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SALT LAKE CITY — Exercising at the gym is often intimidating. That's one reason Intermountain's LiVe Well Centers are trying something new.
They are putting fitness centers in the doctor's office, hoping they're the perfect prescription for patients who just don't know where to start.
Joynce Mann, 76, is a patient at the Move Well Studio and jokes with her trainers about giving her exercises to torture her.
"My pain is less and my mood has improved," said Mann.
Her doctor prescribed these exercises at the Move Well Studio at 389 S. 900 East in Salt Lake City.
"I was leading a very sedentary life. She was treating me for arthritis pain, so she suggested instead of trying a new med she said let's try a specific exercise program," Mann said.
She was not interested in going to a regular gym. This appealed to her because the trainers eased her into her exercises, the classes are small and the program is individualized.
"Our exercise physiologists are all trained in order to give you an exercise prescription and help you work through those very small steps to get you confident," said Julie Roberts, a nurse practitioner for Intermountain LiVe Well Center.
Before enrolling in classes, individuals complete a functional fitness assessment to determine which exercises and classes are appropriate.
"We assess balance, mobility, a little bit of strength and endurance, flexibility as well," said Tom Cook, an exercise therapist.
The therapists develop a personalized prescription card, where you come to the gym instead of the pharmacy. For Mann it has improved her balance and posture. She can't wait to show her progress to her doctor.
"She is just going to be thrilled," said Mann.
The Move Well Studio offers classes to people of every age and fitness level.
