 31, 2025. First-time participants only. Chelsea Wellness Center membership not required. Some prerequisites apply. A healthcare provider referral is required and must be received by April 30, 2025, to qualify for the discount. Cannot be combined with any other offer. For current members, the 25% off discount is not applicable, however, an already discounted member rate is available. Please contact the center for details.

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Myth #1: Medical fitness centers are for hospital patients and staff only.
Absolutely not! While they do offer specialized programs for recovering patients, medical fitness centers welcome everyone. Whether you’re looking to manage a chronic condition, prevent illness, improve general fitness, or simply boost your mood, you’ll find a welcoming community and programs tailored to your needs.

Myth #2: Only individuals living with chronic medical conditions should have a membership.
Though they excel in supporting those with chronic conditions, medical fitness centers aren’t exclusive. Anyone can benefit from their evidence-based approach to exercise, qualified staff, and specialized equipment. Whether you have prediabetes, want to prevent heart disease, or just desire a healthy lifestyle, their personalized plans and expertise can help you reach your goals.

Myth #3: There aren’t many group exercise options at medical fitness centers.
On the contrary, medical fitness centers offer a vibrant group exercise scene! From gentle water aerobics to high-energy dance classes, there’s something for every fitness level and interest. Plus, the small group sizes and certified instructors ensure personalized attention and modifications, making it a safe and effective way to exercise in a supportive community.

Myth #4: Medical fitness centers lack technology.
Forget outdated equipment! These centers are at the forefront of fitness technology. Expect to find state-of-the-art cardio machines with interactive screens, fitness trackers that monitor your progress, and even specialized equipment designed for specific medical needs. This technology helps you stay motivated, track your progress, and optimize your workouts for maximum benefit. Plus, members experience our interactive center mobile app and virtual programming for membership details and fitness on the go.

Myth #5: Popular amenities are not offered at medical fitness centers.
Medical fitness centers are more than just treadmills and dumbbells. Many boast amenities like swimming pools, saunas, massage therapy, and even childcare services. They understand that holistic wellness goes beyond just exercise, so they offer a range of services to cater to your physical and mental well-being.

Want to learn more about our center? Visit the Member Services desk and we’ll answer all the questions you have.  Medical fitness centers offer a welcoming environment, expert guidance, and a safe space to achieve your fitness goals. Remember, taking charge of your health is always a good decision, and a medical fitness center can be your perfect partner on that journey.

The post 5 Myths About Medical Fitness Centers Debunked. appeared first on Chelsea Wellness Center.

Brenda: The MyFitRx® program is an 8-week program that the Chelsea Wellness Center offers. It is designed to help people with ailments or chronic issues achieve their fitness goals. There are many “paths” that you can take, including weight loss, a cardiac program, an orthopedic program, diabetes, and many more, but the most common pathways are orthopedic and weight management programs.

I utilize the MyFitRx® program to help my participants to be happier with their lives and their bodies. For some, this means dealing with chronic pain, and for others, it means increasing their functionality so they can do all the things they want to do. It starts with an honest conversation with the patient about THEIR needs, and I work with them to find concrete goals that we can achieve in the 8 weeks that we have together.

Q: What experience do you have in the field of medical integration in fitness programs? Can you describe any specific projects or initiatives that help you with MyFitRx®?

Brenda: Like all our fitness specialists, we were required to complete an internship as a part of our degree. My internship was at a gym that had a program similar to MyFitRx®. It was a medically focused program outside of the normal membership that placed emphasis on the transition period from Physical Therapy to unrestricted workout regimens.  This is where I found that I loved doing this type of work and I had a passion for helping people live more comfortably. Being able to see the change in their demeanor as we work to improve whatever ailments might be bothering them is what motivates me to keep doing what I do. I have continued my education utilizing online coursework and with in-person training that teaches the best techniques and practices. I apply these practices to my work with the MyFitRx®  participants to help them reach their goals.

Q: How do you approach assessing the medical needs and capabilities of individuals participating in the program?

Brenda: All participants are required to have a referral from a medical provider to join the program.  The provider identifies the pathway and provides any recommendations or restrictions they have for their patient.  During the one-on-one Fitness Assessment, we review your health history and complete a few basic tests to determine your current level of fitness.  We also discuss your goals and interests.  We talk about how you are feeling and what you would like to accomplish by joining the program.  This helps me develop an individualized program to best meet your needs and reach your goals.

Q: How do you evaluate the progress and outcomes of the programs that you build and the MyFitRx® program as a whole? How do you ensure that the participants of the program receive proper guidance and support in understanding and following their individualized fitness programs?

