Montage Wellness Center
A True Medical Wellness Concept
Montage Wellness Center in Marina, California, opened in 2011 under the Montage Health System umbrella.Our Montage Health Mission:
“We believe our community’s greatest resource is the health of its people.Our family of organizations is dedicated to pursuing optimal health for all people in Monterey County, from birth to end of life.” Our daily operations and service delivery at our fitness centers reflect this mission, and our Healthplex Associates partnership has this stewardship as a top priority
Our Wellness Centers
Our Marina campus is the home of our flagship wellness center, with 27,000 square feet dedicated to our fitness membership population. The construction was completed in 2011 This facility includes a junior Olympic-sized lap pool, a warm water therapy pool, a hot tub, steam rooms, and fitness studios. It also includes a large cardio and strength training footprint. The Marina campus hosts several other medical services, including primary care physicians, outpatient physical therapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, laboratory services, radiology services, and an urgent care facility.
In 2016, we opened our second wellness center in Salinas, California It is a slightly smaller facility, with 16,000 square feet dedicated to fitness. This facility also features a junior Olympic-sized lap pool and a warm water therapy pool. The medical services at this location include outpatient physical therapy and dietitian services.
Our Members
The membership population of the Montage Wellness Center reflects a diverse ecosystem, including a robust public membership base, a large employee population, and several medical affinity groups. These groups encompass a significant Medicare Advantage population, a medical referral population, an oncology group, and sponsored care members. General Manager Christopher Range attributes this diversity to be the key factor in operating a highvalue fitness product for the community, managed with fiscal sustainability Chris states, “Our unique membership diversity defines the medical fitness model, as we have a robust facility for populations that most would not consider being traditional gym members. Our average age is 60, which means we have a large population in the age range of 45 to 75.But our gym also has plenty of members in their 20s and 80s.” The numbers support these comments.
Our Medicare Advantage population is largely driven by Montage Health’s own Medicare Advantage plan.This population represents 25 percent of our membership and allows full access to both facilities as part of the defined Medicare fitness benefit included in the Advantage Plan. Montage Health employees represent 12 percent of our membership We also have a sponsored care program that allows members with defined physical limitations and low-income status to use the facility with a monthly membership that is discounted by 80% from the public rate. It is also important to note that many of our public memberships are referrals from our medical affinity groups. About 10-15 new members each month are referred by their physicians or other medical professional groups Combining this with our public membership has resulted in a combined membership total of over 5,500 between the two facilities.
Management
These populations come with varying membership rate structures. Chris Range states, “We are always looking at the membership category allocations and are very mindful in our budgeting and planning process We must offer a high-value product while maintaining financial health for long-term success.”
Three of our membership categories have different financial reimbursement structures. The Medicare Advantage payment has a visit requirement and is only triggered if the member attends the facility in a given month. Our employee population has a minimum 8-visit monthly requirement that triggers a 50% reduction in their membership dues, with the other 50% subsidized by the employer.Some employees even have a 100% employer-subsidized structure if they meet their annual employee health requirements, including presenting for annual health participation measures and laboratory testing. Chris Range stated, “Indeed, the budgeting process can be tricky, but the key is to operate the facility to maximize participation from all members.
Maximizing Participation
“Delivery of a high-value fitness product comes down to understanding 3 things and the 3 expectations involved,” said Chris. “People need somewhere to go, they need something to do, and they need to be around people who genuinely care and acknowledge them.” Chris breaks this down into 3 expectations from his team. First, the facility has to be clean. It’s a medical fitness center, it is expected to be significantly cleaner than other fitness facilities. Second, the equipment and facility must be in good working order This includes all the fitness equipment and the infrastructure such as pools, showers, toilets, and sinks
Finally, everyone needs to be acknowledged when entering and leaving the facility “We use these expectations as guidelines for managing the day-to-day operation,” states Chris “It’s also important that we are mindful of our employees' needs. We preach management for consistency and leadership for personal growth. We understand that our fitness center employees are just as diverse as our membership population, ranging from seasoned fitness professionals to entry-level support staff. It’s important to communicate with all our employees and establish a direction for their personal growth.”
