LETTER FROM HPA PRESIDENT A MEANINGFUL STEP TOWARDS WELLNESS
October 2026 Newsletter A member’s first few visits can shape whether a medical wellness center feels welcoming, safe, and relevant—or confusing and intimidating. That first experience matters for any fitness center, but it is especially important in medical wellness, where members may be managing a health condition, returning to exercise after treatment, or unsure how to begin. Onboarding is more than paperwork or a tour. It is the bridge between joining a center and feeling prepared to use it. Connecting healthcare and wellness is important. Healthplex Associates (HPA) works with hospitals, health systems, foundations, and universities to develop and manage clinically integrated fitness facilities. HPA describes programs designed to help people transition from clinical care to a wellness center when they need ongoing lifestyle-management support. That transition highlights a central opportunity in medical wellness: making the move from a healthcare referral to regular participation feel clear and supported.
www.healthplexassociates.com
Without an organized welcome, a new member may not know which services fit their needs, how to use the facility, or whom to ask for help. A thoughtful onboarding process can provide a personal introduction to the center, explain available support, and help members identify a realistic first step. Onboarding should not be a one-size-fits-all fitness prescription or a substitute for clinical care. When a member has specific health concerns, staff should follow the center’s referral and safety procedures and coordinate with appropriate clinicians when needed. In medical wellness, success is not simply signing someone up. It is helping them feel that the center is accessible, that their goals are understood, and that support is available as their needs change.
A well-designed onboarding process cannot guarantee that every member will remain active or achieve a particular outcome. But it gives each new member a stronger, more personal starting point—and gives the center an opportunity to turn membership into an ongoing relationship focused on health and well-being.
In this Newsletter you will hear how one of our managed sites, Mission Fitness, makes the onboarding process a priority for new members and in return – has above industry standards with retention!
Don Doyle CEO/ President Healthplex Associates Email: ddoyle@healthplexassociates.com Phone: 412-721-9469
www.healthplexassociates.com
STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
In too many instances individuals walk into a workout facility and have no idea where to begin. Several are confused or may assume they know exactly what to do, while in some cases, people are just too embarrassed to ask how to begin a workout program. In the latter case, the worst questions are the ones not asked in the first place. So how does one begin an exercise program on the right foot?
Reputable fitness facilities will employ qualified exercise specialists and personal trainers to help guide individuals along their exercise journey from the very beginning. This will ensure a safe and effective workout plan to achieve reachable goals and avoid unrealistic expectations.
For instance, Mission Fitness provides many programs to help individuals feel comfortable in the facility from the very beginning. One of the many programs is a Health Risk Assessment or HRA for short. During the HRA, a personal trainer or exercise specialist conducts a one-on-one consultation to record baseline measurements such as body composition, flexibility, relative strength, blood pressure, etc… to establish a starting point for the individual to track their progress along their exercise journey.
www.healthplexassociates.com
Other programs that should be offered by any reputable fitness facility are equipment orientations to both the cardiovascular and strength training equipment. These orientations lead the user/member through the proper operation of each piece of equipment including program reviews and adjusting the equipment to properly fit the user. One of the most important aspects of the orientation to the strength training equipment is ensuring proper form is used at all times. This will help the new member avoid unnecessary injuries and assist them in reaching their goals. Outside of the noted programs above, new members should never be afraid to try a new group exercise class or a program that they are interested yet may not have any experience. Planning ahead, in this instance, will make all the difference in whether you enjoy something new or walk away feeling confused. Plan on arriving a few minutes prior to class time.This will allow you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the instructor, and it is a great time to inform them that you are new and interested in their class, but that you do not have any experience. The instructor will take the time to describe the class, assist you in getting the needed equipment and will also explain modifications to the movements you may want to try as a beginner. Remember, everyone started at some point and needed a little guidance to get moving in the right direction. That is why exercise specialists and personal trainers are there. An individual’s exercise journey should be enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding, so whether you are new or old to the exercise game, it's never too late to ask for help and start off on the right foot.
www.healthplexassociates.com