Brenda: During scheduled exercise times, we meet and re-establish where we are at and where we are going. This will include the quantitative data, i.e., repetitions, weight, sets and other workout metrics, but also how you are feeling about the workouts. Are they easy, or hard? Do you feel like we are on track to achieve our goals in the time that we have together? I adjust the workouts accordingly to ensure we are progressing every week.

Q: What strategies do you employ to motivate and engage participants, particularly those who may have medical conditions or limitations?

Brenda: I have learned to take a mixed approach to motivating people. We want to be mindful of the big picture and work towards our larger goals, but with many people with chronic pain or injuries, it is vital to point out and acknowledge small wins wherever we can take them. Living with pain is hard, and getting rid of that pain is even harder, so any improvements we can make to their living conditions and how comfortable and able they are wins that deserve to be recognized. We also like to point out the scale of what they are doing at the end of the 8 weeks we have together. If we have accomplished so much in 8 weeks, imagine the possibilities if you stick to your program and continue to get stronger!

Q: What types of support systems are in place to make sure you are getting the support you need to best help your program participants?

Brenda: I have a plethora of wonderful people who help me do the best job I can. Many of my clients and members know Kari Goorhouse, the Fitness Manager at our center. Kari has over 15 years of experience in this field, and she is an excellent resource when I have questions. Another great resource has been Kaitlyn at Power Wellness. She was in a similar role as I am now and has provided me with a lot of guidance and support. These two people have amazing resources that have made it much easier for me to be able to help my clients to the best of my ability, so they can hopefully live more comfortably after their time with us in the MyFitRx® program.

Thank you Brenda for your insight on the MyFitRx® program. For more information, about MyFitRx® please visit the Member Service Desk or call 734-214-0220 today.

The post The “Why” Behind MyFitRx® with Wellness Navigator, Brenda Ardelean appeared first on Chelsea Wellness Center.

In certain situations, an automatic external defibrillator (AED) can help to reset the normal rhythm of an individual’s heart when someone is in cardiac arrest. Knowing when to use an AED is a critical part of the chain of events to help someone survive a cardiac arrest.

At our fitness facility, our team is trained on how to deliver high-quality CPR through quality programs offered by credible organizations including the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association®. In addition, AEDs are located within the facility to help ensure they can be accessed quickly when needed.

We encourage you to be ready during an emergency by taking a CPR/AED class. Interesting in signing up through Chelsea Hospital? Click here.

REFERENCE:

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

The post CPR/AED Training – Be Ready When Minutes Matter appeared first on Chelsea Wellness Center.

Try these four exercises to increase flexibility in your midsection courtesy of the American Heart Association.

Torso Stretch [Stretch the midsection (waist)].

Starting Position: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Action:

• Place hands behind your head with elbows out to the side. You can also cross your arms over your body or leave them at your sides, whichever is most comfortable.
• Bend your body to one side, bending at the waist. Keep your head facing forward. Hold for 5 seconds.
• Return to starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Repeat: 6 to 8 times on each side. Rest, then do a second set.

Torso Twist [Stretch the midsection (waist)].

Starting Position: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Action:

• Place hands behind your head with elbows out to the side. You can also cross your arms over your body or leave them at your sides, whichever is most comfortable.
• Slowly twist your body to one side so you face the side wall. Your head should follow your body as you turn. Be sure to twist from your waist without moving your hips.
• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds.
• Slowly return to starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Repeat: 6 to 8 times on each side. Rest, then do a second set.

Neck Stretch [Improve neck flexibility]

Starting Position: Sit tall, feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Action:

• Slowly turn your head to look over your shoulder. Keep your back against the chair and your shoulders facing forward.
  Hold the position for 10-30 seconds.
• Return to starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Repeat: 6 to 8 times on each side. Rest, then do a second set.

Seated March [Increase hip flexibility.]

Starting Position: Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Action:

• Raise one knee as high as you comfortably can.
• Return to starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Repeat: March 12 to 16 times (6 to 8 times per leg). Rest, then do a second set.

Did you know that our facility offers an 8-week comprehensive medical fitness program? MyFitRx® includes 10 pathways designed to help improve the level of physical activity in individuals living with chronic disease, managing medical conditions or who need additional support.

The MyFitRx® Cardiac Fitness pathway delivers guidance to help reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, gain strength and increase endurance. Please visit the Member Services desk to learn more or sign up.

REFERENCE:

Association, American Heart. 2018. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises. March 31. Accessed January 20, 2023. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab/getting-physically-active/stretching-and-flexibility-exercises.

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