Aside from traditional fitness center expectations, we also greatly emphasize community participation and education. We host a “Better U” lecture series regularly in our conference rooms that includes a wide range of topics. Some recent topics include strength training, metabolic conditioning, functional movement, pain management, balance, and fall prevention. We also have a cancer survivorship program that is administered in conjunction with our hospital system for those who have completed treatment. This also includes participating in the annual “Cancer Survivor Day” picnic hosted by Montage Health and attended by over 3,000 people each year. It has a very family reunion feel, and it is always fun to see our doctors cooking the hamburgers and hot dogs. Soon, we will launch a fitness pilot program that involves fitness memberships for those with a cancer diagnosis It will include participation from those in all stages of their journey from diagnosis to remission. expectations from his team. First, the facility has to be clean. It’s a medical fitness center, it is expected to be significantly cleaner than other fitness facilities. Second, the equipment and facility must be in good working order. This not only includes all the fitness equipment, but also includes the infrastructure such as pools, showers, toilets, and sinks. Finally, everyone needs to be acknowledged when entering and leaving the facility “We use these expectations as guidelines for managing the day-to-day operation,” states Chris. “It’s also important that we are mindful of our employees' needs. We preach management for consistency and leadership for personal growth. We understand that our fitness center employees are just as diverse as our membership population, ranging from seasoned fitness professionals to entry-level support staff. It’s important to communicate with all our employees and establish a direction for their personal growth.”
It’s somewhere to go, something to do, with people who genuinely care … but it may be more than that.
Healthplex Associates is a proud partner in supporting Montage Health on the Monterey Peninsula.
Over Spring Break 2025, local athletes took part in an exciting and high-energyseriesofQuicker,Faster, Stronger Clinics and the results were nothing short of impressive. Split into two age groups (7–11 and 12–17), participants spent the sessions working on key componentsofathleticperformance designed to improve speed, strength,andagility.
Throughout the sessions, athletes were introduced to sprinting mechanics, learning how to move efficiently and explosively with proper technique. They tackled agility tests that challenged their ability to change direction quickly and under control. Plyometric exercises helped develop explosive power, while core training and lifting fundamentals built a foundation of strength, stability, and injury prevention.
Spring Break Clinics
Help Young Athletes Get “Quicker, Faster, Stronger”
The clinics not only focused on physical development but also fosteredanencouragingenvironment where athletes supported one another and pushed beyond their comfort zones. Parents and coaches alike were impressed with the athletes’ effort, focus, and enthusiasm.
These clinics were more than just a workout they were an opportunity for young athletes to take their game to the next level. The coaches can’t wait to see how these skills translate on the field, court, or track inthecomingmonths.
We’reproudofthehardworkputinby every athlete and grateful to the families who made the commitment to show up and give their best. Here’s to building quicker, faster, stronger athletes oneclinicatatime!
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
SPEED& AGILITYCLASS FORYOUTH
TheCenterforFitnessandHealthrecently kickedoffayouthSpeedandAgilityClass. Led by NASM certified trainers Eric Oblak and Kody Callaway, this class is perfect for the young athlete. Classes are broken down into age groups (7-9, 10&11, 12-14).
Classes are hosted for members and non- members alike on Tuesday and Wednesdayevenings,6pm,foran8-week period. Eric and Kody provide detailed programming, giving multiple accommodations for any ability level Classes focus on improving change of direction,agility,andacceleration.
Kody and Eric have developed wonderful rapport with the kids and many have requested personalized one on one training with both trainers. Keep up the greatjobEricandKody!!Youguysrock!!
L E A N I N G
February was “Heart Health” month highlighted at the Center for Fitness and Health Each day, members were given the opportunity to take a free health packet with that specific day’s “Heart Health Fact”. From hearthealthy recipes to fat burning heart rate zones and ways to reduce stress, each day’s packet gave members ways to strengthen their hearts and live healthier lives By the end of the month, we even had members who missed a day or two asking for copies to complete their set The information written on the board as well as the packets really encouraged conversation between members and staff H O M E C
The Center for Fitness and Health would like to highlight Jeremy Coccari as this quarter’s Employee Spotlight Jeremy is our new male housekeeper and one of the happiest employees we’ve ever had When you talk to him, you will surely feel the joy radiating off of him. Jeremy works during the middle of the week keeping our facility in tiptop shape!! He enjoys using the floor scrubber the most but takes pride in everything he does. He loves to talk about food so make sure you ask him what he’s having for lunch Keep up the great work Jeremy!!
