There is something for EVERYONE at The Center!
The Center for Health Improvement is more than a first class fitness and wellness facility. It’s a friendly, member-oriented community with experienced professionals who extend a warm welcome to see that you are fully supported to succeed in your goals. Come and see why The Center is the only Accredited Medical Fitness Facility in Kansas.
At The Center, you’ll find the best of everything: facilities, equipment and fitness professionals dedicated to helping you get the most out of your workout. Plus, you’ll find convenient personal services that make it easier to fit your sport or exercise routine into your busy life. No other fitness center in Hays offers you so much.
Aquatics
The Aquatic Center provides three unique pools to meet member’s needs. Members have access to the full-sized 6 lane 25 yard heated lap pool which is comfortably maintained at 83°. Swimming lessons, aerobics classes, and lap swimming are held throughout the day to complement your fitness program.
The 93° Warm Water Therapy pool provides an environment that is easy on joints. We offer a variety of rehabilitation programs and senior exercise classes for those who benefit from warm water exercise.
After your workout, leave the stress of the day behind in our relaxing 101° whirlpool spa; a great way to finish a hard workout or a long work day.
Swimming Lessons
This class is designed for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Children along with their parents will learn age appropriate water safety topics and skills. This course familiarizes young children to the water and prepares them for upcoming courses. Course Objectives
Pre-School Aquatics Program
This class is designed for children 3 – 5 years of age. Children independently acquire rudimentary levels of basic aquatic skills and water safety topics. Course Objectives
Learn to Swim Aquatics
For children around 6 years of age. Children will develop positive attitudes, good swimming habits and safe practices in and around the water. The introductory level begins with getting the child comfortable in the water and building confidence in basic skills. As they progress through higher levels, children will refine their strokes and build endurance for swimming distances. Course Objectives
Private Swimming Lessons
Private swimming lessons offer one-on-one instruction for all ages and abilities. These lessons are 30-Minutes and can be scheduled any day of the year. Once you have completed the request form, an instructor will contact you to schedule your lessons.
For any Swimming Lesson inquiries, please contact Kelly at 785-623-5296 or kelly.flaska@haysmed.com
Red Cross Swimming Lessons for children and adults are offered at The Center for Health Improvement’s Aquatic Center. Swimming lessons are taught by certified Water Safety Instructors and are based on the following Red Cross swimming programs.
Aquatic Classes
Aquatic Class Schedule
Childcare
The Center provides a convenient onsite childcare facility that provides a safe, secure, and supervised environment for children ages six weeks through twelve years of age. Once inside, your child(ren) can enjoy our exciting, fun-filled play area fully stocked with plenty of age-appropriate toys, games, and activities. Let our friendly, reliable, and compassionate staff supervise and interact with your child. Meanwhile, you’ll get the exercise you need – and some well-deserved “me” time. We’ll focus on the kids while you focus on working out.
Play Center Pricing
Daily
$3.00 1st child
$1.75 2nd child or more
Non-Member Guest
$3.50 1st child
$1.75 2nd child or more
Punch Card
$45.00 for 30 visits ($1.50 per visit per child)
Childcare Forms
Family Time
Enjoy some quality family time at The Center. The Center offers Family Swim and Gym time on Saturdays and Sunday’s. Member’s children are free and must be accompanied by a parent of grandparent at all times. Children of non-members are welcome for a $3.00 guest fee.
Family Gym Hours: (subject to change due to scheduled events)
| Saturday | 10:30AM – 3:30PM |
| Sunday | 12:30AM – 3:30PM |
Family Swim Hours: (no reservations needed)
| Saturday | 10:30AM – 2:30PM |
| Sunday | 12:30AM – 2:30PM |
Parent Testimonials
- “I love how happy my kids are to come and play. Most of the time they don’t want to leave. It just gives you a good feeling.”
Group Fitness and Aquatic Classes
Pre-Post Natal classes available. Please call the front desk at 785-623-5900 to schedule
Punch cards can be purchased for every class offered at The Center including; group fitness studio, spinning room, aquatic center or gymnasium. $5/class or $45 for 10 classes.
How to Register:
Instructors
Clinical Services
We offer the following clinical services.
