THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 12, 1996 TAG: 9601100143
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Chesapeake General Hospital will begin a major expansion and renovation project this month that provide more services to patrons of the hospital's Lifestyle Fitness Center.
Two new aerobics rooms, a fitness testing room, free weights, circuit weights and more cardiovascular equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, rowers and stair-climbers, will be added to the center.
The project is scheduled to be completed by early summer.
``The trend toward more of a focus on wellness is an area where Chesapeake General has always been a leader,'' said Beth Reitz, director of community health services. ``We really believe in wellness and keeping our population as healthy as possible, and this expansion will help us to meet our goals in this area.''
The expansion will also include an expanded cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation area and a child-care center. The cardio-pulmonary area has been developed to meet increasing patient services. The children's center will offer supervised play while the parent exercises or attends classes.
According to Reitz, the Lifestyle Center is continually adding courses and services as all ages are increasingly more aware of the importance of maintaining good health.
As more people turn to personal trainers to meet their fitness goals, the Lifestyle Center is offering a new personal training course. At the completion of the 40-hour, six-week course, participants will be certified as personal trainers.
Lecture topics for the training will include basic exercise physiology, exercise prescription, nutrition, common injuries and prevention, and fitness training. Practical skills include assessment of body composition, basic biomechanics, kinesiology in training and spotting techniques.
``Although most people realize their personal fitness level is an important component of their overall health, some do have the willpower or motivation to exercise on a regular basis,'' said Joni DeSmet, a certified instructor with a master's degree in exercise, who will be the instructor of the lecture portion of the training. ``Personal trainers can provide that motivation, and there are growing numbers of people who are willing to invest in the services and expertise of a personal trainer.''
The course begins Jan. 27 and continue every Saturday through March 2. The fee is $250.
For those that can only spare 30 minutes to exercise, the center is offering a lunchtime workout called ``Men in Weights'' and ``Women in Weights.'' The classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Some of the special topics scheduled include lectures on diabetes, migraine headaches and crock pot cooking for a fast and healthy way to eat.
Membership in the Lifestyle Fitness Center costs $30 a month or $65 for three months. There are additional fees for seminars or workshops. MEMO: More information about the Lifestyle Fitness Center is available by
calling 482-6132.
by CNB