Press Release - For Immediate Release Media Contact: Pat Vandermark
614-203-5372
As Mt. Carmel pulls the plug on Wellness Program, instructor steps up to fill the void
Columbus, OH – April 16, 2009. In late January, instructors and participants in the Mt. Carmel Health and Wellness classes were notified that the popular program was being discontinued. No explanations were given for the decision that came at a time when many businesses were cutting staff and scaling back operations due to the recent downturn in the economy.
The Mt. Carmel Health and Wellness Program provided classes designed to educate and support the people of Columbus and Central Ohio. Classes were taught by professionals in the field of health and wellness. Some courses were free of charge, while others required a fee for participation.
The winter catalog included classes in smoking cessation, preparation for surgery, diabetes management, support groups for loss of a loved one, and cancer support. There were over 2 dozen courses that were devoted to improving physical fitness and reducing the ill effects of stress on the body. In the spring publication, the Health and Wellness title is gone and all classes in the Personal Growth, Something for Seniors, and Exercise categories were eliminated. In all 28 classes were cut.
For the last 9 years, Pat Vandermark taught yoga and Pilates, in the Mt. Carmel program. Classes were always full. Participants returned session after session to reap the benefits of her unique approach to wellness. Her students were 20-somethings to late 60’s, with varying levels of fitness. The one thing that they all had in common was the belief that the classes made a real difference in their health and well-being.
Sue Gernetzke of Gahanna has been in Pat’s Mt. Carmel class since 2000. She credits the once per week, hour long session with keeping her mind and body in harmony. “I have four sons, a grandson, and a very full plate. No matter what stressors I pile on during the week, I know that Saturday morning from 8 to 9 is my time to work out and release all of the tension that I have built up. Every 8 weeks, I would call Mt. Carmel, and sign up for another session with Pat. It was fitness that I could afford, and I know that it has improved my overall health. I have learned techniques for managing stress in daily life that have done wonders for my outlook. When I heard that Mt. Carmel was not going to offer it any more, I panicked.”
This was a typical sentiment among seasoned participants, and new students alike. They had found a valuable resource for maintaining their wellness, and for improving their overall health. Pat’s class, and all of the fitness courses in the Mt. Carmel Wellness Program, offered an alternative to commercial fitness clubs and gyms that can be expensive and intimidating.
Pat understands the factors that keep many people from getting out and getting active. My classes are designed for the beginner and the experienced student. We come in all shapes and sizes and with all levels of fitness. If any of my students are experiencing a problem or need help with a particular pose or exercise, I’m available to them either before or after the class or by phone during the week. Every one of my classes ends with several minutes of stretching and guided relaxation, which reduces stress. We work our bodies to achieve their fullest potential, and through our practice we experience an inner peace that we can incorporate into our lives, on or off the mat.
An experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT), trained in Pilates mat and reformer, certified in group fitness through AFAA (American Fitness & Aerobics Association), Pat has the technical credentials to teach many different types of fitness classes. What is unique about her approach is the environment that she creates for her students. In contrast to many gyms and clubs, Pat’s classes are free from competition and completely without the intimidation factor that makes many people hesitant to begin, or continue a fitness program.
The mood in the class is one of calm and acceptance. Regardless of whether it is their first or hundred-and-first time on the mat, each individual is given encouragement to do what their body is capable of doing. Pat establishes the tone from the start and all ego and competition are released from the room. The sense of tranquility is almost palpable as students wrap up the 60 minutes of stretching and strength-building moves with a few minutes of meditation and relaxation therapies.
Uncertainty and worry that accompany times of economic woe have very real health consequences. Job losses, drastic reductions in retirement savings, and the prospect of a prolonged recession lead to increased illness and many stress-related health concerns. In these times, wellness programs become even more crucial to the well-being of individuals and the community.
Deborah B. Mullarkey credits the class for the improvement in her health. “I have taken Pat Vandermark’s Yoga class for the last five years. I began when my parents were gravely ill. One was in Mt. Carmel Hospice Care, and the other in the palliative care unit of the hospital. I have asthma and stress is definitely a problem for me. The Mt. Carmel Program was recommended. Pat taught me breathing and relaxation techniques that have helped me get through the loss of my parents and many other difficult times. The one hour per week helped me to refocus and find the balance in my life that was crucial to my spiritual healing. My stamina, strength, and flexibility have improved so much. I don’t want to lose the gains that I’ve made through this class.”
Judeen Hartge, who has taken the Saturday Pilates/Yoga Fusion class for 9 years, was shocked at the news that the Mt. Carmel Program was cut. “I teach 3rd grade all week. I have a son in high school, 3 grown children, and 1 grandson. My days are full of commitments and obligations. But that 1 hour on Saturday morning is just for me. I can’t imagine doing without it. I rely on that class to reduce stress and maintain my level of fitness. The calm begins the minute I put down my mat.”
Hearing so many cries of help from her students caused Pat to look for ways to fill the void that the Mt. Carmel cuts created. With many years of experience in business, both in the corporate world and as a small business franchise owner, Pat understands the risks associated with starting a business. This is not the best climate to start out on a new venture, and the fitness market is saturated with many offerings in Columbus. However, she wouldn’t be deterred by market forces, especially in these tough times when her students need her the most. “Exercise is important not only to keep our body strong, but also for stress reduction. My philosophy is to “ work smarter, not harder”. I believe in treating the body with respect, after all, it has to last us for a lifetime.” She’s found a way to continue the classes, and she will pick up the schedule when the Mt. Carmel sessions end, so her students won’t miss a beat. As of May 4th, Pat will provide yoga and Pilates through an arrangement with Next Level Studios, located in the Creekside area of Gahanna.
Next Level Studios is not a gym, but a facility that offers only studio style fitness classes. That was important to Pat as she searched for a space to continue her classes. For the comfort of her students and the effectiveness of the style of class that she teaches, Pat looked for a space that was free of weight machines and other activities. To keep it affordable for the students, she was determined to charge the same fee that Mt. Carmel had charged. Her regular students and anyone else wishing to reap the benefits of yoga and Pilates, can sign up for 8 weeks of class for $75.
As she ventures out on her own, Pat Vandermark speaks well of the Mt. Carmel program where she taught yoga and Pilates for so many years. “The program helped so many people. I hope that after some research into the ongoing needs in the community, Mt. Carmel will be able to offer fitness classes again. It is a wonderful hospital and a wonderful resource for wellness. I’m proud of my years of association with them and look for them to continue their tradition of excellence.”
In the meantime, Pat will continue one small segment of the wellness program in her classes.
Next Level Studios
155 Mill Street
Gahanna Creekside
www.yoga4me.weebly.com
Yoga - Mondays or Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Yoga-Pilates Fusion - Saturday, 8:15 a.m. Pilates Mat - Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
8 week session - $75 walk-in $12 per class
Pat Vandermark, E-RYT 614-203-5372
yoga4me@columbus.rr.com