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For more information:
Contact the fitness center by e-mail using the link below or call 641-236-2999.

GRINNELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER IS NOT LIABLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS, INJURY, OR PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF THE FACILITY. MEMBERS USE AT OWN RISK.

Paul W. Ahrens Fitness and Rehabilitation Center
Membership Manual
Fitness Center Information
Fitness Center Membership Manual
Apply for Membership
Fly High Fitness Studio Information
Fly High Class Schedule
GRMC's Personal Coaching Program
Manual Contents
Benefits of Membership
Fitness Assement and Instructions
Facility Dress Code
Food/Drink in Facility
Membership Fees
Checking In and Out
Attendance by Member's Children
Fitness Center Etiquette
A Preface to Membership

Welcome to GRMC’s Paul W. Ahrens Fitness & Rehabilitation Center! We’ve taken great pride in designing one of the most beautiful fitness facilities anywhere! But we weren’t done: we went one step further by providing state-of-the-art equipment that can help you improve your health through physical activity.

Because GRMC’s focus is "Health Care for Life", we won’t be happy with our results unless we provide a program that cares for our clients and members throughout all stages of fitness. To ensure that our clients are setting goals and working out in ways which will improve health, our program is medically supervised. Along with an exercise physiologist and wellness staff, your physician and physical or occupational therapist are an integral part of your ‘fitness team.’

We want you to feel welcome, comfortable and safe with us. Please take some time to review the information in your membership manual; it will help you become comfortable with our premier facility. If at any time, you have a suggestion or comment, please feel free to approach us or any of the Facility’s staff. We are here to help you reach your goals!

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Coverage: All members must be at least sixteen years of age. Members sixteen or seventeen years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Memberships allow use of the Paul W. Ahrens Fitness & Rehabilitation Center during open hours. The "fitness center" (referred to hereafter as "facility") includes the exercise equipment, spa, and locker rooms; it does not include the swimming pool. Initial fitness assessment and orientation to the equipment is required. Lockers may be used when using the facility. Locker must be emptied when member is not using the facility as the number of lockers is limited.

Fitness equipment, whirlpool/spa, showers, and lockers are available only on a first-come first-served basis and shall not be reserved by members. Exception: Occasionally, certain equipment may be reserved for medical or consultation purposes.

Hours:

MEMBERS MAY NOT USE THE FACILITY EXCEPT DURING SCHEDULED HOURS
(Violators may be subject to suspension or loss of privileges):

Weekdays:
5:30 am - 9:00 am
11:45 am - 1:15 pm
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm (M-Th)
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm (Friday)

Saturday: 7:00 am - noon
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - noon (November thru March only)

UNSCHEDULED FACILITY CLOSING OR CANCELLATION OF PROGRAMS (e.g., due to severe weather) WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON KGRN RADIO-1410 AM, KRTI RADIO-106.7 FM, OR CALL 236-2999 or 236-2549. You may also call the switchboard at 236-7511 for information related to closing.

The Fitness Facility will be closed during all holidays recognized by Grinnell Regional Medical Center: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

For the safety of our patients, staff, and guests...

  1. Please refrain from using the facility if you have reason to believe that you are carrying a communicable disease, such as a cold or flu, and properly cover any abrasions or lesions on skin that may come in contact with equipment to help prevent the spread of infections.
  2. All members are expected to behave appropriately. GRMC will not tolerate offensive or violent behavior or harassment of any kind. GRMC staff will take corrective action to ensure the safety and peace of facility members and staff.

No cell phones are allowed while using the equipment at any time. If you must wear it, stop the machine and step off before answering or using the phone.


FITNESS ASSESSMENT

This required service, developed in consultation with physicians, provides members with feedback as to their physical health status. The assessment should be used as a way to establish a baseline (or "starting point"), not as an absolute indicator of physical health. It is strongly recommended that all members consult with their personal physicians before beginning any new exercise regimen. To protect your safety and to provide accurate exercise instruction, the following steps need to be completed before you can begin your exercise program.

