Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation will have the grand opening of the facility's new fitness center on Friday (Feb. 9).

Anyone interested in more information or to see the new center first-hand is encouraged to attend the public drop-in reception from 12-6 p.m.

Officials said staff "will be on hand to show you how the center and its programs can benefit you."

Demonstrations, staff- or self-guided tours will be available.

Officials said, "Because Siskin Hospital knows that fitness is for everybody, the new and unique Fitness Center welcomes and accommodates people of every fitness and ability level. Catering to people with disabilities, the elderly, and those who prefer a safe, friendly atmosphere, the Center helps to minimize feelings of self-consciousness. The facility can accommodate just about anyone, including amputees, stroke victims, diabetics, able-bodies, and, really, anyone interested in getting a good workout."

“Many of our members are those who do not feel comfortable in gyms that cater primarily to able-bodied people,” said Tod Cain, Siskin Hospital’s director of therapy services. “Members include those who are disabled, have never been Siskin Hospital patients, are former patients who wish to maintain or improve function gained from physical rehabilitation, or are concerned about maintaining independence, health and fitness as they age.”

He said upon entering the facility, the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital may look like any other gym. But upon further inspection, one would find many adaptations that make the Center usable to people in wheelchairs, who are amputees, or who may not have the strength to manipulate tricky equipment.

Here are some examples:

•The building was designed with disability in mind. You’ll find no heavy doors that are hard to open and no thresholds that are hard to step or wheel over.
•There is a variety of specialized resistance and endurance-building equipment designed for people in wheelchairs.
•Weight machines have been adapted with electrically adjustable seats (on select machines) and all are equipped with storage rods to hold canes, workout bottles and other items, minimizing the need to reach down to the floor.
•The exercise equipment layout is spacious to allow for wheelchair movement.
•The exercise equipment layout and markings makes it easy to know what machines to use.
•There is a suspension system with a harness to increase safety during certain exercises.
•There are indoor and outdoor walking/rolling tracks.
•We offer specialized workout programs built from our therapists’ knowledge and experience in physical rehabilitation. Plans exist based on different diagnoses as well, including diabetes, joint replacement surgeries, spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, etc. Every member is encouraged to meet with a staff member regularly to review progress and any changes needed so that progress continues.

“This truly opens the door of opportunity for those who may need assistance to exercise,” said Mr. Cain. “We want to be accessible to our members and help them to overcome barriers that stand in their way toward progress and fitness.”

This is a place where disabled and able-bodied people, whether former patients or not, can exercise side-by-side in a comfortable, encouraging environment, it was stated.

For more information, please call the Fitness Center at (423) 634-1234 or visit http://www.SiskinRehab.org.