A medical fitness facility is a medically integrated facility that promotes healthy lifestyle choices as it focuses on the prevention and treatment of lifestyle related disease, illness and injury via participation in physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease management programming, and health and wellness education.  

The Medical Fitness Facility Certification from the Medical Fitness Association is an accreditation for fitness facilities that meet rigorous standards in health and wellness, emphasizing the integration of medical expertise into fitness programs. Certified fitness centers feature the professional expertise and programming necessary to safely and effectively assist people, regardless of their current health state, to develop, initiate, and maintain an active lifestyle that minimizes the risk of illness and disease and promotes health and wellness.  

The certification process involves an in-depth review of a facility’s adherence to the prescribed standards and guidelines. A number of key factors distinguish certified medical fitness facilities, including:  

• Active and regular medical oversight  

• Certified and licensed staff  

• Written policies and procedures concerning user safety and the ability to respond appropriately to all emergencies  

• Disease management and prevention programs  

• Health-risk reduction and therapeutic-lifestyle programs  

• Individualized health screening  

• Testing and outcome tracking  

• Quality management, with a focus on measurable results  

• A focus on improving community health  

Learn more by visiting the Medical Fitness Association website. 

Medical Fitness Facility Certification positions the Y as a leader in community health. It assures members and the community that the YMCA of Greater Brandywine offers safe, evidence-based programs, led by highly trained professionals, and can support diverse wellness needs, from general fitness to management of medical conditions.  

Additionally, as the Y seeks to further integrate its services into the healthcare continuum, certification sets the organization up for medical referrals and insurance reimbursement for select programs and offerings.  

Members benefit through access to medically supervised programs and wellness services that promote whole-person health. Medical Fitness Facility Certification reflects the YMCA’s commitment to safety, quality, and the expertise needed to support each member’s unique health journey, whether they are managing a chronic condition or just beginning their fitness path.  

This certification enhances the Y’s capacity to deliver specialized programs, including chronic disease management offerings, rehabilitation, preventative care and tailored fitness plans. These programs are particularly beneficial for members with specific health goals or medical needs and are crafted to support safe and effective health improvement.  

The Y offers a variety of Evidence Based Health Intervention programs and the catalog of offerings continues to grow post-certification.

The certification bolsters the Y’s role as a trusted wellness provider in the Chester County community. It further enables the Y to serve as a vital resource for health education, prevention and management, working alongside healthcare providers to improve community health outcomes and provide accessible, inclusive support for all.  

By choosing a medically integrated fitness facility, you are opting for a facility that prioritizes health and safety, while providing access to high quality medically supervised programs and wellness services that promote whole-person health.