The Structure House Weight Loss Difference: Fitness Approach

Gone are the days of arduous workouts and the “no pain, no gain” philosophy because, as it turns out, science disproves that this approach is sustainable long-term. These intense workouts can also have many negative consequences in the short term, such as exhaustion, frustration, and injury.

At Structure House, we provide a variety of fitness classes that are safe, effective, and enjoyable. Simply put, we provide exercise opportunities that help participants feel better after they complete an activity than they did beforehand. We provide a wide variety of classes and modifications that cater to the person’s current fitness level and medical and/or orthopedic conditions.

Many people who come to Structure House have had negative experiences in the typical gym setting. Perhaps the environment was less than welcoming, or perhaps they were injured because they were unsure how to use the equipment safely. Either way, the gym scene is not a fit for everyone, and there are so many other options to choose from when it comes to fitting physical activity into one’s day.

At Structure House, we recommend a moderate exercise schedule that is customized for each individual. We want our participants to learn patterns and behaviors that can easily translate back into their everyday lives at home.

The five principles that guide our fitness approach are aimed at:

1. Mindful movement for improving quality of life
2. Nourishing and not punishing the body
3. Finding physical activities you enjoy
4. Creating a balance through a variety of movement
5. Cultivating consistency over intensity

The fitness program at Structure House contains a multifaceted approach to help our participants embody these five principles:

Mobility

Exercise should lead to freedom of movement without causing pain. Good mobility arises when combining strength, flexibility, and well-developed motor skills. Mobility is essential as it allows us to perform our exercise and daily physical activity well without risking injury.

“I never realized just how hard getting up and down off the floor had become. Looking back, I realize I was neglecting some activities in my life, such as playing with my grandchildren on the living room floor, because I wasn’t confident I could get back up. While at Structure House, I worked on my flexibility in exercise classes, and I actually practiced getting up and down off of the floor with my personal trainer. I now look forward to opportunities to work on getting up and down off the floor and can’t wait to practice at home with my grandchildren. “

Jean – SH Participant

Endurance

There are many types of endurance, such as cardiovascular, aerobic, anaerobic, muscular, and skill endurance. At Structure House, we address all of these equally instead of focusing on just one area so that we can teach participants tools to meet any challenge they may face. Whether it’s a long day of walking while visiting a new city or getting chores done around the house, greater endurance leads to a well-lived life.

“When I arrived at Structure House, I wasn’t able to do the four-minute walk from my apartment on campus to the main building. I had to constantly stop and catch my breath, and my back would ache. After a week of attending the exercise classes for my level, I was already moving about campus without stopping so frequently. My personal trainer at Structure House focused a lot on my core endurance and walking technique. I now walk with little to no back pain at all. I just returned from a European vacation where I walked 3-4 miles a day with a tour group. I have my life and my freedom back!”

Will – SH Alumni

Strength

Strength is one of the best predictors of quality of life as we age. Common strength deficits from a sedentary lifestyle lead to the overwhelming majority of back, hip, knee, and shoulder injuries that are so common in our society. Functional exercise programs include strength training that “undoes” the negative side effects of a sedentary lifestyle and also provides a way to improve body composition so that we feel and look better. At Structure House, our strength training programs are very effective and very simple because we stick to the basics. Our participants are thrilled when they find out how easy it is to implement our strategies while here and, most importantly, when they return home.

“I never saw myself as an ‘exerciser.’ I certainly never saw myself as being strong. The fitness staff at Structure House encouraged me to try new things, so I tried strength training. The safe space and the focus on education was critical for me as I learned how to use my body in ways I never knew I could. Building a stronger body has been more than just physical for me; it has given me a sense of self-empowerment that I will take with me when I leave.”

– SH Alumni

With a focus on consistency and variety, we strive to teach our participants that exercise can and should be nourishment, not punishment, for their bodies. While we always aim to make physical activity fun, all of our techniques are scientifically validated, reflecting the latest findings in exercise physiology.

Our fitness program remains steadfast in its simplicity and is forged on a foundation of evidence-based education that is designed to help participants gain an increased understanding about the way their bodies function.

By focusing heavily on exercise education, our participants are armed with the tools they need to better enjoy movement and feel successful and empowered now and in the future.

During their time in the JumpStart and Graduate programs at Structure House, participants will receive:

• Informational lectures on fitness and health
• Access to our fully equipped fitness center
• Access to our private, heated indoor and outdoor saltwater pools
• Variety of safe and fun group fitness classes for all fitness and mobility levels
• Exercise modifications for medical or orthopedic conditions
• Several weekly classes that focus on exercise psychology, including discussions on improving one’s relationship with exercise and how play and recreation can be structured as exercise

In the JumpStart program, participants receive a free, 50-minute fitness evaluation using the InBody test at the start of their stay. When they reach their fourth week of programming, they receive a free, follow-up, 25-minute fitness evaluation with a repeat of the InBody test to be able to see the amount of muscle gained and fat lost. They also have the option of adding personal training sessions, group training sessions, and Pilates classes using their $150 personalization credits or for an added fee once their credits have been used.

In the Graduate program, participants receive a free, 25-minute fitness consultation using the InBody test. Like the JumpStart program, participants can then add personal training sessions, group training sessions, and Pilates classes throughout the duration of their stay.

Fitness Center

Within our 12,000-square-foot fitness center, we have a full strength training facility with weight machines, functional fitness equipment, and a full line of cardiovascular training machines for all levels of ability. In our suite of cardio equipment, we have NuStep machines, which are designed to accommodate larger bodies. The majority of our 25 exercises classes take place in a large designated fitness studio where participants take part in classes that range from gentle movement, such as yoga and chair aerobics, to more challenging classes like cardio kickboxing and Tabata strength training.

We also have a variety of water fitness classes, including water aerobics, Aqua Zumba, and water kickboxing in our heated indoor and outdoor pools. A well-equipped Pilates room is also available for use when receiving lessons from one of our experienced Pilates instructors.

All classes are taught by highly credentialed instructors who have vast experience in providing exercise training for all populations, health conditions, and body sizes.