A hidden gem in Leesburg

Many people think the Wellness Center at LRMC is a restricted facility, but it’s open to the public and offers more than many centers.

Story: Leigh Neely Photos: Nicole Hamel

When you think of Leesburg Regional Medical Center, you automatically think hospital—providing quality health care for the area. But LRMC not only helps you get well, it has a Wellness Center to ensure you know what to do to stay well or take preventive measures to avoid illness.

“Most people think we’re just here for hospital employees, but we’re open to the public and offer a variety of programs and classes,” says Elijah Flectcher III, a certified corporate wellness specialist and the wellness coach coordinator for the LRMC Wellness Center.

The Wellness Center, at 700 N. Palmetto St. behind the North Campus Rehab-Nursing Center, is one of the best-kept secrets in Leesburg. It’s the only hospital-based fitness center in the area offering great amenities and personalized attention from expert, certified professionals.

“We are the only facility with a degreed exercise physiologist on the floor available anytime,” says John Bowers, manager of wellness services. “If we know you have something you need that is unavailable here, we can refer you to another area of the hospital.”

“We are medically based in the care of management of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiac rehab, and orthopedic assessment,” Elijah adds. “The Silver Sneakers meet every day from noon to 1pm and targets senior functionality.”

Fitness evaluations are available for $25 and include a tour of the facility, as well as a meeting with a certified exercise specialist who helps you determine your level of fitness and sets up a program that fits your unique needs and goals. Hours are 5am-8pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-noon Saturday.

Members have access to an indoor heated pool, group aquatics classes, group aerobics classes, a great combination of strength and cardiovascular training equipment, along with complementary weight training and cardio machine orientation. Membership also includes personalized strength-training programs, and great locker room and shower facilities that include towel service.

The program you choose can be complemented with personal training, massage therapy, nutritional services, a weight management program, and community activities. You’ll receive specialized treatment from the oldest, continuously running wellness and disease prevention program in the Lake County area. For 35 years, the Wellness Center at Leesburg Regional has worked to keep residents of the community healthy and productive.

In addition, the hospital’s certified consultants work with the Community Health Centers, which offer free services to those in need in the area. Health, wellness, and disease prevention are the three pillars of the LRMC Wellness Center. Contact the center at 352.323.5640.

Memberships are $23 a month for team members (employees) and their families; community residents may join for $39, with a $16 sign-up fee.

Barbara Lane, photo by Shaena Chastain

Trot for fitness

Enjoy a family-friendly event from Leesburg Regional Medical Center. The annual Mistletoe Trot is Saturday, Dec. 8. Fitness enthusiasts, walkers, and runners come from all over Central Florida to run the course around scenic Silver Lake and the campus of Lake-Sumter State College. T-shirts are provided to the first 150 registrants and two lucky winners get new Fitbits.

Race Details:

Date: Saturday, Dec. 8 Race Day Registration: 6:30-7:30am Avoid lines the morning of the race by picking up official race packets from 7am-7pm Dec. 6-7 at the LRMC Wellness Center, 700 N. Palmetto St. The 5K & 10K run/walk begins at 8am at Lake-Sumter State College, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg.