Health care has always been about treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Being hospitalized can feel emotionally tolling for many patients since it disrupts their routine and sometimes restricts them to their beds. Many of us enjoy exercising throughout the week, whether it’s walking, biking, or lifting weights. However, for patients in hospitals, this may not be an option, especially if there’s nowhere to move around.
Adding a gym to your hospital can combat feeling confined and aid physical recovery. Let’s explore the top reasons why you should add a gym to your hospital.
Encourages Patients to Exercise
Nobody likes being in the hospital, especially if their stay will last several days. If your medical center lacks a gym, patients remain stuck in their rooms with little to do. Although some individuals require bed rest, others may be able to move around. Maintaining mobility when possible can reduce the risk of muscle atrophy, joint contractures, and other complications that may arise from being sedentary.
Moreover, adding a gym to your hospital makes it easier for medical staff to encourage healthy habits. By designing a workout space with safety and accessibility in mind, patients can feel more comfortable trying new exercises that suit their capabilities.
Allows for Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the foundation for many patient recovery programs, and a hospital gym seamlessly complements these efforts. Physical therapists can assess progress as it happens, adjusting activities based on patient ability and comfort. This dynamic interaction ensures that therapy remains effective and minimizes the risk of injury or overexertion.
Often, physical therapy requires the use of gym equipment such as:
The exact equipment a patient needs depends on their circumstance. For example, if someone tore their ACL and had reconstructive surgery, their physical therapist may recommend using a stationary bike to increase blood flow and rebuild muscle in the injured leg.
Furthermore, the presence of a hospital gym often keeps patients more engaged in their physical therapy. This is because it fosters an environment that promotes independence and progress, making patients look forward to their sessions.
Boosts Patient Engagement
Hospitals can be isolating environments, and patients sometimes feel detached from the recovery process. However, adding a gym provides a valuable opportunity to change this dynamic, giving patients something to do in a controlled environment.
Patients who feel engaged in their healthcare experience also tend to comply better with medical advice. This is especially critical for long-term care patients who may need to learn new coping mechanisms.
Improves Mood
Hospital stays are often emotionally challenging, leaving patients feeling anxious or vulnerable. Exercise offers a natural way to combat these emotions, improve mood, and reduce stress. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which contribute to well-being and relaxation.
Access to a gym allows patients an outlet to cope with difficult emotions through movement. Even gentle activities like slow walking or stretching can increase serotonin levels, alleviating symptoms of sadness or anxiety. This mental clarity can be critical to the healing process, making patients more optimistic and focused.
Beyond personal benefits, structured gym time can provide opportunities for patients to interact with others. These social interactions, combined with mood-lifting activities, contribute to the patient’s holistic well-being.
Promotes Full-Body Healing
Another reason to add a gym to your hospital is that it promotes full-body healing. After all, the human body is an inner-connected system, and struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression can slow down the healing process. This is partially because increased stress hormones like cortisol can weaken the immune system. A suppressed immune system may struggle to fight off infections; in a hospital, you have patients of varying health levels, and germs may spread.
Hospital staff helps patients navigate these emotions healthily by providing access to a gym. This allows you to balance a slightly holistic approach with traditional medical care that can build a strong foundation for lasting well-being.
Tips for Adding a Gym to Your Hospital
Adding a gym to your hospital means more than purchasing equipment and setting up space. It requires careful planning and collaboration with staff to ensure your patients can use it effectively.
Have a Dedicated Gym Staff
Professionals such as certified fitness trainers, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists should be in the gym anytime patients are. They should also be available to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure patients are using equipment properly.
Requiring staff assistance also provides an extra layer of safety for patients, preventing them from overexerting themselves or using equipment that’s not suitable for their condition.
Consider Safety Features
The gym design should incorporate safety features such as non-slip flooring, handrails, and emergency call buttons. This will prevent accidents and ensure patients feel secure while using the space.
To increase safety further, ensure everyone working in the gym has an up-to-date CPR certification and knows how to use emergency equipment such as AEDs. Accidents can happen, and everyone should know how to handle them.
Offer Variety
Not all patients will have the same exercise needs or abilities, so the gym should be available to everyone who can benefit from it. This can include options for low-impact and more intense workouts and equipment designed specifically for rehabilitation.
Additionally, consider including group fitness classes or guided exercises that cater to different patient populations. This allows for patient socialization and adds a sense of structure to gym time for patients who may not feel comfortable working out alone.
Ensure Accessibility
One of the most important tips for adding a hospital to your gym is ensuring it’s accessible to everyone. Since you will have patients with varying abilities and limitations, you should have equipment and space accommodating everyone. Consider having wheelchair-accessible machines and an open floor plan for mobility devices.
You may also need variations of individual machines. For instance, you may have upright and recumbent bikes to suit different abilities. A recumbent bike is often more comfortable for patients with back problems or specific mobility limitations.
Shop for Quality Equipment
All the machines in your gym should come from a reputable fitness supplier to ensure quality. This is especially important for hospital gyms, as patients may need specific features or modifications to use them safely. Look for equipment with built-in safety features, such as automatic shutoffs and adjustable resistance.
Contact TRUE Fitness
TRUE Fitness is an exercise equipment company that offers a wide range of quality gym equipment perfect for hospitals and medical centers. Our team can help you select the right machines for your patients, ensuring their safety and comfort while using them. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can enhance your hospital’s amenities.