Area hospitals offer fitness centers, guidance for the new year

The new year means the new you. That is what we constantly tell ourselves around this time of year. We start making a list of New Year's Resolutions that we swear to live by in the coming year and without fail one of them always seems to have to do something with taking care of our health.

In addition to great gyms throughout the suburbs, several hospitals have "wellness centers."

"We take care of the whole person," says Chris Weincek, director of The Wellness Center at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. "Medical Fitness Centers have medical oversight and their number one priority is health and wellness."

Hospital fitness centers started popping up in the Midwest during the '80s, Weincek says. They come equipped with everything from fitness activities and meditation classes to a spa, which is a true necessity. In addition, the staff at wellness centers is CPR certified.

"Prior to joining, we give everyone an exercise screening," Weincek says. "We want to see if they are clear or need to see a doctor. We have saved many lives this way and have the resources right at our fingertips.

"The fitness assessment measures your height, weight and body fat. It also tests strength and flexibility as well as your heart rate by having you either run on the treadmill or riding a bike," she says.

After the assessment, a personal trainer will then get you started on a program that suits you and you'll be shown how to use all the machines.

"We offer approximately 125 fitness classes on land and in water per week," Weincek says. "We also have a Pilates Reform machine which stabilizes your core through Pilates movements."

In addition to Pilates and yoga, there are classes like Zumba and belly dancing that will put a little pep in your step.

If working out on land isn't your thing, the Aquatic Center has a variety of classes. In addition to weight machines, the wellness center has a full size gym for basketball and volleyball as well as a running track.

"True wellness is all different modalities of wellness, with fitness just being one of them." Weincek says. "Everyone needs wellness that takes a lot of descriptions and we have everything for every one including a fitness class specifically designed for Cancer survivors.

"The Wellness Center is for the mind, body and spirit," she says.

Membership runs about $80 a month, depending on the membership options you choose, and the center is open to anyone. For more info, see www.nch.org/wellness/index.shtml or call (847) 618-3500.

Sampling of other hospital wellness centers in the suburbs

Good Samaritan Hospital Health & Wellness Center in Downers Grove: Center offers fitness assessment, cardio and strength training equipment, three pools, running/walking track, group exercises and personal training. Info: (630) 275-2700 or advocatehealth.com/gsam/services/wellness/center.html

Luther General Fitness Center in Park Ridge: Center offers fitness assessment, personal training, cadio/strength training equipment, swimming/water exercise and lunchtime and evening classes. Info: (847) 723-6138 or advocatehealth.com/luth/services/other/wellness/index.html

Good Shepard Hospital Health and Fitness Center in Barrington: Center includes fitness assessment, personal training, cadio/strength training equipment, swimming/water exercise, gym with basketball/volleyball court, running track, circuit training and health services. Info: (847) 620-4500 or advocatehealth.com/gshp/services/mind/fitness/