McDonough District Hospital’s Commit to Get Fit Class Sees Results

The MDH Commit to Get Fit Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. in the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Department located on the third floor of the hospital.

MACOMB, Ill. — Highly personalized workout sessions just two days per week has produced favorable results for the MDH Commit to Get Fit class.

Staff from Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Diabetes Education Center of the MDH Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services Department, along with Exercise Science Interns from Western Illinois University, developed the wellness program with the intent to increase the overall well-being and knowledge of exercise for participants with one or more challenging health conditions.

Sessions are offered two times per week where each participant receives their own personalized workout plan as they learn more about exercise health benefits and strategies related to their specific health condition(s) and personal goals.

Participant Linda Webb shares, “This class has made a definite change in my A1C and it has really impressed upon me how much of a difference exercise can make. My favorite part about the program is the variety and personalization.”

In addition to exercise physiologists and Diabetes Education Center staff on-site for members of the program, registered dietitians are available for meetings with participants every Thursday.

“I came in three months ago with an A1C of 6.5 and I’ve gotten that down to 5.9 which means I am off my diabetes medication. The difference in Commit to Get Fit is it offers cardio plus so much more… like strength training and working with Janene and Sarah [Diabetes Education Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian]. I look forward to being here, I love it!” shared participant Tom Williams.

“Exercise is an important part of diabetes management as a lifestyle change that makes an impact on blood glucose control. It also helps with insulin resistance, which helps many people reduce the amount of medication needed to treat diabetes. Most people don’t realize how much exercise will improve their blood glucose and A1C levels,” offers Diabetes Education Registered Nurse Janene Shockency.

The class is open to all ages and fitness levels, with exercise physiologists modifying the workouts to each individual’s needs. Individuals can sign up for only $39 per month. Sessions are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. in the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Department on the third floor of MDH.

For more information about the program contact MDH Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at (309) 836-1601.