What is Medical Exercise?  Good question and here’s a brief overview:

About 20 years ago, 1992 to be exact, Michael K. Jones, MS, RPT and Jeffrey Wright, RPT founded the American Academy of Fitness Professionals or AAFP.  The academy was founded to “Bridge the Gap Between Health Care and Fitness”.  The primary training and certification provided by this group is known as the Medical Exercise Specialist.  Pat Marsh, founder, owner and head trainer for XCELFIT was certified as a Medical Exercise Specialist in 1996.  The mission  statement of the AAFP, now known as the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals is:

“To bridge the gap between health care and fitness by providing a forum to educate fitness professionals to work cooperatively with medical professionals to develop safe and effective fitness programs for special populations and post-rehab clients.”

The role of the Medical Exercise Specialist is to:

“…develop safe and effective conditioning programs for clients with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological and metabolic disorders after discharge from general medical,  chiropractic care and/or physical therapy. ”

Prior to receiving his certification as an MES, Pat went through a training program with a group known as the National Handicapped Sports Association and became certified as an Adapted Group Exercise Instructor in 1993.  The mission statement for NHS which is now known as Disabled Sports USA is:

“The mission of Disabled Sports USA is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.”

At XCELFIT, we have been working with post rehab clients for over 20 years.  Clients with new hips, new knees, spinal fusions, cardiac patients, diabetic patients – Type I and II, neuromuscular illnesses such as cerebal palsy and MS, pre and post natal patients, and clients with a variety of health issues related to obesity.  Our clients range from 79 year olds with “total” hip replacements to high school football players getting in shape for the upcoming season after ACL reconstruction.

Not only do we have the experience to work with your special medical needs but if we run into something we don’t know how to handle or haven’t  had in our gym before we are able to communicate professionally with your health care provider to ensure a positive outcome to your transition from health care to self care!

If you would like to contact us about your medical exercise need please fill out the form below and we will bring you in for a free assessment and discussion of how we can develop a plan for your successful post rehab program.