The fitness industry is gradually developing a holistic focus, with an emphasis on nutrition, smoking cessation, preventative medicine, healthy lifestyle issues and overall wellness. Just as group exercise classes motivate participants to adhere to their workout program, group wellness programs provide support and empathy for individuals with similar health concerns.
Group Wellness Research
Group wellness programs may reduce chronic pain and stress, according to a study conducted at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Wellness. Center director Dr. Robert A. Levine and his research term consulted 1,100 program participants, and reported that 45 percent reduced pain associated with chronic conditions such as sciatica and headache, 82 percent reduced their overall pain, 71 percent stopped using pain medications, and 80 percent reduced their stress.
Group Wellness Venues
Health clubs, small fitness studios, workplaces and community centers, churches and synagogues provide viable venues for group wellness programs. Doctors, physical therapists, nutritionists and university professors are possible group leaders, who may charge a minimal rate for their services in order to increase their business potential. For example, a university professor who has published a wellness book may be looking for creative marketing ideas. A physical therapist, looking for extra income, can present sport-specific injury prevention programs. Nutritionists can showcase their expertise and eventually gain private clients by offering weight-control and sport nutrition group programs.
Employee Wellness
Employee wellness programs provide a win-win scenario, says J.P. Farley, founder of the J.P. Farley Corporation. In an article on the company website, Farley asserts that smoking, poor nutrition and lack of exercise accounts for 70 percent of employee health-care costs . Farley suggests that employers make the programs a collaborative effort by allowing employees to choose the focus of the wellness group. Develop a recognition program for employees who meet their wellness goals. The fitness center at Volpe Department of Transportation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, uses a teamwork approach to group wellness. The fitness center staff divides participants into teams who work together to to support weight loss or group exercise class participation. The contests last about two months, and the winning team receives a prize.
Wellness Retreats
Many destination spas offer overnight wellness retreats at a discounted rate for corporations and fitness centers. These retreats allow wellness group participants to bond, while immersing themselves in health and wellness education. Most destination spas offer exercise, spa treatments and evening health and wellness lectures, while serving healthful but tasty food.
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