HealthFit also the first Florida fitness center to be certified by the Medical Fitness Association
Sarasota Memorial’s HealthFit has been named Medical Fitness Facility of the Year for 2023, an honor that recognizes HealthFit’s “range of medically supervised fitness programs and commitment to excellent outcomes,” the Sarasota Memorial (SMH) Health Care System has announced.
“Focused on functional fitness and strength training for all ages, HealthFit also provides specialized classes to assist people with past injuries, or those living with or recovering from cancer or other diseases, exercise and rebuild strength safely,” a news release explains. HealthFit’s oncology exercise and wellness care classes, which are free to members of the community, include oncology yoga and tai chi, among other recovery exercises, the release adds.
In 2017, the SMH HealthFit facility became the first fitness center in Florida to be certified by the Medical Fitness Association, the release adds. “It remains one of only two certified facilities in the state. To retain the medical fitness designation, facilities must reapply every three years and pass a rigorous on-site inspection of its medically supervised exercise programs and outcomes,” the release notes.
“When Sarasota Memorial took over management of the facility in 2012, the focus on becoming a leading medical fitness facility was at the forefront of HealthFit’s mission, and we have never stopped,” said Doug Sham, manager of the HealthFit facility. “We started by creating a foundation of programs and services that would allow members of the community to continue their care after they left an inpatient service line or had a diagnosed condition. It’s an incredible honor for the team to be recognized, along with our incredible members who trust us with their health journey.”
“HealthFit has more than 3,200 members,” the release notes. “In addition to all of the amenities of a well-equipped gyn, Sarasota Memorial’s fitness center provides special programs and classes for people with heart conditions, balance/fall risk issues, osteoporosis/osteopenia, cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s, as well as custom programs to help women exercise safely during and after pregnancy.,” the release points out. Further, the release says, HealthFit “offers comprehensive wellness (nutrition, wellness coaching, and exercise) and ongoing community outreach and education.”
HealthFit comprises 44,000 square feet, “with multiple workout stations and training areas, a state-of-the-art spinning studio, sports courts, group exercise rooms and two heated, indoor pools,” the release adds. For information, call 941-917-7000 or visit smhfit.com.