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Legendz cheer team
In March, our cheer team Legendz won first place and level champs at the Shout Competition, and our Flawless team competed at the National Cheerleaders Association andwonfirstplace!Wehavebeen having tremendous success with our cheer teams, we have 3 of our teams attending on April 12 in Orlando. These teams had to competeandwaitforaninvitation bidtobeabletoattend. th
Worlds is a highly competitive competition,andyoucompete against the best teams in the nation. We are so proud and can’t wait to see the success we have in Orlando! We have Renegade (our youth team), Anarchy (junior team), and Legendz (senior team) attending the world's competition.
New employees
EQT REC has hired two new personaltrainerswhoarereadyto boost our program and motivated to make a difference in our members' lives! Josie Morgan is our new full-time personal trainer, andJoshuaFranczykisournewest employee, and he is part-time. They have both already made an impact at the REC, and we are so excited to see their continued success.
Welcome our new massage therapist,JaimeWood!Weare excited to finally have a massage therapist in addition to our Hydromassage Therapy chair. Jaime is excited to work with us, and we can’t wait to see the difference she makes inourmembers’recovery!
El Dorado, Arkansas
HealthWorks visits local Boys and Girls Club
At HealthWorks, we find immense joy in visiting the Boys and Girls Club to engage with the children in enjoyable and beneficial physical activities. Our sessions are meticulously designed to cater to the holistic development of the young participants. Beginning with a comprehensive full-body warmup, we seamlessly transition into an array of engaging exercises, followed by a dynamic obstacle course featuring activities like basketball and football-style speed drills. The children's enthusiasm and involvement truly shine through as they immerse themselves in the activities with fervor. Lastly, we conclude our time together with a calming and restorative cooldown session to ensure the well-being of both their minds and bodies. It was delightful to witness the kids' excitement and enthusiasm when our dedicated personal trainer, Isaiah, worked alongside them to promote a more active and healthy lifestyle. It is a privilege for us at HealthWorks to be able to positively impact the lives of these young individuals through our engaging and transformative fitness sessions at the Boys and Girls Club.
Member Spotlight
Spring is a time of renewal, making it the perfect season to shake off workout boredom and breathe new energy into your gym routine. If you’ve been feeling uninspired, it’s time to freshen things up! Here are three fun and effective ways to revamp your fitness approach, boost motivation, and keep workouts exciting.
Try Equipment You’ve Never Used Before 1.
a.
If you find yourself using the same machines and weights every time you hit the gym, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone. Most gyms are packed with equipment you may have overlooked, and incorporating new tools can challenge your body in fresh ways while keeping things interesting.
b.
Have you ever tried the rowing machine for cardio instead of the treadmill? Or swapped dumbbells for kettlebells to add dynamic movement to strength training? Battle ropes, TRX suspension training, cables, and even resistance bands can add variety and target muscles differently than your usual routine. Don’t be afraid to ask a trainer for guidance— learning how to use new equipment can be a game-changer for your workouts!
2.
Refresh Your Gym Playlist & Gear
a.
Few things can make or break a workout like music. A stale playlist can make exercise feel like a chore, while the right beats can boost energy and make movement more enjoyable. This spring, take time to create a fresh playlist packed with upbeat, motivational songs that make you want to move.
b Take On a Fun Fitness Challenge – Join the Boomtown 5K! 3.
a
In addition, consider updating your gym wardrobe. A new pair of kicks, moisture-wicking leggings, a graphic pump cover, or a bright tank top can boost confidence and make hitting the gym feel more exciting. Sometimes, something as simple as fresh gear can shift your mindset and get you looking forward to workouts again!
One of the best ways to stay motivated is by setting a goal—and what better way than to train for the Boomtown 5k Run/2-Mile Walk on April 12th? Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, this event is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, stay accountable, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
b.
Start training now by incorporating treadmill intervals, endurance runs, or stair climber sessions into your gym routine. Even better? Grab a friend or two and make it a group challenge! Having workout partners keeps training fun and builds excitement for race day.