Cardiopulmonary Rehab
Hand Care Center
Southwind Surgical
Orthopedic Institute
Sports Medicine & Performance
Rehabilitation
Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Institute
WorkingWell Corporate Wellness Program
Thank you for diving into the world of our corporate services! Our mission is all about infusing vibrant health and wellness into the heart of our communities. We’re not just about checking boxes; we’re here to supercharge your organization’s health and wellness game plan. We realize the importance of having options that encompass all aspects of wellness to help ensure the needs and interests of your organization are met and your employees have an opportunity to succeed. But here’s the exciting part: we’re not stopping at just ‘good enough’. We want to learn about the pulse of your company, the rhythm of your team, and the beat of your fitness needs. This is where the magic happens.
So, let’s make a pact. Fill out the interest form below and let’s embark on this wellness journey together. We’re not about a one-size-fits-all. We fit our offerings to your company’s unique vibes and needs! You can expect a speedy return from us, filled with information crafted especially for your company. Let’s take your wellness aspirations and make them achievable. Let’s make success the new normal!
If you are interested in the WorkingWell Corporate Wellness Program, please contact Chelsea VonLintel at 785-623-5900 for more information or complete the interest form below.
Health Coaching
What is a Health Coach?
A health coach is a supportive guide who helps clients set health goals, whether to lose weight, improve energy, better manage stress, and much more. In addition to being a mentor who holds clients accountable, health coaches are vital members of the greater healthcare team, bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and enacting sustainable and positive behavioral lifestyle changes.
Health Coaching vs. Personal Training
Health coaching is the development of healthy lifestyle habits while personal training focuses on fitness, weight and body composition goals.
Personal trainers design fitness programs, demonstrate proper exercise execution, assess progress, and adjust training plans as needed.
Health coaches guide clients through building self-care skills, habits, and healthy behaviors crucial for optimal wellness. They help their client find the tools and strategies they need to make better lifestyle choices and achieve their health goals.
Popular reasons for having a Health Coach:
- Increase energy and motivation
- Lose weight
- Learn better stress-management techniques
- Prioritize self-care
- Eat healthier
- Exercise more
- Improve relationship with themselves and others
- Create work-life balance
- Increase positivity
- Reduce anxiety and understand what’s best for them
Heather Ver Woert
Group Fitness, Health Coach, Personal Training
Internships
An internship at The Center for Health Improvement (The Center) will not only provide you with the requirements needed to fulfill your college degree, but an experience that will lead you to your future career. The Center is a state of the art nationally accredited medical fitness facility that offers its members top of the line programs and services. As an intern at The Center you will be able to learn and interact in all of the same programs and services available to our members. Our outpatient clinics (Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, etc.) are available as additional resources and experiences during one’s internship. A complete list of an intern’s responsibilities and other duties can be found below. This not meant to be an all –inclusive list of your duties and experiences at The Center; we strive to make our internships customizable to each student’s needs and interests.
We offer two 12 week internships per semester at 20 to 40 hours per week depending on your college’s requirements. Prerequisites and application for the internship can be accessed below. In addition to the completed application please send a cover letter, resume (with references) and an official transcript to the internship supervisor by the deadline. listed below . The actual starting date for the internship can be arranged at a convenient time for both parties.
Please contact the intern supervisor with any questions. We appreciate your interest in an internship at our facility and look forward to offering you an incredible experience.
Responsibilities
- Learn and follow HaysMed and The Center for Health Improvement polices and procedures
- Provide quality customer service and attend to members’ needs
- Conduct fitness assessments; evaluate member’s current fitness status, aid in setting realistic goals based on member’s functional level and physical limitations
- Assist in program planning and designing exercise programs using
- FitLinxx system
- Teach and attend various group fitness classes
- Observe within the following departments/programs at The Center:
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Athletic Training
- Personal Training
- Kid’s Programs
- Assist in upcoming event planning
- Ongoing Programs * this is a brief list of available programs/departments
- Observe Personal Training Sessions
- Train with The Center Personal Trainers (a Personal Trainer will lead you through an hour Personal Training session)
- Design a 30min personal training session for The Center Personal Trainers
- Design and implement an 8 week Program.
