Curious About the Wellness Center?

The Manchester Wellness Center, located behind the Middle School, held an open house on Saturday. Emphasized on the tour was that members were all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels.

Amy Heydlauff, CEO of the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation which funds the Manchester Wellness Center recently released this list of the ‘types’ of people who come the Wellness Centers. She states “You may find yourself among these descriptions even though it’s not an exhaustive list.”

• Terribly out of shape and feeling it. Congratulations to those of you who overcame your discomfort (physical and emotional) by making a decision to work out and connect to your community in a healthy way.
• Parents with young families who have little time for themselves but want to set a good example for their children. They are scraping out a few hours a week for a workout or group exercise class. It may be what keeps them sane.
• Middle age, in decent shape but fighting to stay healthy and strong so they can actively enjoy their senior years. Smart. Very smart.
• Recent patients taking advantage of a wellness center or the Next Steps program at the request of or with an order from their health care provider. They are setting goals and have accountability, which we know increases the chance of success.
• Healthy teens, many with competitive goals, but not all. Those who aren’t competing often need and enjoy an outlet for physical activity.
• Seniors who embrace their aging selves and want to maximize every day. They also find good company at their local wellness center. It’s hard to be lonely when you see people every day.
• People with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease or depression. They know regular exercise is the difference between an accelerated downhill slide and sustained or improved daily functioning.
• Fit and healthy folks who are preventing injuries in their daily life, preventing or delaying heart, lung or metabolic disease and feeling energized and youthful because of their efforts. You can be our inspiration.

“Most of us don’t look like fitness models and almost all of us are overcoming something in our effort to be fit and healthy,” Heydlauff added. “It’s not easy (at least not at first), but it’s worth it.”

Membership includes free access to all of the equipment, drop in classes (currently 12 to choose from throughout the week), and fitness assessments. It costs $35 per person, per month, or $55 for a couple. Scholarships are also available in the case of financial need. The Center is open Monday – Thursday from 6 am to 1 pm and 3:30 to 7:30 pm, Friday 6 am to 1 pm and Saturday 7 am to noon. Membership includes access to the Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers which include pools, indoor track, whirlpool, sauna and steam room on Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm.

Questions? Call 734-428-0850 or visit their website.

Here are some photos from inside the center.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.