  1. All participants wishing to use the Fitness Facility must fill out appropriate paperwork, including membership information, risk assessment and a medical health history. Based on information received from you, consent from your doctor may be required before being fitness tested or exercising. In such a case, a standard consent letter will be mailed or faxed to your doctor and will be returned directly to the facility.
  2. Upon completion and return of paperwork (and following physician consent, if required) the following testing will be performed. The testing will ensure that appropriate exercise is recommended for you. THE TESTING IS REQUIRED upon membership and annually. There is a one time fitness testing charge of $45, which may be waived upon certain circumstances being met. Please see a wellness staff member for more details. Note: Additional assessments may be offered as part of incentive plans, promotions, or other medical center programs. If you wish, testing may be performed on a more frequent basis at an additional fee; please contact a wellness staff person who can arrange an appointment for you.

Testing Includes:

  • Height, weight, girth measurements, and body composition
  • Resting heart rate and blood pressure
  • Submaximal treadmill test – each participant will have his or her heart rate and blood pressure monitored at progressive intensities that will be expected with exercise and throughout a short cool down.
  • Lipid blood screen – if you have had this completed within the last 12 months, please provide us with a copy. This test is optional; see your physician for further advice.

All testing should be completed in approximately 30 minutes (excluding the lipid screen).

These tests are routine, but carry certain risks with them. For further information and clarification, please consult the Member Informed Consent Form in your packet. Remember, these tests do not guarantee results or diagnose disease. They simply give the Wellness staff guidelines to develop your recommended individual program.

Following completion of fitness testing, you will be scheduled to come back to an individual orientation, at which time you will receive your fitness testing results, a recommended individual exercise prescription and orientation to the equipment. Your membership fees are due at this time; please see a wellness staff member to arrange to payroll deduct or invoice them.

IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: All health records, including medical health history, fitness testing results, etc., are completely confidential and are accessible only to GRMC’s wellness staff. If you wish, your exercise prescription will be made readily available to you upon check–in at the facility each time. At your written request, we will be happy to provide a copy of your fitness testing results or your exercise prescription to the physician of your choice.

FITNESS TESTING INSTRUCTIONS

  • For best results, please follow the instructions listed below when your fitness testing is scheduled:
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be on the floor for part of this test.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes; avoid heavy boots or shoes.
  • Refrain from all caffeinated drinks and tobacco 4 hours prior to your test.
  • Refrain from any physical exercise the day of your test.
  • Eat a light snack if you have not eaten in the past 4 hours prior to your test.
  • Take prescription medication as directed by your physician.
  • Drink plenty of water and be fully rested before the day of your test.

If you can not make the fitness testing appointment made for you, please call 236-2999 to reschedule. You may be charged for no call/no show appointments.


APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR FACILITY USAGE

We want each of our members to feel comfortable and welcome in our facility at all times. So that everyone feels welcome regardless of shape, size, or fitness level, please wear conservative exercise clothing such as shorts, sweats, and t-shirts, except when in the spa area. Some examples of exercise apparel that may not be considered conservative include muscle tank tops, uncovered sports bras, leotards, thongs, running tights, and other form-fitting attire. If in doubt about whether your clothing is appropriate, please contact fitness center staff.

Please wear appropriate shoes (we recommend tennis shoes with good support) everywhere except locker room and spa area; foot covering of some kind (shower slippers) is recommended in the locker room and pool/spa area to reduce slippage and help us provide good infection control.

Outside elements (snow, mud, dirt, sand, rain, etc.,) tear down our equipment very quickly. Please change from your outside shoes before using the equipment.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO ALLOW YOU TO EXERCISE IN INAPPROPRIATE WORKOUT CLOTHING OR WITHOUT A CHANGE OF SHOES.


FOOD AND DRINK IN FACILITY

No food of any kind is allowed in the fitness area, locker rooms, or the spa area.

It is recommended that you continue to consume fluids during exercise. For that reason, a drinking fountain is provided for your convenience. If you prefer, you may bring water, sports drinks, etc. into the fitness area. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED IN THE FACILITY. All fluids must be in unbreakable plastic, with a lid of some kind. Sports bottles are ideal for use when exercising. Note: If you bring a water bottle or sports drink into the facility, please remember to take it with you.

CAUTION: Because of their dehydrating nature, caffeinated drinks are not recommended during exercise. Carbonated beverages may make you uncomfortable when consumed while exercising. We recommend good, old–fashioned water!


