Posted January 21, 2011 - 11:49am by Tracy
Lincoln Square's Galter LifeCenter is Illinois' first certified Medical Fitness Facility
UPDATE: To watch a video of all the fun stuff happening at Galter LifeCenter to celebrate their MFA certification, visit the Galter LifeCenter Facebook page.
Galter LifeCenter — located on the campus of Swedish Covenant Hospital — was recently added to the list of only 14 fitness centers in the nation ever to receive Medical Fitness Association (MFA) Facility Certification.
Many companies brag about certification and honors they receive. So what does this certification really mean for the people in our community?
A lot, as it turns out.
“It’s proof that the resources are of the highest caliber and level of expertise you can find," said Rachel Stark Inch, a Galter LifeCenter member. "When you ask for advice you know that what you will get is medically grounded and from a reliable source. You know that the classes are led by someone knowledgeable.”
In order to receive this certification, Galter LifeCenter was grilled on site visits and tests to see how it held up against 24 rigorous standards for facility operations, safety, integration of fitness and medical services, disease management programs and quality of staff. Galter LifeCenter exceeded each of these standards.
Galter LifeCenter is designed to serve people who need medical fitness services, such as rehabilitation, therapy and fitness guidance, thanks to its seamless integration with Swedish Covenant Hospital. But it’s also a plus for those who are healthy and focused on fitness and wellness. For them, this certification means they benefit from a highly qualified (and credentialed) staff, the latest equipment, safe conditions and a healthy, clean environment.
The impressive and unique mix of fitness classes, wellness programs, aquatic courses and integrative therapies is proof enough of that.
Trisha Palma, another member, said that she can see the difference.
“[The MFA certification] shows that the focus is more on well-being. It’s not about looks here like other gyms. It’s making people better inside and out," she said. "The focus is on overall wellness and that shows through."
Comments (3)
Is this facility funded by the city of Chicago? Or is it privately owned? Do they accept insurance? I'm having difficulties with the effects of cold weather on arthritis and I'm worried about the up-coming storm front.
February 1, 2011 - 12:16pmIt is very interesting to hear that Galter LifeCenter is one of only 14 in the nation. I've seen big name gyms tout their partnerships with rehab facilities or services and call themselves "medical fitness" experts. But this certification seems to indicate that Galter is in a different league.
January 27, 2011 - 11:25amIt gives me peace of mind to know that while I'm fit and healthy now, if I need physical therapy or advanced care as I age I'll still be comfortable at Galter LifeCenter. I also love the fact that the staff is so well-trained and qualified. Galter LifeCenter is definitely more sophisticated (and cleaner!) than the other gyms I've been to.
January 27, 2011 - 10:10am