General questions
What is Ways to Wellness?
What will happen at my eight appointments?
Will I be exercising?
What will I have to eat? Is there a specific meal plan or food plan?
What if I have a medical condition (i.e. back pain, diabetes, joint replacement)?
How much does the Adult 12-Week Program cost?
How much does the Family 12-Week Program cost?
How do I register?
When are appointments available?
Where is Ways to Wellness located?
Does health insurance pay for this program?
How do I pay for the program?
paperwork needs to be completed before my first appointment?
Do I need physician approval?
What do I do if I need physician approval?
Is physician approval needed for both adults and children?
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
What is metabolic testing?
What do I need to do before and during metabolic testing?
Is metabolic testing accurate?
What other fitness assessment are involved?
What do I wear to my appointments?
What is a Wellness Coach?
Does Ways to Wellness have a medical director?
Do you see children or adults with an eating disorder?
What if I’m going on vacation during the 12-Week Program?
What classes are available with Ways to Wellness?
What if I want to continue after the 12-Week Program?
What is your success rate?
Family Program questions
How does the family program work?
What age children can participate?
Does the parent need to be involved?
Who should attend?
What if I already participated in the Adult 12-Week Program; do I get a discount on the Family Program?
What is the basis for the program?
Will my child be on a restricted or low-calorie diet?
I’m worried about causing an eating disorder or hurting my child’s self-esteem; how will you deal with this?
Will you communicate with my child’s doctor if needed?
Is it safe and accurate for my child to do metabolic testing?
Personalized Options questions
What are Wellness Coach Visits?
How much does a Wellness Coach Visit cost?
What are the Wellness Coaches' specialty areas?
What is an Assessment Visit?
What if I already did an Assessment Visit and now decide to sign up for the 12-Week Program?
What is a Balance Assessment?
General questions
Q: What is Ways to Wellness?
A: Ways to Wellness is an individualized weight management, fitness and nutrition program for men, women and families customized to fit your lifestyle and help you successfully meet your wellness goals. This program encourages you to make changes to last a lifetime and become a healthier you without denying yourself food and pleasure. The program focuses on the whole person and is customized according to you and your life.
There are two 12-week program options. Each includes eight visits with a Wellness Coach, who is a registered dietitian and a certified personal trainer. There are also a variety of personal options.
Q: What will happen at my eight appointments?
A: The first appointment is a two-hour visit that includes metabolic testing and a comprehensive wellness assessment. The 30-minute follow-up appointments will focus on what you and your Wellness Coach determine based on your goals.
Q: Will I be exercising?
A: Yes, if you choose. You decide how you want to spend your time. The Ways to Wellness studio has a variety of fitness equipment, such as hand weights, BOSU, fitness balls and bands, medicine balls, kettle bells and more. Your Wellness Coach will help you design an exercise routine that is right for you and will assist you with proper form.
Q: What will I have to eat? Is there a specific meal plan or food plan?
A: No, there is not a specific meal or food plan. You will receive a calorie range that is specific for you, based on your metabolic testing results and fitness goals. This calorie level will guide you in making good food choices. The Wellness Coaches will make suggestions on how you can improve your food choices, but you decide what you will eat.
Q: What if I have a medical condition (e.g. back pain, diabetes, joint replacement)?
A: Our program can accommodate anyone. Your Wellness Coach will discuss with you and customize the program to fit your health needs. The Wellness Coaches do not treat or diagnose. Please complete the registration packet and health history forms prior to your first appointment. You may need a physician’s approval. Your physician will advise the Wellness Coaches regarding any exercise recommendations or restrictions.
Q: How much does the Adult 12-Week Program cost?
A: The Adult 12-Week Program is $449, payable at your first visit.
Q: How much does the Family 12-Week Program cost?
A: The cost of the Family 12-Week Program is $549 (includes one adult and one child), payable at your first visit. Each additional family member is $100.
Q: How do I register?
