Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Newnan Hospital fitness center moves ahead

Newnan Hospital Health & Fitness Center announced today that it has obtained fifteen new top-of-the-line strength-training exercise machines.

The new equipment, manufactured by FreeMotion Fitness, allows more functional training for daily activities than traditional fixed plane strength machines. This state-of-the-art equipment is only found in select locations in the metro area and is handicap accessible.

The premise of FreeMotion equipment is ease and comfort for all populations who have a variety of physical limitations. FreeMotion machines were created to simulate everyday activities of pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, lifting and twisting. These are the six functional movements that our bodies perform most All of these movements originate from the "core" or center of our bodies. Training the core strengthens our spine and abdominal region as well as assisting in injury prevention.

Recently featured in Oprah Winfrey's January issue of O Magazine, FreeMotion equipment allows for a 180-degree range of motion, instead of the typical locked, fixed position. This "free" range of motion allows our bodies to recruit more muscles to perform an exercise. The more muscles used, the more calories burned. Clients with a weight loss goal will make rapid progress by combining these conditioning exercises with cardiovascular work.

"Exercisers today no longer strive for the best looking bodies and firmest muscles but to feel healthy while building bone density and strengthening our spines as we age." said Sandra Holt, director of Newnan Hospital Health & Fitness Center. "Maintaining an active lifestyle is most important to our clients. "

The Center's existing equipment is currently used for group exercise circuit classes, special populations and personal training. It is located on the second floor and allows for a more private setting while working out, which is important to some clients.

A Member Appreciation & Dedication Ceremony for the equipment additions will be held Sunday, March 2, at 3:30 p.m. The equipment will be dedicated in memory of Connie Merrigan, previous Center Director who recently passed away. The community is invited.

Newnan Hospital Health & Fitness Center is located on the court square in historic downtown Newnan at 26 West Court Square. For more information on Newnan Hospital Health & Fitness Center, call 770-254-3550.

Founded in 1925, Newnan Hospital is a 243-bed JCAHO Accredited, private, non-profit facility offering the highest quality professional care with the latest in medical technology. In addition to the Newnan Hospital East and Newnan Hospital West campuses, other facilities in The Newnan Hospital Family include the Health and Fitness Center, Beaulieu Convalescent Center, Wound Treatment Center, Sleep Center, and the Summit Healthplex.