Spring is all about fresh starts—so shake up your routine, challenge yourself, and make fitness fun again. See you at the Boomtown 5K!
Jaime Wilson
Valencia, California
Each year, we host our own March Madness Bracket Challenge for both members and staff to join in the fun and compete for prizes. Participants fill out their brackets, and after the championship in early April, we tally the scores and award prizes to the top three finishers. It’s a great way to bring the community together and add a little friendly competition to the season!
Introducing the Henry Mayo Fitness & Health Community Facebook Page. We’re excited to offer our members an exclusive space to connect, stay motivated, and achieve fitness goals Get updates on classes, wellness tips, and special events, while engaging with trainers and fellow members.
Member Engagement
We are truly honored to have been voted the Ultimate Fitness Club in the 10th Annual SCV Elite Magazine Fitness Awards again This recognition is a direct reflection of our incredible members, dedicated team, and the strong community we’ve built together Their unwavering commitment to fitness and wellness inspires us every day!
HENRY MAYO FITNESS AND HEALTH
Fitness Programs
Our Small Group Training Programs have been rebranded to reflect the changes and mission we have made to our program design HM FIT is a comprehensive, full body fitness program built on the three pillars of Mobility Work, Strength Training and Metabolic Conditioning! The aim of the program is to provide high intensity exercises with a holistic approach to improve movement quality, bone density and overall strength to live a confident lifestyle Our HM FIT program is easier on the wallet while still getting personalized attention The workouts never gets boring and have a built-in support system of 8 or less other individuals pushing each other to results through adherence.
January we made available a “Goal Setting” table to kick off the new year! Our Certified and Degreed Lifestyle Specialists were available throughout the day to help guide personalized goal setting by differentiating outcome goals from behavior goals and breaking down those goals into specific skills and habits
In the month of March we highlighted both in club and on our social media accounts our entire Group Exercise department! Each member of our team had a personalized post and focus while featuring their classes, background and personal strengths recognized by our community. Members were encouraged to see the leaders they love recognized and many tried classes they had never done before.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Healthplex
Quarter 1, 2025
LUNCH & LEARN FOOD FOR LIFE
Our February Lunch and Learn on Monday, February 24, was an insightful and engaging event featuring Dr. Carol Wroblewski, a psychologist and certified plant-based nutrition expert. Dr. Wroblewski shared her personal journey of maintaining a 100-pound weight loss through a whole food, plant-based diet and provided valuable research on how this way of eating can prevent, manage, and even reverse heart disease. Attendees enjoyed a video presentation, group discussion, and a live cooking demonstration, where they learned how to prepare simple, heart-healthy plant-based dishes.
A delicious plant-based lunch and refreshments were served, allowing participants to experience firsthand the benefits of nutritious, wholesome meals. The event fostered meaningful conversations about healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes, and the role of nutrition in overall well-being.
BACK TO THE BASICS YOUTH VOLLEYBALL CLINICS
Our Youth Volleyball Clinics kicked off in January due to high demand for volleyball instruction, and they have been a huge success! These monthly clinics provide young athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills, improve their technique, and build confidence on the court. Each session is designed for players of all levels, focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, and game strategy in a fun and supportive environment.
With strong attendance and growing enthusiasm, these clinics have created great momentum leading into our upcoming Youth Volleyball League in May. The excitement and skill development from the clinics are preparing players for league play, where they will have the chance to put their training into action through structured games and competition. We look forward to continuing this energy and seeing young athletes thrive in both our clinics and league!
Annual Health Fair Brings Wellness, Education, and Community Together!
On March 22nd, Indianapolis Healthplex hosted another successful Annual Health Fair, bringing together 58 health and wellness vendors to provide resources, education, and services to our community. One of the event’s highlights was the Versiti Blood Drive, where attendees had the opportunity to donate and make a lifesaving impact.
This year, we expanded the event to include class demonstrations led by our Healthplex instructors, massages provided by our talented therapist Micah, and smoothie samples crafted by our Café. Attendees also received free Health Assessments from local organizations, which
included blood pressure checks, HIV testing, A1C screening, pulse and respiratory rate monitoring, temperature checks, and more. Our Healthplex fitness team offered body composition and balance testing, helping guests gain a deeper understanding of their overall health.
