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Executive
Director of CILCP, Theotis Braddy, addresses the
crowd during the Grand Opening of the Living Well
Fitness Center. Another step by the CILCP to
advance the lives of people living with
disabilities. (Camp Hill, Pa.) - The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) is proud to announce the launch and opening of the first, fully-accessible fitness center in Central PA for people living with disabilities. The Living Well Fitness Center has been made available to CILCP consumers, and soon to the general public, as part of the Living Well With A Disability program, launched in the Summer of 2007. "We believe that regardless of a person's disability or limitations, he or she can participate in some form of conditioning or wellness program. We are hoping that other major fitness centers will join us as we open doors for persons with disabilities who seek to maintain a healthier lifestyle by participating in physical fitness," said Theotis Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP at the launch event held February 1, 2008. According to Braddy, fitness centers typically
carry very little or no workout equipment that a person with
a disability can use. "A major part of living well is having a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical fitness," Braddy added. At the launch event, 21 year-old Lamont Warren demonstrated two pieces of equipment specially designed for a person with a disability; the M103 ADvAntage Trainer and the Flexiciser. Warren, after suffering a spinal injury from a football accident, utilizes the Living Well Fitness Center as part of his rehabilitation. Lamont Warren, 21,
demonstrates the specially designed equipment in
the Living Well Fitness Center. Lamont suffered a
spinal injury due to a football accident 16 months
ago. Pictured above: the M103 ADvAntage
trainer. The M103 ADvAntage trainer meets the requirements of the American Disabilities Act for Equal Program Access. This piece of equipment features four weight stacks which provide over 20 different exercise patterns to work every upper body muscle group. Four people can train at the same time in less than 120 square feet. The Flexiciser can eliminate many problems that people living with disabilities encounter including bad circulation, spasticity, edema, muscle atrophy, swelling in lower limbs, stiff joints, and potential infections from cuts. The Flexiciser is designed for the paraplegic and quadriplegic as well as individuals who are unable to maintain movement through natural means; it provides passive, resistive and active movement. The Flexiciser works by simply wheeling up to the unit, strapping your feet to the pedals and turning it on. The control panel has a 60 minute timer, a speed control 0-60 RPM and an on/off rocker switch at your finger tips. Arms, legs and trunk are moved in a smooth, steady and coordinated walking motion. It can be used passively or manually with up to 60 lbs. of resistance on the arms for maximum strengthening. "As part of the Living Well With A Disability program, we are constantly seeking out opportunities so that people living with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of life," Braddy said. "The Living Well Fitness Center will provide a fully-accessible fitness center where persons with diverse disabilities can participate in some type of physical fitness routine that will increase their overall wellness." "...and we've only just begun." The Living Well Fitness Center is located in the CILCP office building at 207 House Avenue Suite 107, Camp Hill, Pa. 17011 and is open to CILCP consumers and staff. Shortly, CILCP will open the Fitness Center doors to the general public. The funding for the Living Well Fitness Center was graciously donated by David Greger, CILCP board member and local attorney. In addition to launching the Living Well Fitness Center, Braddy was inducted into the CILCP Hall of Fame by the Mayor of Harrisburg, Stephen R. Reed. “Mr. Braddy
has worked tirelessly throughout his two-decade
tenure at CILCP…he embodies the spirit and is
seen as a leader in the disability community,”
as quoted from the proclamation from Mayor Reed
read at the launch event. "Mr. Braddy has worked tirelessly throughout his two-decade tenure at CILCP... he embodies the spirit and is seen as a leader in the disability community," as quoted from the proclamation from Mayor Reed read at the launch event. For more information about the Living Well Fitness Center, please call 717.731.1900. For more information on this press release, contact Jamie Fulginiti at jfulginiti@hersheyphilbin.com or by phone at 717.975.2148. About CILCP CILCP is a nonprofit, nonresidential organization that serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties through its Living Well With A Disability program. This program, designed for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities, is a one-stop resource to help people living with disabilities live their best in all aspects of life and empowers people with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society. For more information about the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, please visit the Web site at www.cilcp.org. For more information on the Living Well With A Disability program please visit www.livingwellwithadisability.org or call the toll-free Hotline at 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL (1-877-865-4893) for your free assessment. For more information on this press release, please contact Jamie Fulginiti at 717.975.2148 or via email at jfulginiti@hersheyphilbin.com. |
