Anschutz Health and Wellness Center in Aurora, Colo. recently opened a sports performance center to enhance its already staggering list of amenities. Additionally, the Colorado University football team has taken advantage of the athletic performance center in order to improve its success on, and off, the field.
We decided to take this opportunity to speak with James O. Hill, PhD., the executive director of Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, to find out a little more about what makes his health and wellness center tick.
CS: Why was Anschutz Health and Wellness Center opened?
JH: It is a translational center. Our researchers are conducting cutting-edge research on lifestyle and health. But we are also bridging the gap between conducting research and using that research to develop programs and initiatives to help people be healthier in their lives. Our goal is to help people accumulate wellness. Wellness consists of eating healthy, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, dealing with stress, getting adequate sleep and having a positive mindset.
CS: How was the name Anschutz Health and Wellness derived?
JH: The Anschutz Foundation provided a major gift, so their name is on the building. We wanted to call it the health and wellness center, to emphasize we are focused on helping people work on positive attributes of health.
CS: How has Anschutz incorporated wellness and fitness?
JH: We have developed a wellness assessment that measures six dimensions of wellness — physical fitness, metabolic fitness, diet fitness, sleep, stress, quality of life. Based on this assessment, we offer programs to help improve each of these dimensions. We offer the opportunity for people to develop a personalized wellness plan. Wellness is not only one thing — it is a balance.
CS: Why did Anschutz decide to launch a sports performance program?
JH: We are strong advocates of making exercise a part of daily life. With our human performance program we can help people get more out of their exercise. This might involve helping an athlete train in a way to improve performance, or help someone wanting to lose weight to get the most fat-burning out of their workout. Understanding how your body responds to exercise will enhance your enjoyment of exercise and help you stay with your program.
CS: How does the sports performance program stay true to the mission of Anschutz?
JH: You cannot be well if you don’t move your body. This program gives people very useful information about how to exercise in a way to best achieve their goals. This in turn will help ensure that people stick with their exercise plan.
CS: How have members responded to the sports performance program?
JH: This has turned out to be one of our most popular programs. We get everyone from elite athletes to overweight, sedentary people engaging these services. They all feel that it helps them better incorporate exercise into their lives.
As told to Tyler Montgomery
