Boone Memorial Hospital (BMH) employees are on the move to better health. As part of its employee wellness program, the hospital opened a new employee fitness center this month. The Employee Fitness Center offers treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and several machines, among other equipment. In addition, there are lockers, televisions, and shower facilities.
“This has been a long-time dream,” said Kathy Hill, APRN, FNP-BC, Director of BMH Employee Health, Wellness, and Education. “It is wonderful to have a well-equipped and conveniently-located fitness center for our employees and their significant others. In the near future, we look forward to offering classes such as Zumba, yoga and more,” said Hill. “We encourage employees at all levels, from beginner to advanced, to join. The BMH Fitness Center has something for everyone. Our motto is, ‘big changes start with small steps.’ So, no matter where you are in your fitness journey, we invite you to join.”
All Boone Memorial Hospital employees and spouses/partners of hospital employees are permitted to work-out in the gym year-round, free of charge. Employees may register for access to the Fitness Center in-person or online.
“While employees can register on-line, they are required to complete an in-person gym orientation session before receiving their membership card and working out in the Fitness Center,” explained Hill.
Employees who join the BMH Fitness Center through January 31, will be entered to win a kayak. In addition, employees who join receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and gym bag.
“Our employees have worked tirelessly to keep our patients healthy and safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said BMH Chief Executive Officer Virgil Underwood. “We hope the Fitness Center will provide our employees with not only a vehicle for stress relief, but also serve as a convenient facility which allows them to improve or maintain their overall health through regular activity and exercise.”
An Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the BMH Employee Fitness Center. Nearly 200 people attended the Open House throughout the day.
“We are thrilled with the turn-out,” said Hill. “Several employees utilized the Fitness Center within the first 24 hours of its opening. It’s very exciting.”
At this time, the BMH Fitness Center is open to hospital employees and their spouses/partners, as well as BMH Healthy Lifestyle Program participants.
“The BMH Healthy Lifestyle Program classes began in 2018,” said Hill. “The year-long program has been researched and certified by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). Those interested in joining the Healthy Lifestyle Program must meet certain criteria and attend weekly classes,” Hill explained.
Classes last approximately one hour and include education and resources regarding nutrition, stress reduction, healthy living, and diabetes prevention.
“While there is currently a waiting list, those interested in joining the Healthy Lifestyle Program should contact Brittany Whitt at bwhitt@bmh.org or 304-369-1230, Ext. 5526,” said Hill.
In furtherance of its goal to improve population health, BMH plans to include a community fitness center as part of its project at the former Magic Mart building in Danville, WV.
“Members of our community have made it clear to us that they want and need a place to exercise, work out, and take fitness classes, and I want them to know, we’ve listened,” said Underwood. “While the Employee Fitness Center is unfortunately not large enough to accommodate the needs of the community, we look forward to building a state-of-the-art fitness center as part of our project at the former Magic Mart building. The fitness center will be open to membership for not only BMH patients but the community at-large, and in addition to housing the highest caliber equipment and amenities, our plans for the space also include a 24-hour indoor walking track.”
A complete photo gallery from the event can be viewed here.
