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Exercise Physiology

“Making More Possible” Through Focused Exercise

Austin Halladay, exercise physiologist at Trinity Health, empowers patients to achieve quality outcomes through the Focused Exercise programs at Trinity Health West near downtown Minot. The word focus plays a critical role in the structure of the Focused Exercise programs.

He provides education and service for all ages and abilities that need focused exercise to achieve outcomes in enhancing physical fitness to combat or recover from Parkinson’s Disease or Cancer treatment. The programs are provided free of charge to patients through funds donated to the Trinity Health Foundation.

Everything Halladay does in the programs are individualized and focused to the patient, not the diagnosis. His goal is to create an environment where people enjoy the activities and see improvement in their daily lives.

“Every participant’s training will be customized to correspond with their abilities, tolerance and overall goals; in addition, each participant will be assessed for progress in the individual and group exercises to track goals and achievements,” said Halladay. “Everything I do is about prolonging the quality of life a patient currently has before they go on to the next level of care.”

Patients Experience Enhanced Outcomes In Physical Fitness

Pete Wahlstrom 79, of Minot says that the Parkinson’s class means everything to him. Wahlstrom has Parkinson’s disease but his mentality and outlook on life says differently.

“This program means a lot and there’s so much camaraderie. Austin and Julie (Wondrasek) mean everything, and they’ll walk with you through every step,” said Wahlstrom. “Without this program I’d be in the home.”

Wahlstrom’s friend, Tom Kempf, chimed in and said, “The class is free, but I’d be willing to pay for a class like this. I’m able to go hunting and fishing every day because of it.”

To help continue the success of these programs, please visit trinityhealth.org/foundation to donate. Select a preferred program (Cancer Exercise Rehab or Parkinson’s Exercise) in the designation section of the donation page.

Call 701-857-5626 to gather more information or to register for classes.

Hitting The Ground Running

Ever wanted to run a 5K or 10K? Or maybe pick up a new hobby that will also keep you physically active?

Starting this October, Trinity Health’s Exercise Physiology department will begin a program to help guide prospective runners through the ins and outs of running through a four- to six-week training schedule.

“A lot of people want to get into running, but don’t know where to start,” said Kendra L. Eerdmans, CPT, a certified personal trainer and an authority on running with Trinity Health’s Exercise Physiology department. THe program is for anyone, “as long as you can jog,” Eerdmans said. “You should be able to run a couple of laps.”

The program includes a sit-down consult with Eerdmans to learn the goals of the individual; meetings twice a week (depending on the participant’s schedule) for an hour-long session to work on building running endurance; and education on proper warm-ups and stretches to do after running.

In addition, the participants will be asked to keep active on their own — not necessarily homework — but “if we meet Monday and Wednesday, I’d ask them to run Thursday and Saturday.”

From building cardiovascular fitness and endurance to learning how to increase mileage without injuring yourself, the program can be beneficial in many ways.

The cost of the program ranges from $199 to $299, depending on the length a participant chooses. A membership to Minot Family YMCA is also needed to participate in the program.

For more information, contact Eerdmans at 857-2950 or [email protected].