Strength in Numbers

by Meredith Donahue

 Jun 12, 2018 at 4:23 PM

Need motivation to exercise? Accountability and encouragement is the secret behind Wakefield Plantation’s thriving group personal-training program.

It's 5:30 A.M. at Wakefield Plantation. The sun peeks through the clouds, the world wakes to another busy day, and Drew Forshey’s first group fitness class is underway.

What motivates someone to show up, day after day, to an early-morning fitness class? The answer is simple: the need for a healthier, positive change in daily life, coupled with the support and motivation of like-minded classmates.

Forshey, instructor of the group personal-training program at Wakefield, knows just what it takes to change the lives of the class participants. When looking for a way to improve your overall health, a program like Forshey’s is just the thing.

“I look forward to my daily workouts with Drew and my group because I’ve found that fitness is fun with friends,” says Pam Boyden, Wakefield Plantation member and active program participant.

Wakefield’s group personal-training program has been successful since its implementation in 2014. Each week, there are 16 available workout times to accommodate varying schedules. From 5:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., there is a slot for everyone. (So no more excuses – “I can’t find the time!”) It’s not unusual for some participants to make it to five sessions each week.

The program’s small-group philosophy is key to creating a one-on-one personal-training style experience — but with the positivity and benefit of friends to lean on for extra motivation.

Wakefield member Jill Brennan-Cook explains: “The people who exercise alongside me at 5:30 a.m. provide me with motivation. They push themselves and never, ever complain about the work. It’s an eclectic group of friendly and supportive people who are interested in being healthy and making the most of the early morning hour.”

To reach this point of commitment and dedication, each group member goes through an intake process that allows the trainer to complete necessary health and medical history checks. It also provides the trainer time to design a specific workout routine based on the individual’s needs, injury history, and goals. Each participant is different, so every program is designed specifically for the individual.

According to Forshey, exercise routines vary depending on the needs of the client. However, most programs focus on cardiovascular, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training. There’s also emphasis on balance, posture, core strengthening, and injury prevention and rehabilitation, if necessary.

As instructor of the program, Forshey reaps the benefits just as much as his students. “I love my job, I really do,” he says. “I’m excited to get to work in the morning. I love to help others however I can, and personal training has always been a way to do that for me. Prevention is worth a pound of treatment. To get someone started, then watch them really own their health and fitness ... that’s one of the best feelings.”

The classes have been truly “lifechanging,” says student Brook Ayres. “It’s the most fun hour of my day, and I am in the best shape of my life!”

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Life Changing Physical Therapy

by Todd Lewis

 Feb 02, 2018 at 4:00 PM

Wakefield Plantation member Todd Lewis (pictured) shares his experience with the club's Physical Therapy program

I’ve had recurring “lower back pain” for the past several years on a spectrum from annoying to debilitating at different times. I received chiropractic treatment sporadically during this time period with some very temporary relief, but which ultimately did not lead to a lessening of symptoms or identification (much less correction) of the underlying problems. As a former college athlete, I was extremely disappointed and frustrated in my diminished ability to train and perform at a high level both in the gym and on the field, and I was resigned to the fact that this had a become a life-long issue. In November 2017, I saw a flyer in the Wakefield Fitness Center for Concierge Physical Therapists, so I decided to give it a try given the convenience of therapy at the Fitness Center. I had my first session with Kjersten at the beginning of December, and one month later, as I write this, I can honestly say that I am on the path to recovery!

Within the first 60 minute session, Kjersten not only identified the root cause of my problems but also corrected the main culprit, which provided me immediate relief and enabled me to walk out of the fitness center pain-free for the first time in recent memory. I understand that this sounds too good to be true, so I will provide some additional commentary to bring this into perspective. First, Kjersten’s knowledge was immediately evident as we discussed my situation, background, pain areas, activity level, etc. She then performed a correction technique to address the primary issue, and then we discussed and implemented an exercise and stretching regimen to begin re-training my body as a means to fully alleviate the root causes of my back pain. After one month, I can now complete a workout with minimal to no pain, and I feel more confident pushing myself in the gym and on the soccer field, which I have not been able to do for several years. I will not say that I have been pain-free for the past month. What I can say is that Kjersten provided me a set of tools that allow me to address the issues myself (self-correction), which has been extremely helpful as I can do this at home, at the gym, or wherever needed. The freedom this provides, both physically and mentally, has been a revelation to me as I am not constantly worried about “tweaking my back” and then relying on someone else to provide some relief.

In summary; I’ve found Kjersten to be an educator first and foremost. I now have a better understanding of the systemic causes of my back problem, and how all of the various joints, muscles, etc. work together to provide proper body function. In addition, Kjersten has provided me some techniques to alleviate the pain by correcting the root causes, but also a training guide to reprogram my body so that my issues do not return. Finally, after several years, I feel that I can go to the gym/soccer field and still perform at a high level, with renewed confidence that my body can and will support my objectives. I will continue to attend sessions with Kjersten to further improve, but it is very liberating to know that I am finally in control of my back problem, and not the other way around. I highly recommend Kjertsen’s services to anyone who not only wants immediate relief, but has longer-term goals of understanding why they are experiencing the issues, and wants to be proactive in improving their overall physical well-being.

 

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Wellness Beyond The Workout

by Natalie Clemens

 Dec 02, 2017 at 4:00 PM

There's no doubt that taking the proactive, “apple-a-day” approach to healthy living has gained measurable traction over recent years. But beyond its lighter menus and modern fitness offerings, McConnell Golf is taking further steps in its commitment to wellness. So, what’s next? Massage therapy and physical therapy.

