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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Santa Ana, CA – The Goodwill Fitness Center, specially designed for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses opened its doors one year ago to an underserved population, eager to build strength and endurance to do daily tasks and gain the self-confidence they need to be productive. The 12,000 square foot state-of-the art facility is the first of its kind in the area, complete with a fully accessible gym with specialized equipment and fitness and yoga classes.
The Goodwill Fitness Center complements Goodwills long-time education, job training and employment programs and services by helping eligible program participants become healthier, happier and achieve the highest levels of independence through the significant health benefits of exercise. It is evident by the public response that the fitness program is meeting a longstanding health need of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. According to Elizabeth Toumajian, Program Manager of the Goodwill Fitness Center, more than 220 people have joined the Fitness Center and it is on target to reach 300 members by year end.
“Ninety-seven percent of our members reported that their health and fitness level have improved thanks to our stay-fit program. More than half of are utilizing the fitness center at least twice a week, even though one-third of our members had no prior gym exposure or experience,” said Toumajian. “Many report they have more energy and noticeable improvements in their mobility.”
Typical members of the Goodwill Fitness Center are anything but typical gym-goers. Most face personal challenges related to disabilities or illnesses including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, stroke and diabetes. Toumajian adds, “We realize that their goals are not just losing weight, building muscular arms or training for a marathon. Most of our members want to improve their endurance, strength and mobility so that daily tasks, such as picking up a child, carrying groceries or taking a shower, can become easier and less painful.”
Paul, age 71 lives with a spinal cord injury. Upon first joining the center, he relied exclusively on his power wheelchair. Today, as a result of his customized workout program, he has gained not only strength but also confidence. Paul is now in the process of obtaining a manual wheelchair and he will soon have the opportunity to travel once again with his wife and enjoy a higher quality of life. Kyle, among the first to join the Fitness Center, also lives with a spinal cord injury and works out five days a week as he now trains for marathons.
The Goodwill Fitness Center has become a place for social interaction and serves as a resource for individuals and families in Orange County, as well as for some who drive from the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County.
Goodwill of Orange County operates 19 retail stores, the online auction site shopgoodwill.com and a variety of business services. The organization has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence. Ninety-one cents of every dollar spent goes directly into Goodwill of Orange County’s services, earning the organization a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for organizational efficiency and capacity. To learn more about Goodwill of Orange County, visit www.ocgoodwill.com or contact Katherine Ransom at 714.547.6308 ext. 308. Additional information about the Goodwill Fitness Center can be found at www.ocgoodwill–fitnesscenter.org or 1-888-OCFITCENTER (888-623-4823).
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