|
Phifer Wellness Turns 10 Years Old
Click here to view this story as it appeared in the Morganton News Herald (Includes additional graphics and information) in pdf format.
BY ANNA WILSON
BLUE RIDGE HEALTHCARE
MORGANTON - Five days a week, almost without fail, Crawford Melton heads to Phifer Wellness Center to work out for 1 ½ hours. Sometimes he swims completing 8 to 10 laps. Sometimes he uses the stationary bicycle, treadmill and elliptical trainer.
“My wife, Estelene, says I have an addiction,” he said. “I said, ‘Well, can you think of a better addiction?’”
Melton, 80, is one of the charter members of Phifer Wellness Center, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. The staff is kicking off its birthday with balloons and cake today.
As a gift to the residents of Burke County who have supported the facility over the years, Debbie Knight, executive director of Phifer, is waiving the enrollment fee and monthly dues for October for new members. Depending on the membership package, that’s a savings of $147 to $217.
“We will be celebrating for an entire year with special programs and offers for each month,” Knight said. “Come visit us and take a tour of the facility.”
Phifer, one of few fitness centers in North Carolina to be affiliated with a hospital, was part of Grace Hospital’s new concept in wellness back in 1995 - keeping Burke County residents healthy and out of the hospital.
The center is named in honor of the Phifer family - supporters of the hospital for the last 100 years. Dr. E.W. Phifer served as the first resident physician when Grace Hospital opened in 1906 and his son, Dr. E.W. (Ned) Phifer Jr., joined the Medical Staff in 1946. Robert P. Phifer served on the Grace Hospital board of Directors from 1939 until his death in 1972 and Edward Phifer III currently serves on the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation Board of Directors. Other family members have served on various boards in the past as well.
The 26,000 square foot facility opened in October 1996. It features a heated indoor swimming pool with five lanes, a cushioned hardwood aerobics floor, three racquetball courts with cushioned hardwood floors, a fitness area, lockers and educational classrooms.
For individuals preferring to exercise in classes, Phifer has a wide range: water aerobics, Pilates, kickboxing, yoga and spinning (a form of indoor cycling in a classroom setting). If you like working out by yourself, the pool is open for lap swimming and the fitness floor has three main areas: strength training using weight machines; free weights; and a cardiovascular area that has treadmills, bikes, rowing machines and more. Phifer recently upgraded its cardio-fitness equipment by acquiring nine new treadmills, four recumbent cycles and two upright cycles. In addition, the first floor will be getting a facelift in the near future - new carpet and wall coverings.
To work the kinks out after exercising, Phifer has saunas, steamrooms, and massage therapy services.
For Melton, the wellness center is convenient and he’s satisfied with his regimen. He knows the Phifer staff and he’s made new friends in the 10 years he’s being going there. “I’m content,” he said.
Liz Wilson, 44, knows the feeling. She’s been a regular since joining Phifer in 1997 and she’s met friends as well. She and her husband, Nathan, attend spinning class religiously.
“We’ve really enjoyed it,” she said. “A lot of that enjoyment is because of the people in the class and the people at Phifer.”
The class meets two nights a week at 6:45 p.m. Last year, some class members got together for social events - a bike ride in Newton and a night out at a local restaurant.
“We have a lot of fun,” Wilson said.
Wilson also is complimentary of the Phifer staff. “Honestly, I like all the people who work there,” she said. “They genuinely care for your health and safety.”
For more information on Phifer programs or to arrange a tour, call the front desk at 580-6600.
To search for information on a variety of health topics, please visit our web site at www.blueridgehealth.org.
ANNA WILSON is a writer and graphic artist in Blue Ridge HealthCare’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.
Phifer Phacts
Hours of Operation
- Monday through Thursday 6am to 9pm
- Friday - 6am to 8pm
- Saturday - 8am to 4pm
- Sunday - 1pm to 5pm
Guest Policy
We require that all guests be at least 18 years of age. For guests escorted by a member the visitation fee is $8.00. Those without a member escort are asked to pay a $10.00 visitation fee.
“Phamily” Swim Times
- Tuesday Evenings 7:30pm - 8:45pm
- Swimming 1pm - 3:30pm
- Swimming 2pm-5pm
Massage Therapy
Phifer offers a variety of therapeutic massage services that both members and non-members can partake in. All members and senior citizens receive a 10% discount on most massage services. Appointments can easily be made by contacting the front desk at 580-6600.
The second largest employer in Burke County, Blue Ridge HealthCare serves a four-county area and includes Grace and Valdese hospitals, Blue Ridge Home HealthCare, Grace Heights and College Pines Health & Rehabilitation Centers, Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Phifer Wellness Center and a number of physician practices.
|