- Internship Project – will be chosen by fitness director and internship supervisor
- Meet with The Center for Health Improvement Managers
- Miscellaneous:
- Filing
- Clean
Prerequisites
- Cover letter, resume (with references), official transcripts, and application to The Center’s Internship Supervisor
- Minimum of 60 hours of college level course credits
- 2 of the following Upper Level courses
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Instrumentation
- CPR Certification required (HaysMed provides an opportunity for you to obtain these certifications if you are not already certified)
- Experience in:
- Principles of exercise physiology
- General wellness/clinical/recreation programs
- Taking blood pressures, 7-site skinfolds, target heart rates, waist-to-hip measurements, flexibility and cardiovascular testing
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and general public
- Effective communication
- An initial interview with the Internship Supervisor will be conducted
Additional Info
- CPR Certification must be completed. HaysMed offers a course the week of Associate Orientation. If you have completed American Heart Association CPR/First Aid or have American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer you will not have to complete the HaysMed course.
- TB Skin Test must be completed prior to start of internship
- Flu shot must be completed prior to start of internship (only if internship is being done between October 1 and March 1)
- Personal Training with The Center members will be observation only. If intern has a personal training certification from an NCCA accredited institute you may have an opportunity to train our members.
Juice Bar
The Juice Bar at The Center for Health Improvement provides all of your pre and post workout amenities including bottles of water, juice, protein smoothies to complete meals. The Juice Bar also provides espresso drinks, coffee, orange juice, fruit, muffins, and a variety of scones to get your day started. Over lunch a full salad bar is provided that includes fresh cut vegetables, fruit, nuts, berries and your favorite salad dressing! Also, during the fall months, Wanda will be providing homemade Soups over lunch everyday of the week Monday – Friday. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a note by filling out the comment card you see on the left side of the page. For an immediate answer to your questions, please call 623-5900.
Pro Shop
Stop by the Pro Shop to snag yourself some Center apparel (hoodies, tanks, t-shirts). You can even purchase yoga mats, Yoga Tune Up Therapy balls, foam rollers, swimming goggles, and more!
Kids Fit Club
The Kids Fit Club at The Center provides an enjoyable and progressive program for children of all ages. A fun-filled power hour of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children’s bodies and minds moving throughout the summer.
- Burn off energy
- Be active in a fun environment
- Develop and improve fine and gross motor skills
- Learn about health and fitness
- Enjoy time with friends
LiveWell
What is LiveWell?
This twelve week exercise program is designed for people living with diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Heart or Vessel Disease, Heart Failure, and/or Obesity. Working with your doctor, our fitness team designs a safe and effective exercise plan to meet your needs. Along with exercise, the program gives you the knowledge and tools you need to live as healthy a life as possible.
What to Expect
Entry into LiveWell requires referral from your doctor. The program consists of two staff guided workouts per week for 12 weeks along with optional home workouts. These training sessions include exercises to improve your fitness, strength and flexibility. Each participant may also receive a consult about their eating habits and healthy diet choices. Opportunities for learning include classes about healthy cooking/eating, stress management, coping with long term health conditions, and more.
Dates and Fees
LiveWell is not commonly covered by insurance plans but is offered at a cost of a little over $1.25 per day ($80 for 12 weeks). Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Center for Health Improvement. Upon completion of the twelve week program, participants who wish to continue to exercise at The Center for Health Improvement can sign up for membership with a waived health enrollment fee.
Diabetes Solutions
Adding exercise to a complex health issue such as diabetes can be daunting. Finding a safe environment to begin is essential and guidance from experts in the field can provide direction and ease anxiety. Benefits of long term exercise may include:
- Improved use of insulin by the body
- Burn excess body fat, improved insulin sensitivity
- Help decrease and control weight
- Improve muscle strength
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced risk of cardiac disease
- Increased energy level
- Relieves stress
- Improved sleep
Diabetes is a disease process you have a great deal of control over. Your everyday decisions can make a huge impact on the outcome and severity of your diabetes.
DeBakey Heart Institute
Regular Exercise is a key component to managing heart disease. Engaging in a supervised program can help reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue that affect a person’s daily life. Some additional benefits may include:
- Increased efficiency of heart and lungs
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Decreased number of hospital readmissions
- Decreased mobility of aging or reversing the aging process
- Improved sleep
- Improved energy
- Relieve stress
Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute
Research confirms that exercise offers the following benefits to those undergoing treatment:
- Reduce nausea
- Reduce fatigue
- Increases tolerance to chemotherapy drugs
- Improved body image
- Decreased pain levels
- Elevates mood
- Increased energy level
- Relieves stress
- Improves sleep
Most notably, it provides a way for cancer survivors to be an active participant in their own treatment and recovery.
