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WYOMING VALLEY
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
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Phone: 570-829-8111
www.wvhc.org |
575 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764 |
Comfortable. Relaxed. Friendly. These adjectives aren’t typically used when describing a fitness center. But the members of STAR Fitness insist that their fitness center is exactly those things, and more. And with a quick walk through the main fitness area, it doesn’t take long to see that this is definitely not your usual health club.
Walking across the hardwood parquet, past the free weights and weight machines and toward the elliptical and treadmill units, perhaps the most notable difference is the gym members themselves. Their average age is 52. Some members are talking as they exercise next to each other or are waiting to do the next set of repetitions. There’s not much, if any, spandex being worn. There also aren’t any loud, grunting power-lifters – just bodies moving, many to the beat of whatever song happens to be playing on the satellite radio (mostly songs from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s).
“I come here for the comfortable atmosphere,” says Terri Citti, a 14-year member.
“You can come here and get a good workout, whether you have a half-hour, one hour, or two hours. You have access to weights, aerobic machines, and a lot of classes, and the staff is very knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions.”
The staff is definitely another difference at STAR Fitness, because each staff member has earned at least a bachelor’s degree and is trained to educate members about safely using equipment to achieve optimal results. Each member receives an individualized program, which starts with an initial evaluation to establish safe baseline workout parameters, followed by two additional scheduled workouts with instructors, two of whom hold master’s degrees in the field of exercise.
STAR Fitness also offers its members free access to a variety of group exercise offerings, including the region’s largest and most experienced fitness program geared for seniors.
“STAR Fitness is unique because it is the only healthcare-based fitness center in approximately a 90-mile radius,” says Joan Grossman, MS, RD, manager of STAR Fitness.
“We are well known for our cardiac and physical therapy, but what people don’t recognize is that we really reach out and appeal to the segments of the population that need to exercise most. That’s who we’re here for.” |
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