At St. Jude Wellness Center, we take great pride in being a certified medical fitness facility, recognized by the prestigious Medical Fitness Association. We are, in fact, the first hospital-based wellness center in the state of California to earn this designation, which exemplifies the the dedication of our hospital St. Jude Medical Center to the continuum of health in our community. But what does ‘medical fitness’ mean to you, our Wellness community, other than a plaque on the wall? Let’s unpack the significance of this certification for health, for condition management and for your overall wellness experience.
Understanding Medical Fitness: Medical fitness goes beyond the traditional concept of exercise; it intertwines physical activity with healthcare expertise. A certified medical fitness facility is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where exercise is tailored to individual health needs. This specialized approach involves collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers to design programs that address specific medical conditions, promote overall health, and prevent further health risks. Our instructors are all highly experienced in the area that they teach and have educational backgrounds in kinesiology. Not only does our fitness staff have specialized fitness credentials, but they participate in continuing education throughout the year from both national organizations like NASM and our own internal hospital professionals like physical and occupational therapists on our advisory board and our orthopedic medical director.
Importance of Exercising in a Certified Facility: Choosing a certified medical fitness facility is a decision that will enhance your health and well-being. Certification from the Medical Fitness Association ensures that our center adheres to rigorous standards in staff qualifications, safety protocols, and program design. This certification is a testament to our dedication to providing comprehensive and high-quality care to our clients, combining the expertise of fitness professionals with the knowledge of healthcare practitioners. It is also important to know that certification requires an annual re-submission of documentation along with a re-visit from the MFA Board every 5 years to visually assess our programs and standards of procedure.
What to Expect from Our Medical Fitness Programs:
- Personalized Assessment: Our journey together begins with a thorough assessment of your health and fitness status. This includes a review of medical history, a fitness evaluation, and a discussion of your goals with our Program Coordinator.
- Individualized Exercise Plans: Based on the assessment, our team will craft a customized exercise and wellness plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or aiming for overall well-being, our programs are designed with your unique circumstances in mind.
- Targeted Exercise Sessions: Our certified fitness professionals provide instruction targeted to your primary health needs based on the most current gold standards in the industry. This ensures that you are performing exercises correctly and safely, and it allows us to make adjustments to your program as needed.
- Health Education and Support: In addition to your twice weekly exercise sessions, you have access to Open Gym and discounts on any other service or workshop on our schedule. We also offer health education sessions (both scheduled for the community and sometimes impromptu during your workout!) to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your health effectively. Our supportive environment encourages open communication and collaboration between you, our fitness professionals, and your healthcare team.
- Progress Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular fitness evaluations and progress tracking are integral parts of our programs. We monitor your achievements, make necessary adjustments, and celebrate milestones together, creating a dynamic and responsive approach to your health and fitness journey.
Your St. Jude Wellness team believes that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare-centered fitness. Our certified medical fitness facility status is a commitment to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring that your journey towards improved health is safe, effective, and empowering. Your health and wellness is our priority.