“Early studies show promise that exercise may alleviate common side effects of treatment and also may play a role in prevention of recurrence. Patients report they feel stronger and they play an active role in their recovery process”
-January Fields, MD, Oncologist HaysMed Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute
Bariatric Surgery
Research confirms that exercise offers the following benefits to those undergoing treatment:
- Reduce nausea
- Reduce fatigue
- Increases tolerance to chemotherapy drugs
- Improved body image
- Decreased pain levels
- Elevates mood
- Increased energy level
- Relieves stress
- Improves sleep
Massage Therapy
| 15 Minute Chair Massage | $25 |
| 30 Minute Massage | $40 |
| 60 Minute Massage | $70 |
| 60 Minute Hot Stone Massage | $70 |
| 90 Minute Massage | $95 |
| 3-Pack – 60 Minute Massage | $195 |
| 6-Pack – 60 Minute Massage | $360 |
The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy helps you relax, realign and rejuvenate. There are many positive aspects to receiving massage therapy on an ongoing basis, and with the busy lives we lead, we can all benefit from a little stress-management. The experienced, professional therapists at The Center for Health Improvement provide exceptional care and will design an effective customized treatment to address your individual needs.
There are so many health benefits to receiving massage therapy on a regular basis:
- Relieves stress
- Encourages relaxation
- Improves posture
- Improves circulation
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps manage pain
- Relaxes muscles
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Relieves tension-related headaches
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances post-operative rehabilitation
- Improves rehabilitation after injury
- Manage Fibromyalgia pain naturally
Recent scientific research also proves that massage therapy increases immune function, decreases stress levels and reduces recovery time in many medical conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Depression and Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Asthma and Bronchitis
- Circulatory Problems
- Insomnia
- Sports Injuries
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Massage Treatments
Chair Massage
A portable chair is used, with the client fully clothed, while a neck and shoulder massage is performed. The only thing more convenient than a massage at The Center is having our professional therapists come to you. This is a great gift for your office staff or it can be a nice perk for a work function.
Hot Stone
Experience a luxurious and relaxing massage combined with deep heal therapy that melts away tension. Water-heated Basalt Lava stones are placed at key points on the body to allow for deeper relaxation of the muscles. Our professional massage therapists then incorporate a customized massage to create a healing and relaxing experience.
Medical/Therapeutic
Integrating soft tissue massage, lymphatic and blood circulation massage, myofascial release, trigger point work, acupressure and reflexology in a specific way for clients with minor problems that can be helped with these techniques.
Prenatal
Massage therapy is a wonderful, complimentary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. The Center’s professional therapists work to relieve the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, and edema. In addition, by relaxing nervous tension, you can experience a better night’s sleep.
Sports
Deep tissue, Trigger point – quick and vigorous compressions designed to target specific areas of the body stressed from athletic activity. Great for any athlete – young or not so young.
Swedish
A gentle, relaxing full-body massage. The combination of long, smooth and rolling strokes helps to achieve full body balancing. The natural healing powers of essential oil penetrate the skin and enhance both physical and mental well-being. You can request a lighter or stronger touch.
Meet our Massage Therapists
Rachel Loving
Massage Therapy
Phone Number 785-623-5900
Degree Associate Degree of Therapeutic Massage – Heritage College
Specialty Area(s)
Prenatal
Deep Tissue
Swedish
Hot Stone
Nutrition Coaching
What Nutrition Coaching Services are available?
- Individualized Nutrition Coaching Sessions (individual and packaged sessions are available)
- Menu Planning
- Individual Lifestyle Weight Management Program
- Meta-Check (MetaCheck is a simple 10 minute breath test that shows you how many calories your body burns at rest, and calculates your approximate calorie needs to lose, gain, or maintain your weight)
What is Nutrition Coaching?
- A thorough review of your nutritional health
- A review of what you eat and your eating and nutrition-related habits
- A personalized nutrition plan based on your individualized needs and lifestyle
How will Nutrition Coaching help me?
- Manage weight
- Reduce risk of chronic disease
- Nutrition for specialized nutrition-related conditions
- Mindfully eat
- Improve overall general health
How do I schedule a Nutrition Coaching Service?
