Looking for a good place to work out and learn more about fitness? You may not need to go any further than your local hospital. Many metro Atlanta health care centers have all the equipment - plus some expert advice - that you need to get in better shape.
In some cases, the atmosphere can be less intimidating than what you may find in a traditional gym. You'll also often find staff members who have impressive credentials, including exercise specialists who hold relevant degrees, licensed massage therapists and registered dietitians.
Check out the offerings at these five Atlanta hospital fitness centers:
Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center
2001 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 100, Atlanta. 404-605-1966. piedmont.org/locations/fitness-centers/atlanta-fitness-center.
When you join Piedmont Healthcare's fitness center, you'll start out with an exercise physiologist who will help you develop a Personal Fitness Profile. This will be used to create a plan to help you reach your goals, taking into account your cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/body composition and flexibility. Personal training is available, and you'll be able to use the 25,000-square-foot fitness center, participate in exercise classes such as yoga and cardio strength fusion, and use the pool and indoor cycles.
Shepherd Center – ProMotion Fitness Center
2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, 404-350-7789. shepherd.org.
ProMotion Fitness Center is unique because it's designed for people of all abilities, but it's also completely accessible for people with physical disabilities, allowing them to participate in all appropriate activities. A weight room, indoor track, full-court gym and pool are available, and members can take classes, private lessons and have personal training sessions. Professionally trained and certified staff members are on hand to offer all members assistance.
330 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta. 678-905-4457. wellstarhealthplace.org.
Members have access to unlimited fitness classes, which include Zumba, yoga and kickboxing, as well as a personal training studio, indoor and outdoor tracks and racquetball courts. Start with a health questionnaire and evaluation, which will help the staff develop a personalized plan to help you reach your goals.
Dekalb Medical Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road, Ground Floor, Decatur. 404-501-2222. dekalbmedical.org/our-services/wellness-center.
The Dekalb Medical Wellness Center has 18,000 square feet of space with an indoor pool and track, cardio equipment, strength-training machines and more. Over 70 exercise classes are held each week, and new members can start with a free fitness assessment. Members and non-members can also attend health-related lifestyle classes.
Gwinnett Medical Center Running Clinic and Fitness & Performance Center
3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth. 678-312-6800. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.
Gwinnett Medical Center's Running Clinic is designed to help runners at any level reach their goals and avoid injury. For varying fees, you can receive a gait assessment and dynamic strength testing along with recommendations based on your results. Follow-up training sessions are also offered.
The Fitness & Performance Center offers an assessment that measures your resting heart rate, body composition and more, along with a Functional Movement Screen to identify any weaknesses. One-on-one personal training sessions and buddy training are also provided.
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