A Conversation with Jessica Tucker, Operations Manager at Rex Wellness Center of Wakefield: What is the history of Rex Wellness Center of Wakefield? Rex Wellness Center of Wakefield was developed as part of the Rex Healthcare of Wakefield campus, which provides a comprehensive variety of health services for Wakefield and the surrounding area. The rapid growth of the area and requests from many area residents demonstrated a demand for a Wellness Center to serve the growing need for wellness services, which include health education, prevention and medical fitness programs.
What was the initial philosophy and inspiration for the Wellness Center? As part of the Rex continuum of care, our philosophy is to provide excellent and compassionate wellness services to empower individuals to achieve their personal best in a safe, supportive environment. We base our programs and instruction on national standards such as those established by the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Dietetic Association and other nationally accredited certifying agencies. We strive to provide services that are appropriate to the age and condition of each individual. Although we provide a wide variety of programs that evolve over time, this philosophy has not changed over the years.
What makes the Wellness Center unique? Rex Wellness Center of Wakefield is somewhat larger than our other centers in the Triangle, at 40,000 sq. ft. rather than our typical size of 30,000 sq. ft. The center has two large group exercise studios, a larger spinning studio, a separate personal training studio suitable for small group training and also two large classrooms for health education and wellness programs. In addition: • We offer nationally accredited instructors and programs. • We have an active Medical Director and Medical Advisory Committee that oversees our programs and services. • We are a member of the Medical Fitness Association (MFA) and follow guidelines established by MFA and Rex for quality. • We offer specialty programs for individuals who have recently completed physical therapy and treatment. • We provide nutrition counseling, therapeutic massage, tai chi, yoga and other health promotion programs. 919 Magazine WK
From left to right: Beth Casey, Becky Wallace, Ronnie Neal and Jessica Tucker Photo by Ame Deaton
What can you tell us about the facility and amenities? Rex Wellness Center is the first medically-based wellness facility in Wake County. Our facility features centralized check-in and adheres to hospital safety standards. Our facility is well maintained, clean and staffed with friendly, knowledgeable co-workers who believe in our mission and vision statements.
What are the various programs and services the center provides to local residents? Rex Wellness provides a variety of services and activities: • We have 70-77 group exercise classes per week. • We offer a full aquatics area, including two saline pools — and a therapy pool. Our wet area includes a steam room, sauna and hot tub. • We provide full towel service and lockers at no charge to our members. Soap and shampoo are provided as well as hairdryers. • We feature childcare during peak hours. • We offer a medically supervised exercise facility by well trained staff. • We offer top of the line exercise equipment that is clean and well maintained. • And we have massage, dietary services, physical therapy, personal training, Pilates, a monthly education series, weight management programming, basic life support certification classes, and swim lessons for a fee.
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December 2013 | January 2014
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