Akron General Health System is beefing up for the launch of its fitness center in Green.
The health system recently started selling memberships for its LifeStyles medically based fitness center in Green, which is to open July 5. The center is attached to the new Akron General Health & Wellness Center, portions of which are opening in March.
The fitness center will be Akron General’s third LifeStyles facility, joining locations in Bath Township and Stow.
“This location is mirroring the Stow location with the indoor track and three pools and a whirlpool and 200-plus machines, group exercise classes, sauna, steam rooms — really a country club atmosphere,” said Joanne Zaratsian, membership manager. “We’re not a gym. We’re not a health club. We’re for the average exerciser and the recovering patient.”
The new Akron General Health & Wellness Center also will have a full-service, satellite emergency department and other outpatient services. The center is near another stand-alone emergency department being constructed by rival Summa Health System.
The entire facility is expected to employ about 260 when complete.
Akron General is focusing on health and wellness as a key business strategy.
Several months ago, the health system joined with Akron-based Signet Development Ltd. to create a for-profit venture called Integrated Wellness Partners LLC. The partnership plans to help hospitals, universities, cities and other customers nationwide develop their own versions of Akron General’s Health & Wellness centers.
In recent years, the number of medically supervised fitness centers across the country has skyrocketed.
In 1985, there were about 75 nationwide, according to the Medical Fitness Association, a nonprofit membership group for medically integrated health and fitness centers. By last year, the number had increased to 1,076.
So far, more than 100 individuals, couples and families — equaling more than 400 people — have signed up for the Green LifeStyles.
The health system is offering a 65 percent discount off the typical enrollment fee for the first 500 to enroll, Zaratsian said. The membership also can be used at Akron General’s facilities in Stow and Bath Township.
The regular enrollment fee is $275 for individuals, $325 for couples and $350 for families. Monthly dues are $53 per individual, $82 per couple and $107 per family.
Enrollment includes a fitness assessment and exercise prescription plan.
More information about the fitness center is available by calling 330-896-5000. A membership trailer office also is staffed at the construction site from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.
