You have questions, we have answers. This month we spoke with Peg Bravo, the vice president of operations at Power Wellness Management, about medical fitness.
Medical fitness has been a hot topic in the industry for a few years now, if not more. How do you define medical fitness? PB: Medical fitness is defined by key model tenets including provider referral, a safe environment and a well-educated fitness team that delivers risk stratification, fitness assessment and individualized exercise plans. Medical fitness is an extension of the care continuum that if properly assessed, supported, taught and adhered to with regularity can limit disease exacerbations and optimize health throughout the natural aging process. Exercise physiologists deliver a unique service in providing fitness prescription and have knowledge to refer participants back to physicians or healthcare providers.
What opportunities does medical fitness provide the health club industry? PB: Medical fitness environments have worked diligently to dispel the notion that only the most physically fit attend fitness centers. Where medical fitness has bridged the gap is in the referrals from physicians and other healthcare providers for transitional care before and after medical treatment and intervention including, but not limited to, rehabilitation. Further, a characteristic of a medically integrated setting includes attention to member engagement and support. Making a connection with members, along with teaching proper use of equipment, movement and body mechanics, is vital in providing acceptance and a welcoming atmosphere to a population that has historically lacked confidence in their ability, in comparison to others at a center or gym.
What’s a common mistake you’ve seen health clubs make when it comes to medical fitness? PB: One of the challenges is developing program offerings in a consistent, organized manner with judicious use of resources. When intake, exercise prescription and scheduling have a similar framework, the structure creates ease in the overall administration of multiple programs for the inactive or chronic disease populations. Developing and designing a program is the easy part when well-trained and educated staff are tasked. However, keeping processes clean, simple and well-organized can be overlooked.
What’s a common misconception about medical fitness you’d like to dispel? PB: One of the most common misconceptions about medical fitness is that centers are only for seniors and persons with chronic or acute health conditions. The average age of the members we serve is approximately 51 years of age. However, a healthy, generational member mix exists. Comments from member surveys suggest that the age diversity within the center is viewed as a valued part of the culture. The membership health status, like age, varies among center users within the continuum of fit athletes to those that may have limitations due to health conditions, but still work at their optimal pace.