McConnell Golf recently introduced Concierge Physical Therapists to its clubs. Their network of therapists is based on the belief that clients need more than what most high-volume physical therapy clinics can offer.

According to Bryan Williams, founder of CPT: “I believe in one-on-one, hour-long appointments with a physical therapist specializing in manual techniques complemented with neuromuscular re-education and exercise.”

Concierge Physical Therapists has grown substantially throughout the mid-Atlantic area and now serves eight private clubs, including Wakefield Plantation and Providence Country Club, with plans to add the service to Sedgefield Country Club, Country Club of Asheville, and Old North State Club soon.

“Club members benefit from several aspects of our service, including the convenience of receiving physical therapy at their club’s fitness center,” says Williams. “Members get high-level service due to our one-on-one intensive approach.”

All of CPT’s therapists hold doctoral degrees or have 20-plus years of experience working with golfers, tennis players, and non-athletes.

For Wakefield Plantation member Todd Lewis, working with a physical therapist at the club helped him overcome a long-term struggle with back pain. 

"I’ve had recurring lower back pain for the past several years on a spectrum from annoying to debilitating at different times. I received chiropractic treatment sporadically during this time period with some very temporary relief, but which ultimately did not lead to a lessening of symptoms or identification (much less correction) of the underlying problems. As a former college athlete, I was extremely disappointed and frustrated in my diminished ability to train and perform at a high level both in the gym and on the field, and I was resigned to the fact that this had a become a life-long issue. In November 2017, I saw a flyer in the Wakefield Fitness Center for Concierge Physical Therapists, so I decided to give it a try given the convenience of therapy at the Fitness Center. I had my first session with Kjersten at the beginning of December, and one month later, as I write this, I can honestly say that I am on the path to recovery!"

"Within the first 60 minute session, Kjersten not only identified the root cause of my problems, but also corrected the main culprit, which provided me immediate relief and enabled me to walk out of the fitness center pain-free for the first time in recent memory. I understand that this sounds too good to be true, so I will provide some additional commentary to bring this into perspective. First, Kjersten’s knowledge was immediately evident as we discussed my situation, background, pain areas, activity level, etc. She then performed a correction technique to address the primary issue, and then we discussed and implemented an exercise and stretching regimen to begin re-training my body as a means to fully alleviate the root causes of my back pain. After one month, I can now complete a workout with minimal to no pain, and I feel more confident pushing myself in the gym and on the soccer field, which I have not been able to do for several years. I will not say that I have been pain-free for the past month. What I can say is that Kjersten provided me a set of tools that allow me to address the issues myself (self-correction), which has been extremely helpful as I can do this at home, at the gym, or wherever needed. The freedom this provides, both physically and mentally, has been a revelation to me as I am not constantly worried about “tweaking my back” and then relying on someone else to provide some relief."

"In summary; I’ve found Kjersten to be an educator first and foremost. I now have a better understanding of the systemic causes of my back problem, and how all of the various joints, muscles, etc. work together to provide proper body function. In addition, Kjersten has provided me some techniques to alleviate the pain by correcting the root causes, but also a training guide to reprogram my body so that my issues do not return. Finally, after several years, I feel that I can go to the gym/soccer field and still perform at a high level, with renewed confidence that my body can and will support my objectives. I will continue to attend sessions with Kjersten to further improve, but it is very liberating to know that I am finally in control of my back problem, and not the other way around. I highly recommend Kjertsen’s services to anyone who not only wants immediate relief, but has longer-term goals of understanding why they are experiencing the issues, and wants to be proactive in improving their overall physical well-being."

 

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Sports Club Enhancements

by Matt McConnell

 Dec 07, 2015 at 7:59 PM

The Wakefield Plantation Sports Club has always been very valuable to its membership since it first opened in 2002. Already complete with eight tennis courts, a fitness room, 9-hole golf course and three swimming pools, what else could you ask for? Clearly a lot more!

Kids Game & Media Room

Originally a gym for more than 10 years, this room has been transformed into the ultimate “playroom.” Complete with a foosball table, an air hockey table, board games, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox Kinect, the latest video games and gaming chairs, kids won’t ever want to leave this room. Children, 13 and up, are allowed to check in unaccompanied, and love showing off this awesome atmosphere to their guests while receiving proper staff supervision.

Fitness for Everyone

Our new 3,000-square-foot Fitness Center opened on October 27th and has been hopping ever since. Packed with the latest equipment from US Fitness and TVs on every wall, members can accomplish their goals individually or with the help of our highly credentialed personal trainers. The Fitness Center also features a studio offering a variety of classes six days a week by certified instructors. Inclusive packages are available for our Personal Trainers and Fitness Classes to fit your needs. With kids’ care offered during these workouts and key fob access from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. seven days a week, members have no excuse not to get in shape for 2015!

New Tennis Shop

Possibly the most important improvement of all, this custom-built tennis shop is now located directly in front of the tennis courts – with convenience in mind. Filled with new apparel, equipment, refreshments and 24-hour bathroom access, this NEW Tennis Shop is certainly considered a luxury for all of our tennis players.

Kids Corner

Once a tennis shop, our Kids Corner is the perfect room for child care, birthday parties and kids’ camps. During the summer months, we offer full-week kids’ camps that are each themed differently. From Super Heroes Camp, to the Magical World of Disney, your kids are sure to have fun in this playful setting.

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