Vanderbilt Dayani Center membership allows adults to exercise independently under the supervision of medically-trained staff.

The medically-based fitness facility promotes healthy living under the guidance of exercise physiologists, physical therapists, dietitians and health specialists. Now in its 23^rd year, the Vanderbilt Dayani Center is the state’s first to be certified by the Medical Fitness Association, and one of only 23 MFA-accredited facilities in the nation.

“We provide programs and services that help individuals make lifestyle and behavioral changes and address certain health challenges and problems,” said Jay Groves, EdD, administrative director for Vanderbilt Dayani Center. “Wellness and lifestyle medicine are our focus.”

Something for Everyone

Comprehensive services include rehabilitation therapies, seminars and workshops, health risk appraisals and workplace programs, intervention services, wellness consultation services and executive health programs. Fitness and nutrition experts, exercise equipment, group classes and an Olympic-size warm-water pool all are located onsite.

The Medical Difference

While many of Dayani’s 800-plus members are rehabilitation patients, the center welcomes any independent adult in search of a safe, medically-based fitness environment. Groves said the quality and training of staff are what set the center apart. All hold a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field, and many have earned masters’ and doctorate degrees, as well.

That expertise, coupled with constant monitoring and access to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, means peace of mind for members and physicians alike.

“We have a high level of emergency response capability,” Groves noted. “We monitor each patient and know how to intervene if necessary.”

Staff members also are experts in health coaching and health behavior change, and they work closely with Dayani’s sister facility, the Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health.

Membership

Contract-free monthly memberships are available to the general public and discounts are offered to seniors. Those over 65 also receive a full evaluation by a geriatric nurse practitioner. Appointments with dietitians, massage therapists and fitness experts are available to both members and non-members for a fee.

Corporate Wellness

The Vanderbilt Dayani Center also works with companies of all sizes to promote employee health and lower health costs through onsite screenings, intervention services, workshops and seminars. Packages can be customized to fit each company’s needs. For professionals on a tight schedule, Dayani’s Executive Health Program is a preventive medicine program that includes three possible levels of care designed around the convenience of the patient.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Insurance often covers rehabilitation for pulmonary and cardiac patients for up to three months through the Dayani Center. Under medical guidance, patients focus on adopting healthy lifestyle changes including physical activity, proper nutrition, and stress and anxiety management. Physical therapists also provide specialized manual therapy, myofascial release, and aquatic and land-based therapy for individuals dealing with chronic pain and cancer.

Cancer Rehab and Wellness

In 2011, the Dayani Center implemented a wellness program designed specifically for cancer patients. RENEW classes provide group fitness for adult cancer survivors who are on therapy or have recently finished treatment. The program is offered free for any cancer patient in the community currently going through treatment at any hospital, and survivors can participate free of charge for up to 12 weeks. The 45-minute fitness and gentle movement classes include Ai Chi-Gentle Aqua, QiGong/Tai Chi, and Restorative Yoga.

“RENEW was the result of a lot of conversations with faculty and learning what their needs were for patients in terms of cancer wellness,” Groves said. “Our underlying philosophy is that cancer is such a huge financial challenge, we don’t want that to stand in the way of healing.”

Weight Management

Dayani’s group weight management program includes a five-month facility membership, access to exercise classes, an individualized workout plan and weekly support sessions led by an exercise physiologist or psychologist. The multidisciplinary program focuses primarily on sustainable behavior change and brings together the expertise of a registered dietitian, a certified personal trainer, and Colin Armstrong, PhD, clinical psychologist and certified health and wellness coach.

“Some people think psychological factors are only an issue with those suffering from disorders such as binge eating,” Armstrong said. “However, psychology's role in weight management is much broader.”

He said many of the program’s members are high functioning, successful individuals who have fallen prey to emotional eating and other detrimental behaviors, all the while sacrificing self esteem, healthy sleep patterns and physical activity.

“Many people fail at losing weight because they think quick-fix and short-term, believe there is nothing they can do to alter their level of motivation, or are tripped up by their own self-defeating thoughts,” Armstrong explained. “Psychological approaches such as those from cognitive behavioral therapy or principles of mindfulness can help individuals break away from those habits of thought that can trip us up in terms of diet or exercise.”

Dayani’s registered dietitian, Jennifer Moore, RD, provides nutrition consults, metabolism measurements, corporate nutrition support and weight management workshops. She said the weight loss process often is a reality check for clients.

“Most people have a misunderstanding of metabolism or don’t fully realize how many calories they’re actually taking in,” Moore said. “By helping patients understand that the nutrition habits implemented today affect future health and well-being, the stimulus to self ownership is started.”

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