Gyms and fitness centers have been around for a long time, but in recent years a new kind of facility has caught on: the medical fitness center. What's the difference between a medical fitness center and an ordinary gym or fitness center? Why are medical fitness centers a better fit for some people? Take a look at some things that you should know about the rise of medical fitness centers.
Wellness vs. Fitness
Weight loss is an important goal, but so are other aspects of good health.
The biggest difference between a medical fitness center and another type of gym or fitness facility is that the medical fitness center focuses on overall wellness instead of just fitness. It's possible to be physically fit, or working toward physical fitness, and still experience ill health. The purpose of a medical fitness center isn't just to help clients lose weight or gain muscle, but to help them manage their health.
Medical fitness centers are evidence-based and are often integrated with a healthcare facility, such as a hospital. Clients are overseen by medical professionals as they work toward their fitness goals, and these professionals can help ensure that their clients are meeting those goals in a safe and effective manner. Our very own Synergy Medical Fitness Center in Napa is an example of a fitness center integrated into a healthcare facility.
Who Benefits From a Medical Fitness Center?
While anyone can benefit from an evidence-based approach to fitness, medical fitness centers are particularly beneficial to those with pre-existing health conditions, like diabetes or heart disease. Individuals living with these conditions should absolutely work on becoming more fit, but they also have to act with caution. Fad diets or overly ambitious exercise regimens could prove very dangerous for someone living with one of these conditions. Medical oversight ensures that these clients can pursue fitness in a safe manner.
Medical fitness centers are also ideal for clients who have never before seriously participated in a fitness regimen. Inexperienced clients are in danger of trying to do too much too fast or falling victim to unsafe fads and trends. Medical oversight mixed with proper fitness training can help these clients take their first steps toward an active lifestyle.
More Than Just Exercise
Lifestyle factors, like proper diet, can contribute to overall fitness.
A vital component of medical fitness centers is their focus on lifestyle factors as well as exercise. At a medical fitness center, a client will receive input on lifestyle changes beyond just exercising. Dietary changes, stress relief methods, and preventative medicine are all important focus points at a medical fitness center.
In addition to employing their own medical health professionals, the staff at a medical wellness center will be able to communicate with a client's primary care physician in order to ensure continuity of care. This means that everyone responsible for the client's health and well-being will be on the same page.
For more information about the difference between medical fitness centers and other fitness facilities, or to learn more about our fitness center management services contact us.
