Summer is almost here, and you know what that means: time to break out the bathing suits and shorts. But, like so many other times, some of us may find ourselves not in the best shape to start the season. We’ve spent the winter in sweaters to hide extra weight we may have put on through the holidays … and we didn’t really get back into a proper fitness regimen in the springtime. Which means that now is the perfect time to start feeling great about yourself again – and INTEGRIS PACER Fitness Center can certainly help.

INTEGRIS PACER Fitness Center was developed in 1978, and is the nation’s first hospital-based fitness center. PACER staff believe that almost anyone can become fit through a medically sound program of exercise, healthy nutrition habits and education. PACER offers a variety of programs and classes to help each member reach personal fitness goals, from losing a few pounds, to strengthening cardiovascular health, to maintaining current fitness.

“We like to focus on the every-man aspect at PACER,” says Ami Menzies, health promotion coordinator, INTEGRIS PACER Health Services. “There are many different ways to keep fit, and it’s our job to make everyone who comes to PACER feel comfortable and welcome.”

The first step toward total fitness at PACER is an evaluation of your current fitness level. Your confidential evaluation includes body composition, cardiovascular endurance, cholesterol, blood pressure, flexibility, and strength analysis.

Next, your personal fitness goals and the results of your evaluation by your exercise specialist will determine the right exercise prescription for you by specifying the appropriate frequency, intensity, and duration of your program.

Finally, you’ll then move on to the program orientation phase, in which your exercise trainer will show you the prescribed program, answer your questions and make modifications as required. The PACER staff will continue to monitor your progress to help you stay on track and make adjustments when necessary.

Aerobics and indoor cycling programs can help you become healthy by burning fat and building cardiovascular strength. Some classes include TNT, Aerobic Dance, or People Pump. PACER’s classes are designed to fit members’ skill levels by offering beginning and intermediate courses.

Yoga and Pilates courses are available for those wanting a great workout, but with a focus on stretching and flexibility. If you’re looking for a class that will help build back strength, then the Better Backs class may be right for you.

Don’t forget to work weight training into your workout. Building muscle mass not only helps burn fat, but you’ll begin to look leaner as well! PACER has weight machines that target all areas of the body as well as a free-weight system. It’s important to alternate aspects of your workout regimen for total body wellness.

And, if you feel like you need a little more motivation, PACER offers personal training sessions to help you stay focused. Your trainer will help you find solutions to your biggest exercise and fitness obstacles, while monitoring your progress and fine-tuning your exercise program along the way.

“It’s all about finding the programs that work for you,” says Menzies. “We want people to feel like they have flexibility in their workouts. The last thing you want in an exercise program is to feel trapped into doing the same things day in and day out.”

If you would like more information about INTEGRIS PACER Fitness Center’s services, classes, and programs, please call (405) 949-3891.