Adding to the excitement, Radio Next conducted live interviews with vendors, giving local businesses a platform to share their expertise and services. Our membership team was also on hand to provide tours and answer questions, leading to an incredible 58 new members joining our Healthplex family!
INDIANAPOLIS HEALTHPLEX AQUATHON SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD
The Indianapolis Healthplex Masters Swim Team hosted its most successful Aquathon to date, raising an impressive $6,256 for the American Cancer Society. This total more than doubled last year’s fundraising efforts, thanks to increased participation, strategic fundraising challenges, and generous support from the community.
A significant boost came from three major donors:
Runners Forum, which contributed a $1,000 match for surpassing $3,000 in donations
The Library Restaurant and Pub, which provided a $1,000 match for reaching $1,000
Arsee Engineers, which donated $500
In addition to fundraising success, the event saw strong participation from swimmers, with three individuals Melanie Butz, Debi Kinnamon, and Kevin McCluskey completing the demanding 10K swim. Support from fellow swimmers helped maintain high energy in the pool throughout the event. Indianapolis Healthplex played a crucial role in promoting and supporting the Aquathon, incorporating creative engagement strategies such as a live broadcast of the IU/Purdue basketball game with a donation competition, a memory ribbon tribute, and ongoing event promotion through signage, newsletters, and donation collections at the front desk.
This year’s Aquathon set a new benchmark for community-driven fundraising at Healthplex, demonstrating the power of collaboration and commitment to a cause. With growing momentum, the Masters Swim Team looks forward to continuing to build on this success in future years.
Indianapolis Healthplex Quarter 1, 2025
Our Kids Zone team launched an exciting new program this year Toddler Playdate designed to give toddlers a dedicated time to play, socialize, and have fun while parents enjoy a few hours to themselves. Similar to our Parents’ Night Out, this program is held during the day and tailored for our youngest members. To kick off the very first Toddler Playdate, Kids Zone hosted a Bluey Party, and it was a blast! Little ones arrived dressed in their favorite Bluey outfits, ready to play and make new friends They spent time running, laughing, and playing together in the JV Gym before sitting down for a
presented by KidsZone
special snack time featuring dino nuggets, lemonade, and Bluey-themed cupcakes all while watching their favorite episodes of Bluey! After refueling, the fun continued with more games and activities before parents arrived for pickup. This new program is a fantastic way for toddlers to engage in structured play while giving parents a well-deserved break.
Bay City, Texas
S T A F F
S P O T L I G H T
Kristy Hildebrand, Group Fitness Instructor
What is Mindful Movement?
Kristy joins us this month as a group exercise/wellness instructor specializing in mind-body movement. Mind-body movement encourages students to develop awareness of their body in the moment, reducing the risk of over or under-doing. Rather than following the teacher exactly, students learn to sense what is right for them.
“With years of experience as a Somatic Psychotherapist, I’ve seen how people disconnect from their bodies, relying only on their minds to push through. My goal is to help students regain awareness of breath, balance, and movement so they can move safely and effectively.”
Her classes draw from Yoga Therapy, Tension & Trauma Release, Functional Movement, and Pilates, with options for seated or mat-based exercises. The focus is on proprioception, posture, balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Kristy encourages students to explore their own "growing edge", challenging themselves gently while knowing when to maintain progress. Her approach fosters a supportive environment where movement is personalized and adaptive to each individual’s needs.
Mindful Movement, or Body Awareness, helps students adapt exercises to fit their needs by tuning into how they feel before, during, and after movement. This awareness supports injury prevention, functional movement, balance, flexibility, mobility, strength, and bone density.
Classes offer seated, chair-assisted, or mat-based options, ensuring accessibility for all. Over time, students will learn to sense changes in their bodies, maintain progress, and safely challenge their limits.
Odessa, Texas
NEW YEAR’S BINGO
The Fitness staff at Mission Fitness created a New Year’s BI-N-G-O game for the members to participate in throughout the month.The card contained a mix of exercises, wellness tips, and healthy habits to encourage the members to participate in healthy activities or to maybe even try something new.
