By Rick Pietzak
Quitting smoking, losing weight and getting in shape are
popular New Year’s resolutions but they are difficult to keep. A new fitness program at Magee-Women’s Hospitalof UPMC is designed to help you keep that resolution by offering physical and mental health support.
“It’s a very
comfortable environment. It is not like going to the gym and you have people
looking at you and making you feel uncomfortable. Some people make the effort to go to the gym
but don’t actually go inside. They
don’t feel comfortable walking in so they turn around and go home,” Dr.
Gusenoff said.
Cooking
classes are available to help participants create healthy and tasty meals. Dr. March emphasizes there is more to the
program than just the physical. “One of the biggest challenges for people who
lose weight is the constant battle to keep the weight off. The Mind Over Body group sessions offer
support and develop strategies for permanent control over your weight,” she
said.
Memberships
are not restricted to patients. Anyone
can participate. There are three memberships available: a basic free membership
that includes an e-newsletter and admission to the educational seminars; and two
monthly memberships with additional services like cooking classes, nutrition
and exercise programs for either $25 or $50 per month.
Dr. Gusenoff and
Dr. March enjoy the Friday night workout. Called Happy Hour Redefined, the workout class is conducted by a personal trainer. Both attend regularly and especially enjoy the
social setting.
“People see us getting beat up by a good workout and they know we
are not there as doctors, but as their friends,” Dr. Gusenoff said.
