How to Choose a Fitness Center

 

A quality health/fitness facility provides a safe environment for exercise and is supervised by trained personnel. It will also allow you to use state-of-the-art exercise equipment and participate in any number of beneficial activity programs. Group exercise programs will give you opportunities to meet new people and exercise in a social environment.

 

 Location:  When looking for an exercise facility, find one that's either close to home or close to the office (preferably both if you work close to home). For those who work far away from home, the  location should ideally be closer to home to promote working out on weekends when you won't be anywhere near the office.

 

Cost: Most insurance carriers provide a reimbursement for fitness center memberships.  When looking for an exercise facility, inquire about membership costs as well as any initiation fees you may incur or discounts you may be eligible for.

 

 Equipment: Even those new to working out should be able to tell if equipment is up-to-date or outdated. A fitness center with outdated or non-adjustable equipment is best to avoid, as older equipment could increase risk of injury. A fitness center with the latest equipment is a center that likely emphasizes giving its members the best possible environment in which to work out, and that's important for all fitness enthusiasts, but especially those who are just beginning.  

 

Before Joining: Shop around and visit several facilities prior to making your investment. Some facilities offer a trial membership for a day or a week. Before joining, take a tour and ask questions. Observe the classes and/or programs. Take notes on what you like and dislike regarding the facility. You should consider whether the facility is located in an area that is convenient for you. 

 

Safety: The staff of the facility should be able to respond to any reasonable and foreseeable emergency situation that threatens the safety of its members. Staff should also provide you with any information regarding potential risks associated with using the facility. Check for these safety features:

• Does the facility have a posted emergency response/evacuation plan?
• Is staff qualified to execute the emergency response/evacuation plan?Does the facility have automated external defibrillator(s) (AED) on-site? These devices can be used to aid someone suffering a cardiac arrest.Is the facility clean and well maintained?Is the facility free from physical or environmental hazards?Is the facility appropriately lit?Does the facility have adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation?
• Does the facility have adequate parking, especially at peak times?

Hours of operation: Some people prefer to workout before going to work, while others want to sleep in and exercise after a day at the office. Individuals should find a fitness center that fits their schedules and workout preferences. It's also good to inquire about holiday hours of operation. A good fitness center won't shut down entirely during a holiday, and instead stays open on at least a limited schedule.

 

Personnel: The facility should have a professional staff that has the appropriate education and training related to the duties they perform. Professional qualifications optimally should include a college degree in a health-related field such as exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology. Any certification should be based upon job-related performance criteria which have been validated by scientific research in the field and analyzed for reliability and validity.   

 

Staying Active Pays Off!Those who are physically active tend to live longer, healthier lives. Research shows that even moderate physical activity— such as 30 minutes a day of brisk walking— significantly contributes to longevity. A physically active person with such risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes or even a smoking habit can get real benefits from regular physical activity as part of daily life.As many dieters have found, exercise can help you stay on a diet and lose weight. What’s more, regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels and build stronger, denser bones. 

 

The First Step: Before you begin an exercise program, take a fitness test, or substantially increase your level of activity, make sure to answer the following questions. This physical activity readiness

questionnaire (PAR-Q) will help determine your suitability for beginning an exercise routine or program.

• Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition or that you should participate in physical activity only as recommended by a doctor?Do you feel pain in your chest during physical activity?In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?Do you lose your balance because of dizziness? Do you ever lose consciousness?Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs for your blood pressure or a heart condition?
• Do you know of any reason you should not participate in physical activity?

If you answered yes to one or more questions, if you are over 40 years of age and have been inactive, or if you are concerned about your health, consult a physician before substantially increasing your physical activity. If you answered no to each question, then it’s likely that you can safely begin fitness testing and training.

 

 

Sign up now for Cardio Health

Cardio Health is offered at Live Well Fitness Center for those individuals who have completed Cardio Rehab Phase II.  This on-going class class meets Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays for 60 minutes. For more information or to register, contact Mary Kramer at (507) 934-8476.

 

 

 

River’s Edge Live Well Fitness Center

 

Live Well Fitness Center is open daily for members from 4:00 a.m. to Midnight.

 

The Live Well Fitness Center is designed to cater to the fitness needs of individuals with acute or chronic health care issues. Individuals will benefit from a guided and personalized exercise plan. The Center is staffed during normal daytime hours. Members will be assisted in establishing an appropriate fitness regiment to improve or enhance an individual’s quality of life. Additional personal training is also available.

 

The Center’s equipment includes treadmills, elliptical training machines, stationary bicycles, recumbent and upright bicycles, free weights and other fitness equipment. Changing rooms are available for the convenience of the Center’s members.

 

    

Mary Kramer, Exercise Physiologist, manages the Live Well Fitness Center at River’s Edge and received her undergraduate degree and Masters of Arts in Physical Education Non-Teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

 

She specializes in Cardiac Rehabilitation, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Personal Training. Kramer is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, First Aid and CPR. She is an experienced personal trainer and has worked in Phase Two Cardiac Rehabilitation.

 

She and her husband spend their free time on home renovation projects, walking their dog, ice fishing and hiking.

 

Mary is committed to helping patients and individuals enjoy their fitness regime. “If the patient is comfortable and having fun exercising then he or she will succeed gracefully to achieve their goals,” she said.

 

More information or memberships are available by contacting the Live Well Fitness Center at (507) 934-8476.