Special Programs

Tai Chi | 55+ | Cardiac Wellness | Lively Lungs

Tai Chi

This class is offered on Saturday mornings
at 8:00AM and is free to members.
 Non-Members may pay a $10.00 guest fee to attend.

Gary Brandt: Instructor

Gary has studied Tai Chi for 10 years and has been teaching for five.  The Tai Chi form being taught is of the Yang style and is a short form.  The short form being taught by Gary has been choreographed by Mr. Peter Ralston who is the only non-Asian martial artist to have won the World Martial Arts Competition.  Gary is continuing his studies of the art of Cheng Hsin with Pete Ralston of Pipe Creek, Texas.  

Tai Chi, pronounced "tie chee", is a gentle exercise program that is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Derived from the martial arts, tai chi is composed of slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing, which enhance physical health and emotional well-being.  The Tai Chi form is being taught for health purposes, not marital.  

This class is designed to teach you a short Tai Chi form and with it guide you to re-experience your body as an object in space connected to the ground.  This will all be done through gentle, repetitive movements, while working with a slow relaxed breath.  Gary will lead you through the five basic principles or states of being that will help you connect your mind, your body and experience of being.  This work is not limited by age or ability, and can be applied to everything you do.  Keep in mind always that you can only do what you can do today with your body and that everyone has different abilities and limitations.

55 Plus - Health and Fitness Program

Memorial Hospital and Belleville Health and Sports Center offer a self-health wellness program designed specifically for the increasing number of people 55 years or older who are concerned about their total health and fitness.

Exercise

• Flexibility
• Cardiovascular
  • Walking/Jogging Track
  • Lifecycles
  • Rowers
  • Stairmasters
  • Aerobics Classes
  • Racquetball
  • Treadmills
  • NuSteps
• Strength
  • Nautilus and Free Weights

   

Advisory Board and Social Activities

55 PLUS members have input regarding programming and special events offered. Among the activities are:

• Theme Luncheons
• Health-wise Lectures
• Fall Picnic
• Christmas Caroling and Christmas Party
• And more outings to area attractions.

Cheryl Totsch (L), 55+ Coordinator, Aerobic & Nautilus Instructor
Karren Brandt (R), Nautilus Coordinator, Front Desk Attendant

Professional Staff

• A team of professionals supervise and direct the program.

Use of Sports Club

• Weekdays: 5:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cardiovascular and strength equipment
• Walking/Jogging track
• Racquetball
• Sauna/whirlpools
• Special 55 PLUS classes: Strength, Aerobics, STEP, STRETCH, Chair Aerobics

Fees and Membership Rates: There is a $40 joining fee. Three-month membership rate is $72 per person.

Cardiac Wellness Program

Fees and Membership Rates: There is a $40 joining fee. Three-month membership rate is $72 per person. Call Belleville Health and Sports Center (618) 398-2778

About the Program - Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with Belleville Health and Sports Center, offers an exercise program for graduates of a Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation program or persons with stable coronary artery disease.

Objectives - The program focuses on individuals who have had a heart attack, open heart surgery, coronary angioplasty/stent, or those who are at risk for coronary artery disease.

The program serves as a continuation of exercise for Phase II as well as a mechanism for progression of exercise. Individuals undergo an initial consulation with a CRH nurse from Memorial Hospital to help determine which form of exercise is appropriate.

Entry Requirements: To begin you will need a physician referral (approval), completion of a fitness test and completion of Phase II CRH Report.

Type of Activity - Aerobic activity is best suited for the cardiac population concerned about maintaining total health and fitness. This program features an individualized exercise program consitsing of flexibility, muscular and cardiovascular training. Administered by exercise specialists, each program is designed to meet individual needs.

Staff - The program is conducted by Memorial Hospital's staff which includes registered nurses specially trained in cardiac rehabilitation.

Time - Patients are encouraged to exercise at their own discretion. A Memorial staff person is available by appointment only.

New patients must schedule an appointment before beginning the program. Please call 257-5064 Monday through Friday.

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Lively Lungs "Learn More"

Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with Belleville Health and Sports Center, offers an exercise program for graduates of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation program or persons with stable lung disease, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fees and Rates: $40 joining fee. Three-month membership rate is $72 per person.

Objectives

The program is designed specifically for lung patients, using individualized and gradual reconditioning techniques.Individuals undergo an initial consultation with a respiratory therapist from Memorial Hospital to help determine which form of exercise is appropriate.

Entry Requirements

To begin, you will need:

1. Physician referral (approval)

2. Completion of a fitness test

Type of Activity

Held at Belleville Health and Sports Center, this program is designed so you can exercise without having to worry about heat or smog. Small groups "work out" at their own pace on stationary bikes, treadmills and with light weights.

All sessions are supervised by a respiratory therapist who instructs in self-pacing, pulse taking, breathing techniques and equipment use.

Staff

The program is conducted by Memorial Hospital's staff which includes registered respiratory therapists specially trained in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Time

Patients are encouraged to exercise at their own discretion. A Memorial staff person is available on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, please call 257-5560 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fees

$40.00 joining fee

$72.00 for three months (includes an initial evaluation and re-evaluations)

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Front Desk Staff
Louise Headen and Bobbie Stein