Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center takes part in Healthy Me! Program

Balance begins here.  It’s a simple statement with a lot of meaning.

According to Sarah Strefling, Fitness Promotions Manager and Cancer Fitness Specialist for Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center, the focus of the organization is on, “health and wellness which encompasses more than just the physical aspect, but also your nutritional needs, emotional  and mental.”

As you enter the facility, which is located at 111 West Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, you’ll be greeted with bright colors and friendly employees.  If you’ve never been to Memorial Health and Lifestyles, park on the third floor of the parking garage located at the corner of Wayne and Jefferson streets and follow the signs.  The inspirational messages and excitement of the people around you will be just the inspiration you need to put one foot in front of the other to become active!
Memorial Health & Lifestyles has agreed to be a partner in the Healthy Me! Program kicked off by

The Medical Foundation on March 3rd.  The Healthy Me! Program will have six participants who are chosen to receive a year membership and twice a month meetings with a fitness specialist at Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center, free monthly consultations with a physician at Family Medicine of South Bend PC, free lab work from The Medical Foundation and nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Those interested in being a participant need to apply by sending your name, address, age and phone number along with a 500 word essay about why you want to be a participant in the Healthy Me! Program.  Applications can be emailed to info@sbmf.org or mailed to Colleen Hahn, The Medical Foundation, 530 North Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46601 no later than 5pm on March 21st.

Each of the six participants who are chosen will have a health assessment done at Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center.  The assessment will consist of basic biometric data including height, weight, blood pressure, body fat composition, sub-max aerobic capacity test, and some strength and endurance testing. Strefling commented that these tests are used so the fitness specialists can help members figure out a realist plan and set realist goals that are individualized for each participant.

Participants will meet twice a month with a fitness specialist who holds a degree and is certified.  Participants will have access to the facility during normal business hours which are Monday through Friday from 5:30am until 9pm and on the weekends from 7am until 5pm.
The opportunities to become active and find a fitness regimen that the participants enjoy are endless!

There is a lap pool, which is kept at 82 degrees, for those who like to escape to the water for a good workout.  The therapy pool, kept a bit warmer at 92 degrees, is used for those with arthritis to ease the pain and stress on joints. There is a basketball court, free weights, medicine balls, kettlebells, cardio machines, exercise classes and other programming available for each participant. They also have a dry sauna and whirlpool.

Is it too much of a hassle to get a lunchtime workout in because you don’t want to pack up your hairdryer, towels, shampoo and other items? Don’t worry, they know it’s a hassle, so these items are provided for your use.  There’s no need to worry about packing up your shower gel or your towel, its part of the membership.

Memorial Health & Lifestyles Center also offers quarterly health talks that are open to the public and are free of charge.  The next one will be held on March 11th at 11am on Osteoporosis.  The talk will be given by Joanne Bilionis, PTA, M.S. and will focus on how nutrition and exercise can help control osteoporosis.  To sign up, stop by or contact the registration desk or call 574.647.2655.

Strefling encourages people who are just getting active to give it a little time and find something you enjoy doing.  “Honestly, if someone gave it two to four weeks, we’ll help you find something that works for you.  With group exercise there are so many options out there!”

If you are not chosen for the Healthy Me! Program but would like more information about Memorial Health & Lifestyles membership options call 574.647.2653 or visit their website.