Lexington, KY - If you happen to be among the reported more than one third of the American population that has resolved to get in shape this year, the odds, unfortunately, are against you: research suggests that approximately 12 percent of Americans actually reach their New Year's goals each year. Kevin Balcirak, CEO and president of the Lexington medical fitness center Body Structure, points to several factors that serve as impediments to reaching those fitness goals, including intimidation, lack of accountability and unrealistic time frames.
After 15 years in the fitness business, Balcirak feels he has identified and eliminated these roadblocks in his facility. Body Structure has grown over 50 percent a year in the past three years, since moving to a new facility and a new concept. For over a decade at its prior location, the fitness center treated physical therapy and personal training as separate entities; Body Structure now combines these features for a more complete approach to fitness.
While the facility is open to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness status, it primarily attracts clients who suffer from some sort of injury or chronic health problem. "The types of people that come here are the ones who would not want to join a health club," he said.
Most of Body Structure's clients are between the ages of 45 and 90, though a younger crowd is starting to drift in, as the idea of "medical fitness" - one of the fastest growing trends of the health industry - gains popularity. The Medical Fitness Association reports 950 medical fitness facilities in the Unites States in 2008, up from 875 in 2006. The growth in the number of facilities corresponds to an increase in the number of individuals being served, whereas membership to fitness centers in general has remained relatively stagnant since 2004.
Medical fitness facilities integrate health care professionals in their staff, focusing on early detection, diagnosis and treatment of chronic health problems, from heart disease to work- or sports-related injuries.
Body Structure members enjoy the cleanness and privacy of the three-year-old facility (a 250-member cap means no waiting in line for the weight machines), as well as the knowledge and attentiveness of a medically-trained staff, Balcirak said. Cutting-edge technology options - including a "Body Bug" armband that monitors calories burned, and a USB "key" that inserts in weight machines to count reps and track a personalized fitness plan - contribute to the individualized service. But mostly, an emphasis on treatment and prevention of injury and disease, and certification as a Comprehensive Outpatient Rehab Facility (CORF), set it apart from the gyms or health clubs most people are familiar with.
"Gym membership is appropriate for some," Balcirak said, "namely, those who are familiar with the ins and outs of working out and are comfortable in the setting. Medical fitness facilities are more for people who need that personalized training, guidance, attention and accountability."
According to Balcirak, accountability is a key component of staying motivated and on track with a fitness routine - and the level of accountability that a friend or workout buddy can provide usually doesn't cut it. "Your friend is just like you," he pointed out. As a member of Body Structure, if you stop showing up, you can expect a phone call from an employee wondering where you are.
Contrary to what he has found to be popular belief, Body Structure is not "just for rich people," Balcirak said. A low-level personal accountability plan - setting goals and checking in with a professional every 90 days or so - can start at $25 a month; the more traditional private memberships start at $59 a month. A personal trainer four to five times a week (the highest-level fitness plan available) could run up to $600 a month, but Body Structure offers a number of options in between. Oftentimes, a client's insurance plan will foot much of the bill (Medicare and disability are also accepted).
"We try to individually tailor your program to your needs," Balcirak said. Each client undergoes a complimentary medical evaluation when they walk through the door at Body Structure, including an in-depth look at personal medical history and an assessment of current medical condition. These factors, as well as the amount of time, money and accountability a client wants to invest, are taken into consideration when personalizing a fitness plan.
Balcirak emphasizes behavior modification, and said his long-term objective is to keep people going, whether at Body Structure or at home. "I'd be fine if you were really going to exercise at home and check in with us every three months," he said. "With every patient, our hope is to transition you through taking care of yourself Ö The ultimate goal is to make clients better than before they got hurt."
Body Structure is located at 2600 Gribben Drive (behind Richmond Road's Chop House, just off Patchen Drive). For more information, call (859) 268-8190 or visit www.bodystructure.com.