Fitness, Therapy & Recreation Center

“Fitness is not a luxury. It is, instead, an essential prerequisite for maintaining optimal health and well-being throughout the lifespan.” -Rimmer, 2004

Fitness Center

At TERI we believe fitness and overall physical and emotional health lead to quality of life and longevity. It is our commitment to create and foster the type of environment that advocates, enhances, and directly impacts all aspects of human wellness. Through the implementation of many new and ongoing fitness, therapeutic, nutrition, and recreation programs, we plan to meet the specific health needs of all our clients and staff.

True physical, mental, and emotional fitness involves the integration and balance of key components. Simply stated, we perform better when we are exercising on a consistent basis, reducing stress levels, and consuming all the right foods that help to nourish and protect our bodies. This is why the TERI Fitness Center offers to both clients and staff, free of charge, special programs such as Fitness / Health Assessments, nutrition counseling, individually designed exercise programs (cardiovascular, strength / resistance training, flexibility, general rehabilitation, etc.), group exercise classes, health related workshops and other services to help maximize overall physical well-being.

Nutrition

Understanding the basics about nutrition is fairly simple. However, adopting a lifestyle that incorporates healthful eating habits can pose challenges. TERI looks to overcome these challenges by expanding educational programs offered to staff, families, and guardians of clients. Nutrition counseling, basic cooking classes, workshops, and demonstrations are all part of our corporate plan to improve overall health and wellness standards.

Susan Parham Therapy Center

The therapy center is currently under the direction of registered occupational and physical therapists. Therapeutic programs conducted at this site include the use of movement to enhance learning; sensory integration therapy; programs designed to enhance balance and ambulation; and programs to remediate problems that occur as a result of an individual's disabling condition. Adults who are of retirement age and developmentally disabled will also use the therapy center to maintain current skills and to prevent regression of ambulation and mobility skills. The therapy center includes a variety of mats for stretching and improving range of motion, a vestibular swing, therapy balls, a Bobath ball unit, a padded and cushioned obstacle course, passive exercise equipment, and various other therapeutic supplies.

Research

TERI, in conjunction with Children's Hospital, has historically conducted research to examine the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in decreasing maladaptive behaviors and improving attention to task in this population. The agency plans to continue this research focus at this location with children and adults enrolled in programs, and will collaborate with UCSD and other private institutions.