Cary Wing, EdD and Fitmarc's Director of Business Development for Medical Fitness, examines the opportunities relative to Medical Fitness Facility Certification.

1. Medical Fitness Facility Certification
Industry Standards and Guidelines Assist a Facility in
Achieving the Highest Level of Recognition in the Community
Overview: Since 2008 there has been a mechanism How can facility owners and managers achieve
in place for fitness facilities to benchmark programs certification success and market the program
and services against standards and guidelines successfully to the community? In this overview, we
developed specifically for medically integrated will examine the opportunities relative to facility
facilities. The Medical Fitness Association‟s (MFA) certification, the development challenges, important
Medical Fitness Facility Certification defines tips for success, and expectations to grow revenue
standards of quality and safety. One of the primary as a result of meeting medical fitness industry
goals of the certification is to elicit trust and standards.
confidence within the healthcare system, and the
community, for the fitness industry.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 1

2. The Opportunity
Medical Fitness Facility Certification Can Attract More
Members Generating Revenue and Program Growth
Opportunity: Achieving facility certification demonstrates According to MFA, “If you‟re up against facilities
a fitness facility‟s commitment to ongoing review and that say they do the same things you do, MFA
improvement of the facility‟s services and programs, and certification can make a difference. It demonstrates
to developing a continuum of care within the community. that your facility meets the highest standards in the
The Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2011 industry. It‟s also the „stamp of approval‟ that tells
identified clinical integration/medical fitness as 18th on people they can have confidence in your facility.”
the Top 20 list.
Integrating the medical fitness model in a fitness facility
may be just the catalyst needed to improve business
results and build team support for the organization.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 2

3. The Challenges
The Path to Successful Certification Requires Completion of a
Comprehensive Checklist and Onsite Review
The Challenges: There are more than 24 standards Does the facility have regularly scheduled staff
outlined in the MFA certification manual, with meetings? Does the facility provide programs and
applicable guidelines to achieve each standard. services that address the needs and interests of its
Several standards are required: users? Does the facility comply with all building
A facility must provide easily accessible automatic codes and ADA and OSHA laws? Engaging outside
external defibrillators (AEDs) resources to review a facility‟s strengths and
A facility must have medical oversight weaknesses can reduce the time required to
A facility must have a written emergency response
complete a successful application.
plan
Hopefully, a facility already has these standards in
place, but, if not, they must be implemented in
conjunction with other guidelines.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 3

4. Important Tips
Engaging the Entire Staff in the Facility Certification Process
Provides Educational and Team Building Opportunities
Tips: All aspects of medical fitness facility certification Enlisting the aid of a company experienced in team
involve the entire staff. Engaging everyone in the building, review and training of instructors, and
application process and checklist review will ensure development of onsite technology to enhance services
success in achieving certification, and at the same can save valuable time preparing for certification. A
time will build team loyalty and trust. company that understands the marketplace, and the
resource tools that are available, can provide online
The entire team working together can review safety management support, marketing materials, consulting
policies and procedures; design disease management services, and solutions for success.
and prevention programs; and determine the most
efficient process to measure outcomes.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 4

5. Conclusions
A Facility Can Provide a Level of Service That Attracts New
Members and Engages the Healthcare Community
Recap: When adhering to a set of standards and Become a certified facility and expand your
guidelines developed specifically for the fitness marketing potential. Position your facility to play an
industry, a fitness facility can instill confidence in the integral role in improving the health of your
community, broadening the membership base. community. It‟s good for business.
Mangers, directors, and staff can measure
performance and achieve standards of excellence.
Explore the opportunities and options of medical
fitness facility certification. Make a commitment to
provide safe, effective, and relevant programs that
are recognized throughout the fitness industry.
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 5

6. About Us
Looking to improve operating results at your fitness facility?
We can help.
About Us: Fitmarc serves hundred of fitness I am here to be your resource and help you
facilities and thousands of fitness professionals achieve greater success. As the Director of
through the delivery of Business Development for Medical Fitness for
programs, solutions, consulting and education. Our Fitmarc, I have years of experience working in the
team of experts can deliver real world answers to medical fitness industry, developing the medical
your facility‟s biggest challenges. fitness model, and uniting fitness and healthcare.
Let‟s connect so that I can be a resource and
To Learn More:
partner for you and your organization.
Visit our website at www.fitmarc.com
Follow Fitmarc on Twitter
Like Fitmarc on Facebook
Call Fitmarc at 800-814-1207
Cary Wing, EdD – cary@fitmarc.com
March 2011 Medical Fitness Consultant and Expert for Fitmarc 6