WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE FITNESS PROGRAM
A balanced resistance, cardiovascular and nutritional program can retard and prevent the deteriorating process. A fitness program will boost the immune system in people with HIV/AIDS because exercise has been shown to:

Decrease anxiety and depression, Increase muscle strength
Improve immune function, Improve self confidence and self image
Improve digestion, appetite & sleep patterns Improve healing process
Improve comfort and vitality and bring back structure and function into ones life.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Our program is a Partner Assisted Fitness Program (PAF Program). The personal trainer works with the clients 50/50 to provide an effective and relaxing program to assess the flexibility, balance, strength, aerobics, anaerobic and weight needs of the clients and appreciation of the postural stresses of daily life.

PAF PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
In order to assure adequate assessment and goal setting, each participating client will be requested to obtain nutritional counseling at the Poverello Center and a release form from the client’s primary caregiver. A baseline interview recording vital statistics as well as unique needs assessment will be done on individual clients. Many of the clients at the Fitness Center personal preferences quantified by HIV status and progression would drive the fitness plan. The trainer would work closely with the nutritionist at Poverello as well as network with the client’s primary caregiver. The trainer is available for open communication to develop a means of providing information between clients and providers. Each client receives 12 weeks of supervised nutritional and fitness training. The trainer compiles program data and coordinates with the nutritionist maintaining a record of the clients improvement. The nutritionist at Poverello would be responsible for the diet segment of the program.

METHOD OF THE PROGRAM
The method chosen for the program is a combination of various Manual Resistance Stretching (MRS) techniques. MRS requires active client participation, which increases the client/trainer relationship beyond the parameters of passive and individual training.

STRUCTURES OF THE PROGRAM
The program consists of 3 different classes:

1. Mind-body training class: Balance and breathing to get more stability.
2. Neuromuscular control and relaxation.
3. Work out training class: to create strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

RESISTANCE TRAINING CLASS
To teach the client how to safely and effectively exercise on their own plus introduce them to elements of a workout routine for weight loss or muscle development.