Since 1987 the Church Health Center has provided affordable health care to working and uninsured people in Shelby County. However, the clinic is only the beginning of their contributions to the general health of the area. Recently I had the opportunity to tour their facilities and learn more about their programs. I was especially impressed by one lesser known facet of the Church Health Center’s operations– the Wellness Center.
The CHC’s Wellness Center is located at 1115 Union Avenue, and is an 80,000 sq ft facility dedicated to health and fitness. Each gym membership comes with a personalized fitness assessment and the monthly fees run on a sliding scale– members pay anywhere from $15-$45 for an individual membership or $21-$60 for a household membership. A friend of mine who is a young professional pays only $17 a month for her membership, which to me, is a steal. A 15% group discount is available if you join with five or more people under one central billing address– ideal for offices, church groups, or even just a group of thrifty friends.
Although they offer many of the amenities you would find at any gym (walking/jogging track, racquetball courts, free weights and exercise machines, etc.) the Wellness Center is much more than that. The goal for their clients is stated in their name – not simply to pump you up, but to bring a holistic sense of wellness. To that end, in addition to typical gym classes like aerobics and Zumba, the Center also has a teaching kitchen set up for healthy cooking lessons. The Wellness Center’s core program is called Healthy Bodies and is designed not only for weight loss but for weight management. Healthy Bodies doesn’t just focus o
n losing pounds, it teaches its participants how to live a healthy lifestyle.
As a part of the Church Health Center, the Wellness Center is designed as part of a holistic approach to well-being. While the familiar sights and sounds of a gym are there, the feeling is one of fellowship rather than competition. People here are trying to find a balanced, healthy life – not a perfect body. In keeping with that, the Wellness Center has no mirrors and enforces a modesty dress code to ensure a positive environment for its members.
If you’re looking for an affordable place to work out, whether you’re trying to get in shape or stay there, check out the Wellness Center. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor, you’ll also be supporting one of Memphis’ most valuable and unique non-profits. For more information call (901) 259-4673 or visit http://www.churchhealthcenter.org/wellness
[...] Memphis Connect has the scoop on one of their services you may not know about. The CHC’s Wellness Center is located at 1115 Union Avenue, and is an 80,000 sq ft facility dedicated to health and fitness. Each gym membership comes with a personalized fitness assessment and the monthly fees run on a sliding scale– members pay anywhere from $15-$45 for an individual membership or $21-$60 for a household membership. A friend of mine who is a young professional pays only $17 a month for her membership, which to me, is a steal. A 15% group discount is available if you join with five or more people under one central billing address– ideal for offices, church groups, or even just a group of thrifty friends. [...]
I agree, Church Health Center Wellness is truly awesome. When I first set foot in there to film, I was blown away at the size and sheer thoroughness of their approach.
Exercise, education, nutrition – everything you need to stay healthy – all affordable and in one place. I’ve told all my friends and coworkers and everyone who will hold still long enough about it.
This is one part of your city you need to know.
Thank you Amy