The card included tips and activities such as completing 8,000 steps daily, drinking six glasses of water, or trying a group exercise class such as yoga, aquatics, or something new. Each completed card gained the member entry into a drawing at the end of the month for different prizes, including massages, monthly dues, personal training sessions, or just a good T-shirt. We had over 150 complete cards turned in during the month.
2025ThirtyDayReset MissionFitness
MemberTestimonials
Oneofthemembersthat completedthisprogram,Jennifer A.,statedthatitwassoniceto haveguidanceandthebooklet tohelpkeepherfocusedon success.“Inthepast,Ihaveset goalswithnoideaofhowto properlyachievethem.Ialways gaveupbythemiddleofthe month,butthisyearIwasableto stickwithitandactually exceededmygoals.Thebonusis thatthe30-DayResetcanbe usedeachmonthwithanewset ofgoals.”
ClinicalCoordinatorandPersonal TrainerJennaHuffmancreatedthe ThirtyDayResetwiththegoalof assistingmembersinreachingtheir newgoalsorresolutions.Recognizing thatmanyresolutionsdon’tmakeitto theendofJanuarybecausetheyare eithertoohard,boring,notrewarding, ornotspecificenough,Jennacreated thisprogramtokeepmemberson trackandtokickofftheyearonthe rightfoot.
Therequirementsforthechallenge werefortheparticipantstoweighin eachweekwiththeKoreBodyAnalysis, DownloadMyFitnessPaltorecordthe foodintake,andturninahabittracker attheendofeachweek.Members receivedabookletthatallowedthem totracktheirsleeproutineandtipsfor bettersleep,aweekly“habittracker”, dailyactivityandnutritionalgoals,tips forreducingrefinedsugarintake,a stretchingchart,howtoaddproteinto yourdiet,andalistof“eatclean” snacks.
Anothermember,WendyR,statedthat shehadpreviouslyattended9round Fitness,buttheclassesprovidedat MissionFitnesswerenextlevelforher andfocusedonthefullbody.Sheis nowstrongerandhealthierduetothe guidanceshereceivedinthebooklet andfromJenna.Shealsoenjoyedthe socialaspectoftheclass.Asthey becamefriends,theynaturally motivatedeachothertopushthrough theworkouts.“Itrulyfeelmybodyis changingforthebetter.”
Montage Marina was privileged enough to have an active-duty personal trainer, Joe Chrise, who requested to launch a small group self-defense program he called SAFE. In Joe’s words, “I started the SAFE program because I believe everyone should have the confidence and skills to protect themselves if the need ever arises. Too many people go through life assuming that danger won’t find them--until it does.
I wanted to give our gym members something beyond just fitness: real-world techniques that could make a difference in a critical moment. To learn how to throw a proper punch, escape a choke, and just be more aware of their surroundings, this program was about empowering people to feel safer and more in control of their own safety.” –Joe Chrise. The SAFE program was a 5-week program hosted two times a week for 1 hour where participants were able to learn various self-defense techniques, including how to defend against an armed individual. The participants of the SAFE program were initiated into the combat world with a lecture followed by a preplanned and controlled demonstration of escapes and attacks. All of the participants left the program feeling more capable, higher confidence and a taser pen that can go from a pen to a taser in a moment’s notice should there be a need.
Sierra Wommack’s Review
As a single female of color, I find myself in or not the vulnerability is in my mind or reality, I have found that I would not know how to react in the heat of the moment. Coming from a small town, I often don’t think of potential risks or how I have in the past put myself in situations that could have been avoided. Joe made the class fun and welcoming while also touching on very real scenarios and how to overcome the fear and remove yourself from the situation. He showed an abundance of patience and kindness as he repeated the steps physically and verbally and answered all questions that we had. Sometimes repeating a move 3 or 4 times so that those of us who wanted to take notes as he went could do so. This willingness to repeat shows that Joe is skilled at catering to several learning differences. I would just say that if we had access to a white/chalk board and had the steps already detailed in steps, it might make it a bit easier for the visual learners that need it written down.