MEMBERSHIP FEES

Fee:
Annual membership is $330 per year. If you wish to purchase a six-month membership, the cost is $204. In addition, there is a one-time orientation fee of $42 due at the time of fitness testing. Membership fees are due and payable upon orientation.

The monthly rate to use the aquatics facility is $32.

Classifications of membership:

  • Primary member: a person or organization purchasing one or more memberships
  • Dependent member: a person for whom a membership was purchased by another person or organization [Example 1: A family member of a GRMC employee who purchased membership; Example 2: Employee of Company X which purchased the membership]
  • Member(s): Inclusive of primary members, dependent members, and any other person authorized through membership to utilize the facility.

Methods of Payment
Payment can be arranged in several ways:

  1. 1. Payment via invoice. Primary members will be billed for payments due.
  2. 2. Payment in full upon clearance to use the Facility.

Cancellations and Refunds
All requests for fee credit, freezing, or refund must be made in writing. Credits and refunds of membership dues will be allowed only under specific circumstances or as determined by the Director of Wellness Services. Specific circumstances, subject to verification, that permit refund/freezing/credit of membership dues include physician orders or recommendations, termination of employment, change of residence at least 30 miles from the facility, pregnancy. (Note: please check with your physician), and family/medical leave in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). Physician recommendations must be received at the onset of the inability to use the fitness center. Refunds will not be given for prior month(s) following receipt of physician recommendations.

Refunds and credits are NOT available due to insufficient use of the center or selection of other programs/activities. However, members may cancel membership at any time for any reason and not be charged for future payments. Cancellations of membership for any reason will result in forfeiture of any incentive benefits not yet received in association with membership, and may require Director approval for new or reinstated membership(s).

ALL REQUESTS FOR CANCELLATION MUST BE IN WRITING, WITH 30 DAY NOTICE GIVEN.


CHECKING IN AND OUT OF THE FITNESS CENTER

Upon entering the facility, members are to check in by scanning their membership card at the registration desk. If the membership card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced for a fee of $5.00. You may keep and reference your exercise prescription and other notes in a personal file at the desk that is accessible (from Wellness staff) at any time. This service is free of charge.) Note: these files will not contain confidential medical information such as fitness assessment results.

Locks for the lockers and small towels may be checked out, at no charge, from the registration desk.

Members once again shall report to the registration desk upon leaving the facility.

Purposes of checking in and out of the facility:

  • verification of membership
  • attendance information in the event of emergencies, etc.
  • elay of information (e.g., notes on screen such as notice of belongings left behind)
  • utilization tracking
  • security

Use of the Spa: For safety and security, members must check in and out at the registration desk to use the spa regardless of whether the member has checked into the facility. All rules posted in the spa area will be strictly adhered to.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR WHIRLPOOL/SPA USERS:
Although the whirlpool sounds inviting after a workout, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Cool down completely following exercise; to prevent potentially adverse physical reactions, your blood pressure and heart rate should be at or near pre-exercise values before you use the whirlpool. YOU MUST SHOWER (without swimsuit) with soap prior to entering the spa.


ATTENDANCE BY MEMBER’S CHILDREN

For safety purposes and member satisfaction, no children under age sixteen will be allowed in the fitness center during open hours. If you need to bring your child with you for your fitness test, it must be approved prior to your testing date.


VIII. FITNESS CENTER ETIQUETTE

To ensure everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, please observe the following manners:

  • Whenever there is a waiting list for equipment, a 30-minute time limit will be strictly enforced. At that time, a staff member will ask you to stop your equipment and vacate it. Please do so promptly. You may certainly use any other equipment that is not in demand, and you may sign up on the waiting list if you wish to use it again.
  • Please wipe off equipment when you vacate it, so that it will be clean AND DRY for other’s use. Towels are available at the desk for your use.
  • Please clean up after yourself in the locker rooms, putting towels in the appropriate receptacles, and closing locker doors.
  • Physicians and other healthcare practitioners are also members of the fitness center. Please be aware that while they are using the facility, they are here as members, not healthcare practitioners. Please refrain from asking them questions about your personal health or other medical advice.