NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (July 16, 2024) – Everyone tells us that we need to exercise, but some fitness centers may be a bit intimidating to someone who is just starting out or recovering from an injury.

The Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center has the answer. Sitrin, with state-of-the-art equipment and two heated pools, offers Wellness Center memberships to former patients and the public.

Elizabeth Lockwood, OTR-L, Wellness Coordinator, says this is perfect for those who are seasoned in their gym workouts, to those who are just “trying it out” for the first time. The center has cardiovascular, aerobic and weightlifting equipment.

It also provides the best-case scenario for those who are recovering from surgery or an injury, when former patients can access the same equipment they have been using with their therapist prior to discharge.

Jo Ann Colacicco has been a member of the Sitrin Wellness Center since it opened 25 years ago. She swears that exercising in the warm water pools has kept her out of a wheelchair. Now 84, she takes an aquatic class two afternoons a week, and attends “open swim” on the other weekdays.

“I can’t say enough about the benefits of exercising in the warm water,” she says. “You have no pain!” She says her doctors tell her she has defied the odds with her fitness routine.

Dr. Philip Fess, the only board-certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Physical Therapy Specialist in the area, suggests to his patients that they continue to perform the exercises he prescribes to keep getting stronger, even after they are discharged.

“Sitrin provides an added benefit – and a level of comfort - when our patients can join the Wellness Center and continue to work out right here,” Fess says.

The Wellness Center, located on the second floor of the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center, Tilden Avenue in New Hartford, offers a number of pricing packages. It is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Wellness members are entitled to a discount on aquatic classes. The Center is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

For more information, view our wellness page here.