Working to keep residents healthy

~Local facility combines both fitness, therapy

SIKESTON - Almost daily there is another news story about the need for Americans to become more active and physically fit.

Today, more and more Sikeston and area residents are doing their part to achieve a healthy lifestyle by making Ozark Fitness a regular part of their fitness routine.

Located at 508 N. West St., Ozark Fitness was opened in October by Austin Tinsley and Chad Casey with DeLane Beckwith as manager. Their goal, explained Teresa Gilliland, assistant manager, is to create a fitness facility providing quality equipment and personnel to help clients feel their best.

Filled with a variety of equipment, the main exercise area includes cardio equipment along with free-weight equipment while an adjoining room has weight machines and more weights. A separate room is set aside for the aerobic classes available throughout the day.

Ozark Therapy is staffed by Brooke Reed, occupational therapist; Army Arnzen, athletic trainer; and Tracy Davied, physical therapist.

Ozark Therapy is staffed by Brooke Reed, occupational therapist; Army Arnzen, athletic trainer; and Tracy Davied, physical therapist.

Personal trainers work with clients to ensure they are making proper use of the equipment and getting the most from the workout. Another plus provided by the trainers, Gilliland said, is they will work to change up the exercise routines to keep clients from getting bored.

"We are here to help our clients. In a situation where you are working one-

on-one you are more apt to exercise," said Gilliland. She added the trainers can also set up nutrition programs.

New equipment is being introduced into the facility. Most recently a new exercise bike and a treadmill were added.

This is all part of the overall effort to make Ozark Fitness the top-notch facility in the area, Gilliland explained. "We are constantly trying to improve the facility by adding and changing things. In fitness, change is good because people can get bored. Change is where you see progress," she said.

Eric Yant uses one of the new treadmills. Ozark Fitness has added several new machines for clients since opening in October.

Eric Yant uses one of the new treadmills. Ozark Fitness has added several new machines for clients since opening in October.

Also available is massage therapy for those who might want to unwind after exercising and tanning facilities.

Since taking over the facility, enrollment has steadily grown and the cost of belonging to Ozark Fitness is very reasonable according to Gilliland. Currently the facility is waiving the enrollment fee for all of the fitness packages and those who enroll for a full year also get two months free.

"This is a great gym for Sikeston," said Gilliland. "We have people here who care, you won't be on your own."

The fitness center is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

OZARK THERAPY

Separate but still an integral part of Ozark Fitness is Ozark Therapy, located just off the main lobby.

Staffed by Amy Arnzen, ATC, athletic trainer; Tracy Davied, PT, physical therapist; and Brooke Reed, OTR/L, occupational therapist, the three work to meet the therapy needs of not just those using Ozark Fitness but also those referred by their physicians for therapy.

Since opening in April, their clients have ranged from young adults to the elderly. The staff makes use of two treatment rooms and an open area where therapy can be offered in a casual atmosphere.

"I like the fact that we are a smaller facility, where you can work one-on-one with patients," said Davied.

Reed agreed, adding because Ozark Physical Therapy is small, they are able to work consistently with the same clients providing a continuity of care and therapy often not available in larger facilities.

"We are very patient-centered, very friendly," said Reed. "We know when it is someone's birthday. We are friends as well as therapists."

The three noted they have a close working relationship. However, each has their own speciality - Davied assisting those with spinal therapy needs while Reed's speciality is neuromuscular and Arnzen assists athletes.

And all work closely with area physicians to fill therapy needs for patients, Davied said.

A graduate of Maryville University in St. Louis, Davied is a resident of Sikeston. She has worked for the past 10 years as a physical therapist.

Reed, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, is certified in neurodevelopmental techniques. The NDT certification enables her to work with those with spinal cord injuries or head injuries or those who have suffered a stroke.

Arnzen, who graduated from Southeast Missouri State University, primarily works with schools and assists local athletes in their training.

The Sikeston facility is one of three Ozark Physical Therapy sites. Offices are also located in Poplar Bluff and Dexter.

Hours for Sikeston's Ozark Physical Therapy are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information call 471-0110.