Blog

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

  • May 7, 2024

Whether it is the dominance of the Celtics in the 60’s with Bill Russel, or the 20-year dynasty of the New England Patriots, there is no doubt that Boston is a city of champions.  Sports are deeply intertwined into the fabric of not only our state but our country, enforcing principles of hard work, collaboration and ambition.  Sport and physical fitness are also vital for the preservation of health and prevention of chronic disease.  Benefits of physical activity include:

  • Reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduction of the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Reduction of serious outcomes from infectious diseases
  • Lowering of the risk of development of common cancers
  • Strengthening of bones and muscles
  • Improvement of posture
  • Improvement of sleep patterns
  • Management of excess weight
  • Improvement of mental health
  • Improvement of cognitive function

Unfortunately, millions of Americans face barriers to Physical Activities preventing them from reaping the benefits of physical activity. The environment people live, work and play is one of the biggest influences on physical activity.  Factors such as transportation, weather, crime and availability of green spaces can all impact ability to participate in physical activity.  Additionally, gym memberships, sports league and other forms of education can be expensive to maintain.

Fortunately, Whittier addresses these barriers to Physical Activity with our state of the art Wellness Institute. Whittier’s Wellness Institute to addresses the high rates of obesity and chronic illnesses that plague our local community — particularly among our pediatric patients. It includes a full service Fitness Club and a small community garden located on city-owned property adjacent to our facility. Whittier has added innovative lifestyle-change and support opportunities to all of our programs. We are actively working to educate, empower and engage our neighborhoods in healthy living and promote a culture of wellness. Do something active today!

Whittier’s Fitness Center is open to everyone — patients, community residents, and health center employees. It boasts more than 6,000 square feet dedicated to health, wellness, and fitness containing treadmills, elliptical equipment, weight machines, free weights, fitness bikes, and a room for classes including Zumba, yoga, and aerobics. Part of our Wellness Institute, Fitness Center Programs include individual fitness training, nutrition counseling, exercise classes, and stress reduction activities as well as sessions with a Life Coach.

For registration or questions about the Whittier Wellness and Fitness Club, please email fitness.club@wshc.org and find us on Facebook to see our latest class schedules and events! Get up and get moving!

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).