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Bariatric exercise class helps manage weight
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If you're a woman who's had weight-loss surgery, is thinking about having it or just are too embarrassed to go to a gym, the bariatric group exercise class at Magee-Womens Hospital may be just right for you.
"It's an exercise class for people who don't exercise," but who know they should, said Vicki March, an internist, obesity medicine specialist and medical director of the Lifestyle Program at Magee.
The class meets once a week from 6 to 7 p.m. on Fridays. It is designed, she said, with the needs and concerns of the very sedentary in mind.
"It's a very supportive environment," Dr. March said. The class was requested by bariatric patients who knew they needed to become more active to keep off the weight they'd lost through surgery, but they weren't sure what to do, she said.
The first half-hour consists of low-impact cardio, strength and balance exercises. It is conducted by a personal trainer from Urban Active sports club and kept small. That's so she can adapt exercises to each individual's ability and monitor carefully each individual's progress.
The second half-hour consists of a group discussion about healthy lifestyles and goal-setting, as well as how class members can help each other attain their goals.
The cost is $10 per class or $30 for a month of (typically) four classes. The classes are held in Room 2131 at Magee-Womens Hospital, 300 Halket St., Oakland. The next session begins Friday and runs through April.
You don't have to be contemplating bariatric surgery to attend. But because class size is limited to 20 to ensure individual attention, you must register. Call 412-802-8299 or visit http://www.magee.edu/hec/Classes.asp.
First Published February 27, 2012 12:00 am
