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After earning certification in 2018, in 2022 Powell Wellness Center (PWC) achieved re-certification by the Medical Fitness Association (MFA), the country’s leading organization dedicated solely to facilities providing evidence-based fitness and wellness programs guided by medical expertise. PWC qualified for recertification with a score of 100 percent. It is one of only two centers in Virginia that are certified by the MFA.

Certification demonstrates that PWC staff have the professional expertise and offer the programming necessary to safely and effectively assist people, regardless of their current health status, to develop, initiate, and maintain an active lifestyle that minimizes the risk of illness and disease and promotes health and wellness.

At PWC, center members and the local community can enjoy the following unique benefits:

• Support from certified professionals in the fitness industry. As a certified facility, PWC offers the professional expertise and programming necessary to safely and effectively assist people, regardless of current health status, to develop and maintain an active lifestyle that minimizes the risk of illness and promotes health and wellness. The Medical Fitness Association Facility Certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the health and wellness industry.
• Medical oversight. PWC’s volunteer Medical Advisory Committee is part of the center’s team. Composed of respected local medical professionals, the MAC provides active and regular medical oversight, an important role unique to MFA-certified facilities. The MAC advises staff in the development and oversight of fitness programs designed for people with chronic health conditions like obesity, heart disease, Parkinson’s, arthritis and more.
• Physician-referred 8-week program for overall wellness. With the support of their physician, anyone interested may participate in an 8-week supervised group exercise program, known as FitScripts, designed to increase activity and improve overall health. This program supports those with cancer, cardiac & pulmonary rehab, diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson’s, pre & post natal, and pulmonary health needs.
• Scholarship availability to support the fitness needs of income eligible applicants.
• Community health education & screenings. Community members may attend free special events that include health education programs and screenings with area medical, wellness and fitness professionals.

The certification process involves an in-depth, on-site review of a facility’s adherence to internationally recognized Standards and Guidelines for Medical Fitness Facilities. The review requires teamwork among staff members in all areas from group exercise to medical programs to personal training.

MFA certification requires that our staff have industry-specific credentials to ensure high quality programming. We work closely with local physicians to help our members prevent illness and chronic disease and recover more quickly and completely after a medical event. Our staff are well-trained in emergency response and ensuring member safety.  PWC offers a member experience that simply isn’t available elsewhere in our region.

PWC is proud to be a part of a select group of industry leaders committed to improving health and promoting wellness through exercise.

In 2021, a 10-year study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shed light on the benefits of regular attendance at a medical fitness facility such as Powell Wellness Center. The study provided evidence that regular attendance at a medical fitness facility resulted in positive member outcomes such as a 60% lower risk of death and 13% lower risk of hospitalization, compared outcomes for individuals who do not attend such a facility. Read more about the study

About the Medical Fitness Association

The Medical Fitness Association is a member-driven, non-profit organization. The MFA’s mission is to foster opportunities for the development and operational success of medically integrated fitness centers. Medical Fitness Association provides industry standards, educational programs, benchmarks, outcome measurements, professional development and networking opportunities for the medical fitness industry.