1) Download the Nutrition Coaching form and intake log here, complete it, and return it The Center for Health Improvement front desk. The Wellness Dietitian will then call you to set an appointment.
2) Stop by the front desk of The Center for Health Improvement to obtain the Nutrition Coaching form. Upon completion and return of the form to the front desk, the Wellness Dietitian will call you to set an appointment.
For more information on Nutrition Coaching call The Center for Health Improvement Wellness Dietitian at 785-623-5913, or e-mail kirsten.angell@haysmed.com.
Nutrition Services Pricing
Menu Planning Pricing
2 week meal plan w/30 min. pre and post (free) nutrition coaching session $85.00
4 week meal plan w/30 min pre and post (free) nutrition coaching session $100.00
Substitution List $5.00
Customized changes $65.00/hr
Nutrition Coaching Pricing
Orientation Pkg. (one 1 hr. session, two 45 min. sessions) Member $160.00 | Non Member $175.00
30 min. session $45.00
60 min. session $65.00
15 min. addl. $15.00
3pk. (45 min. ea.) $135.00 Member; $165.00 non-member
6pk. (45 min. ea.) $225.00 member; $315.00 non-member
Family (2hr. session)=$150
Couple (1.5hr. session)=$110
Meta Check
Members $45.00
Non-Members $55.00
Individual Lifestyle Weight Mgt. Program
Nutrition Coaching, Think Light!, & LiveWell=$420 6 months
6 Nutrition Coaching Sessions
8 wks. Think Light! LiveWell (started on month 5)
6 month CHI membership
Nutrition Coaching & Think Light! Only=$390 5 months
6 Nutrition Coaching Sessions
8 wks. Think Light!
No CHI membership
Personal Training
Why Personal Training?
What is Personal Training, why do it and what will it do for you?
Personal Training is instructed one-on-one or in-group sessions with a certified personal trainer who helps you regain or maintain weight, energy, stamina and vitality. Our personal trainers create a safe environment for you to pursue your goals and exceed your potential.
We believe that everyone young and old, male and female should be involved in some form of exercise that improves self esteem and produces results. At The Center for Health Improvement we promise to help YOU do just that.
3 Steps to a Healthier YOU!
- Fill Out Client Information Questionnaire
- A Personal Trainer will contact you upon receiving the questionnaire to setup your first appointment
- Start Personal Training and reach your goals!
8-week Programs Available!
What is an 8-week Program?
- An individualized resistance training program, built-in progressive variance to assure continued results, complete with pictures and descriptions of each exercise.
- Complete flexibility routine for each major muscle group including pictures and descriptions to improve joint range of motion and assure safety.
- Cardiovascular training recommendations and guidelines built to meet your needs.
- A 1-on-1 appointment with your personal trainer for individual exercise description and demonstration to assure proper technique and safety.
- Continued support and assistance from your personal trainer to increase motivation and improve results
Price – $80 for the 1st 8-week Program and $110 for any additional 8-week Program(s)
8-week Program:
- Fill Out our 8-week Program Questionnaire
- A Personal Trainer will contact you upon receiving the questionnaire to setup your first appointment for individual exercise description and demonstration to assure proper technique and safety
- Start your personalized 8-week Program and reach your goals!
Small Group Youth Training
Small Group Youth Training is designed for youth ages 11 and older in groups of 3-5 participants. The groups will be instructed by a Certified Personal Trainer, keeping youth motivated and safe. The workout will focus on the skills that your group has chosen on the enrollment form. The workouts will be designed to teach proper technique and etiquette, playing an intricate part of each youth’s health and active lifestyle.
- Read our Youth Training Program Flyer
- Fill out our Small Group Youth Training form
- A Personal Trainer will contact you upon receiving the questionnaire to setup your first appointment
Ask A Trainer!
Questions are read Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Questions received on the weekends will be read the following Monday. You can expect to hear back on your request within 24 Hours. If you have not heard back on your request please contact Steph Howie at 785-623-6340 or e-mail stephanie.howie@haysmed.com.
Quality care for Kansans
At HaysMed and across our western Kansas alliance, we bring a shared commitment to high-quality care, outcomes and experiences. Our mission is deeply rooted in our role as a resource and partner for every patient and every community we serve.