Should Health Clubs Implement Cardiac Rehab Programs?

Title: Is Starting a Cardiac Rehab Program in Your Health Club the Right Move?

As medical exercise professionals, the question of whether to offer cardiac rehabilitation programs in health clubs is common. In MET101 Tip 36, Dr. Mike Jones provides critical insight into this decision, pointing out the high costs and complexities involved in establishing such programs.

Key Considerations:

• High Costs: Cardiac rehab programs require cardiac-trained nurses, telemetry equipment, crash carts, and more, making them a costly venture.
• Low Reimbursement: Hospitals have cut back on these programs due to minimal insurance reimbursement, making it financially difficult to maintain.
• Stage 3 & 4 Cardiac Rehab: Focusing on clients who have completed earlier stages of rehab but still need guidance can be a better fit for health clubs. These clients are medically stable and don’t require intensive monitoring.
• Flexible Memberships:...

As a medical exercise practice owner, understanding and tracking your practice's performance is vital to your success. At METI, we’ve identified seven key numbers that are essential to review at the end of each year. These "numbers" are the foundation for evaluating your current progress and setting achievable goals for the upcoming year.

Here’s a breakdown of the 7 Numbers:

1. Total Practice Revenue
   This is the total income your practice generated over the year. Knowing this helps you gauge overall performance and plan for growth.
2. Number of Scheduled Client Sessions
   Track the total number of sessions scheduled, whether they are one-on-one, group sessions, or couple sessions.
3. Number of Completed Client Sessions
   Understand how many of your scheduled sessions were completed. This is a critical metric for assessing client retention and session adherence.
4. Total Practice Expenses
   This includes every dollar spent on developing, maintaining, and delivering your...

As a Medical Exercise Specialist, you’ve dedicated yourself to helping clients improve their functional outcomes and live healthier lives. But is your practice operating at its fullest potential? Are you ready to elevate your systems, streamline your operations, and set the foundation for a dynamic and successful year ahead?

If you’re serious about growing your medical exercise practice, it’s time to take the first step. Introducing the Success Path Strategy Session—a 90-minute, high-impact session designed to help Medical Exercise Specialists like you map out a clear path to practice growth and success in 2025.

What Is the Success Path Strategy Session?

This isn’t just another planning session. The Success Path Strategy Session is your opportunity to evaluate your practice’s performance, pinpoint growth opportunities, and create an actionable plan based on the six key characteristics of successful medical exercise practices:

1. Clarity: Define your...

POSITION AVAILABLE IN CORPORATE SETTING

Leading medical exercise provider looking for F/T Injury Prevention Specialist

Requirements: Certified ATC, F/T 4 days/week, start within 30 days

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Contact: Stan Johnson, MS, MES - [email protected]

The Foundation of a Thriving Medical Exercise Practice

Building a successful medical exercise practice goes beyond simply providing exercises; it requires a systematic process focused on client well-being, collaboration with medical professionals, and demonstrable effectiveness. This client-centric approach, known as the "Medical Exercise Process", is meticulously outlined in the Advanced MES Manual, providing medical exercise professionals with a comprehensive resource to establish this system within their practices or businesses. The Medical Exercise Process, as detailed in the manual, serves as the foundation for delivering exceptional care, attracting referrals, and ultimately building a thriving practice.

Initial Client Interaction:

A new client's journey often begins with an inquiry, perhaps driven by a medical referral, online research, or recommendations. During this initial contact, the focus should be on understanding their needs and determining if medical exercise is...

Blood pressure monitoring is a critical part of medical exercise training, particularly for clients with hypertension. In MET101 Tip 35, Dr. Mike explains why this practice is so important. Hypertension, often called the "silent killer," can go unnoticed in clients who appear healthy and active, making regular monitoring essential to prevent serious health issues.

Key Points:

• Monitor New Clients: Every new client should have their blood pressure checked to identify potential hypertension.
• Check Regularly for Hypertensive Clients: For clients diagnosed with hypertension, monitor blood pressure before, after, and ideally during sessions.
• Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of your clients' blood pressure readings, and share this information with their healthcare providers.
• Partner with Dietitians: Exercise and diet are both crucial in managing hypertension. Collaborate with registered dietitians to offer comprehensive care.
• Preventive Care: Regular blood pressure checks can...

Medical exercise training (MET) is rapidly growing, driven by an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and the increasing recognition of exercise as medicine. As a Medical Exercise Specialist (MES), you have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while building a thriving practice. However, success in this field requires more than passion; it demands a strategic approach grounded in the "10 Building Blocks" of a successful medical exercise practice.

The AMES Manual provides a comprehensive guide to these pillars, offering extensive insights into specialization, niche development, and the importance of structured client management systems like the 6-Point MET Client Management System. It emphasizes the critical role of functional assessments, effective communication with medical professionals, and robust documentation processes. Additionally, it highlights the need for marketing strategies to attract clients, build referral networks, and ensure...

The Advanced MES Manual, whether you choose the hard copy or digital edition, is the ultimate resource for medical exercise professionals (MedExPROs). This manual offers a comprehensive and in-depth look at various aspects of medical exercise training (MET), making it an indispensable tool for any MedXPRO seeking to elevate their practice and deliver exceptional client care.

What Makes the AMES Manual Unique?

• Constantly Updated: Unlike static resources, the digital version of the AMES Manual is periodically updated with cutting-edge information, techniques, and best practices in MET.
• Multimedia Resources: Dive deeper into complex topics with video demonstrations and audio resources available through the MES Network, accessible with your eManual purchase.
• Standard Setting: This manual works towards establishing professional standards and guidelines for medical exercise professionals worldwide, raising the credibility of the profession.

Key Areas Covered:

The AMES Manual is a...

Medical Exercise Training (MET) stands as a dynamic and evolving field within healthcare and fitness. As the need for specialized exercise programs for individuals with medical conditions increases, so does the demand for competent and successful MET practitioners. To thrive in this exciting field, it is essential to establish a solid foundation upon which to build a flourishing practice. The sources provide insight into six key characteristics of a successful MET practice, forming a blueprint for success for aspiring and established MET professionals:

1. Clarity: Define Your Vision

Successful MET practices begin with a clear vision. Without a well-defined understanding of what you want your practice to look like, you'll struggle to develop effective systems, marketing strategies, and specialization areas. Ask yourself:

• What specific client populations do I want to serve? Focus on two or three areas of specialization to establish a strong reputation.
• What type of practice...

Medical Exercise Training is the new frontier for the fitness industry. For the fitness professional ready to jump into managing medical conditions using exercise, here is a path medical exercise training for the newbie. These steps are based on 30 years of educating and certifying fitness professionals and 40 years as a physical therapy. 

The healthcare and fitness industries are increasingly recognizing the role Medical Exercise Training (MET) plays in supporting clients with medical conditions. For fitness professionals looking to specialize in this transformative field, building a bridge between healthcare and fitness requires a blend of education, practice management, and collaboration with medical professionals. Here are the best steps to evolve your practice and become a trusted medical exercise professional.

1. Obtain the Proper Certification and Education

To establish credibility and build a strong foundation, prioritize obtaining certifications recognized in the...