Joe really drilled in the idea of always being alert and prepared. Keep your knowledge of self defense as a guarded secret after attempting to be non-threatening and to avoid escalating it unnecessarily. After attending class I feel like I will be able to land a really solid blow to incapacitate an attacker without causing injury to myself. While there still is the very real chance of panic setting in since there is never a way to know until it happens, Joe touched on being rushed and tried to create the situation to make us feel more at ease for if it does happen.
Self defense is a vital lesson that we should have available more freely as a community and I am very thankful that I was able to take this class. The time and effort that Joe put into his slides and into his lesson plan is extremely admirable. He also mentioned that he practiced getting out of certain holds with a fellow trainer right before class which is further proof of his dedication to this class.
All in all this whole experience was 10 out of 10. Joe really put his everything into it to make it a fun learning experience on such a serious subject. I would highly recommend this class not only to other women but to men and children as well. It is not talked about enough that the world is a very dangerous place that we are trained into thinking is okay. With the confidence that classes like this provides it gives the weak a voice. No one should ever be a victim of crime and not know what to do or that it is okay to stand up for yourself.
Side note, a mixed martial arts class might be a fun idea to play around with since my favorite parts were learning how to properly strike and kick. Since joining Montage wellness in October, I have taken several of the offered classes by many different instructors and I have to say that this has become a real pillar of my community. It is just growing better and better with specialty classes just like this one. Thank you for all that you guys do and special shoutout to Joe for being our modern day hero!
SECA
Montage Marina purchased a SECA bioimpedance device near the end of 2023 and, after a few trials and sample runs, has launched the medically approved device in our new member intake assessments. The US Access Board has recognized the SECA Tru as a medical diagnostic equipment and the montage management team is working on marketing materials to demonstrate the value of such a designation for our members and corporate partners. The launch has been strategic with access being granted only to current clients in order to establish an efficient process for the best possible customer service to the members when the device is launched facility wide.
Many of the trainers love the device and feel it is much easier to track their clients progress and can focus on the statistics that matter to each client. These clinical grade progress reports add tremendous value not only to the membership, but specifically to the personal training program at Montage. These 15-minute scans have demonstrated to hold sufficient value to start charging a fee for use for members not interested in registering for a full training package but are still wanting to see how their bodies change over the course of their fitness journey, which will create an additional revenue source for the fitness department and the personal trainers.
Lastly, our clinical coordinator, Elizabeth Ayala, has worked diligently to coordinate large group scans with our existing partners, successfully running 20 athletes through their bioimpedance scans in one hour. Elizabeth coordinated with our local semi pro soccer team, Monterey Bay FC, to stop by and get a scan in order to test how many scans can be done in one hour. This was a great success for our clinical coordinator and the fitness department by showing the potential for the wellness enter to host large group scans for many of our other hospital and community partners.
Metabolic improvement program
Do something today for which your future self will thank you.
Be healthy. Feel good. Start now.
The Montage Wellness centers launched a metabolic improvement program led by two of our top trainers Rayna and Raya. The metabolic improvement programs were hosted from February 3rd to February 26th in the conference rooms and group class studios in the mornings and evenings with over 15 participants in total.
These programs are geared towards individuals struggling with weight management with a desire to learn how to improve their metabolism using exercise and nutrition tracking. The trainers launched the programs with a 45-minute lecture on different approaches to boost metabolism such as increasing weight lifting frequency, increasing protein intake on a daily basis, and getting better sleep. All participants were given a workout and nutrition journal in order to build the habit of tracking their nutrition intake and activity throughout the duration of the programs. During the workout portion of the program, participants were taken through a variety of modalities with moderate to high intensity and were instructed on the appropriate amount of rest required to maintain a metabolic exercise bout through out their session.
Many of the participants offered positive feedback and were very satisfied with the skills learned in their small group sessions and were most pleased with the other members they met with similar goals.
Salinas Led by: Raya Lepper, NSCA
Marina Led by: Reyna Andalon, NASM
Healthplex Fitness Center has proudly partnered with the SBH Community and Government Affairs Department to launch a dynamic 16-week Boxing program designed to benefit teensaged14to22.Thisinitiative offers a valuable opportunity for local youth to engage in regular physical activity while developingessentiallifeskills.
The program began with conducting comprehensive health risk assessments, followed by baseline testing that includes range of motion, VO2 max, and flexibility/stretch testing, lead by our Fitness Lead Elizabeth.Theseinitialtestsprovideaclearstartingpoint for tracking progress. At the conclusion of the 16- week program, we will repeat these tests, and we are anticipatingsignificantimprovements.
Theteensparticipateinboxingtrainingtwiceaweekunderthe guidanceofourexperiencedboxinginstructorCoachSteve.
Once a week, they join a group training session led by one of our certified exercise specialists, David, in our stateof-the-art gym facility. This holistic approach not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
In addition to boxing and strength conditioning, the teens also participate in a monthly cooking class provided by the Teaching Kitchen at SBH. During these classes, they learn about healthy eating alternatives from licensed dietitians and gain hands-on experience in preparing their own nutritiousmeals.
Through this collaboration, we aim to empower young people in our community, helping them develop a lifelong appreciation for health andwellnessoverthecourseofthe16-weekprogram.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
InBody Challenge
Singing River Healthplex conducted its first coast-wide body composition challenge, which took place across all three hospital campuses of Singing River Health System. The challenge, which aimed to promote health and wellness among staff, saw great participation and enthusiasm from all locations.
The challenge focused on increasing fitness scores, with the male and female participants who showed the most improvement at each location set to win a fantastic prize package. Winners were determined based on their overall fitness score, a comprehensive summary of their body composition.
The overall male and female winners each received a $100 gift card, courtesy of the Singing River Health Systems Human Resources Department. This is a token of appreciation for their commitment to improving their health and well-being.
With approximately 50 participants at each location, the challenge was a great success in bringing our teams together in pursuit of better health. Over the course of three months, participants worked hard to improve their fitness levels, showing resilience and determination. The commitment to personal health and wellness is truly commendable.
STRONG(HER)
The tools of strength training can be intimidating. The new Singing River Healthplex StrongHer program is designed to take the mystery out of barbells and kettlebells so that you can train independently and confidently in any fitness setting.
No matter what goal, whether it is to lose weight, get stronger, live longer, improve balance, or simply improve your quality of life, the StrongHer goal is to help members get there! Singing River Healthplex offers small group personal training (up to 4 women per session), nutrition programing and 1on-1 training. Healthplex trainers adapt routines to fit any age and skill level.
STRONG(HER) & BE BALANCED PROGRAMMING
Targeted programming provides much needed services in the Gulf Coast Mississippi area.
Be Balanced Referral Program
Recently the ‘Be Balanced’ core strengthening program at Singing River Healthplex, an innovative results-driven program that guarantees a 100% increase in BALANCE & 150% increase in CORE STABILITY, was presented to a group of providers at Singing River Health System as a referral option for patients that failed their fall-prevention questionnaire at their scheduled wellness visits with their primary care physicians. This approach resulted in the Healthplex wellness center receiving 27 referrals in one day through the hospitals EMR system.
Thomaston, Georgia
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
TONY CHASTAIN
After retiring in 2017, I joined The Wellness Center with the goal of improving my physical health. Thanks to the exercise programs recommended by the excellent staff, along with some dietary changes, I successfully lost over 30 pounds and felt significantly better. My wife and I enjoy coming to the gym every morning to exercise and connect with the wonderful friends we have made there. In April, 2024, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery in September in Newnan, GA. My surgeon introduced me to a new procedure for prostate removal that is less invasive and minimizes side effects. To qualify, one must meet specific physical requirements and have no major health complications. My activities at The Wellness Center played a vital role in helping me meet these requirements.
I’m happy to report that my recovery has been excellent and I’ve returned to full participation at the gym. I am deeply grateful to The Wellness Center staff for their exceptional care and support through this journey.
What is Miles Matter?
Miles Matter is a free program designed to motivate our members to meet their fitness goals and have fun doing it. Members record and convert all of their cardio activity in the gym to miles in our Miles Matter log book. Once their milestone is reached, they turn in their log, receive their prize, and start a new log. The prize for reaching 500 miles is a 20% off coupon for massage therapy or personal training. The prize for reaching 1000 miles is a free month’s dues! Participant sign-up begins March 1st.
HPA Services