A: Call 651-232-1926 to schedule your first appointment. You will need to complete the registration packet. (pdf)
Q: When are appointments available?
A: The Ways to Wellness schedule is:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Thursday from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Q: Where is Ways to Wellness located?
A: The Ways to Wellness studio is located on Woodwinds Health Campus in the Oak Center. This one level building is located across from the hospital's main entrance. The address is 1825 Woodwinds Drive, Woodbury MN 55125. The Ways to Wellness Studio is located in the center of the building; follow the signs. Get a map of the campus, including parking, here (pdf).
Q: Does health insurance pay for this program?
A: Ways to Wellness does not bill insurance for this service. You will need to pay in full by your first appointment. Some health insurance providers may reimburse some or all of the cost. Determining if your health plan provides any reimbursement is your responsibility. A receipt can be provided.
Q: How do I pay for the program?
A: You can pay by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or Discover. Payment is due before or at your first visit.
Q: What paperwork needs to be completed before my first appointment?
A: When you call to schedule your first appointment, we will send you a registration packet or you can access it online here. Simply complete the registration packet and bring it to your first appointment.
If you are registering for Metabolic testing or a Wellness Coach Visit only, you don't need to complete any paperwork.
Q: Do I need physician approval?
A: You may need physician approval. When filling out your registration packet you will see two sections that would indicate whether or not you need physician approval. These sections are:
- Medical History form
If you have indicated any of the health concerns on page one or two you will need to get physician approval.
- Heart Disease Risk Factor form
If you check two or more, you will need physician approval.
Q: What do I do if I need physician approval?
A: Also attached to the registration packet is a Medical Release form. If you determine you need physician approval, bring this form to your clinic. They will fax the completed form to us.
Q: Is physician approval needed for both adults and children?
A: Yes. Make sure to read through and fill out the registration packet completely.
Q: What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
A: You will need to bring your completed registration packet. Also, payment is due at your first appointment.
Q: What is metabolic testing?
A: Metabolic testing is a simple 10-minute breathing test. The test determines your individual resting metabolic rate or RMR. Your RMR is the number of calories your body needs in a day at rest to maintain your weight. In other words, knowing your RMR can assist the Wellness Coached to determine your specific menu and fitness plans to help you be successful in weight loss, weight gain or weight maintenance.
Q: What do I need to do before and during metabolic testing?
A: Prior to coming in for your test, you will need to follow these requirements :
- Four hours before your appointment, please do not:
- Have anything to eat or drink (you can drink water)
- Exercise
- Drink any caffeinated beverages
- Take any herbals or drugs such as ephedra or pseudoephrine
- You may take your medications
- One hour before your appointment, please do not:
- Use any type of nicotine product (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco or nicotine replacement products)
During the test, you will sit comfortably in a chair and hold a breathing tube in your mouth. You will have a nose plug that will help you breathe only with your mouth. The test takes approximately 10 minutes.
Q: Is metabolic testing accurate?
A: Metabolic testing is accurate as long as the testing requirements have been followed. Our equipment is FDA-approved.
Q: What other fitness assessment are involved?
A: Body composition: We have a special scale to evaluate your percentage of body fat, weight and BMI (body mass index). This scale measures body fat by bioelectrical impedance. We will take measurements at your waist and hip to determine your waist/hip ratio.
Fitness evaluations: We use the YMCA step test to assess your cardio conditioning. This is a three-minute test using an aerobic step. Your heart rate will be measured at the end of the test. For flexibility, we use the sit-and-reach test to assess trunk flexibility. For muscle strength and endurance, we use one-minute sit-up and push-up tests.
Q: What do I wear to my appointments?
A: At your first appointment you will need to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes so that you can participate in the fitness assessments. For your following appointments, it will vary depending on your needs throughout the program. Some visits may focus more on fitness, while others may focus more on meal planning and discussion. Your Wellness Coach will discuss this with you at your visits. A changing room is available for your use.
Q: What is a Wellness Coach?
A: Our Wellness Coaches are Registered Dietitians and ACE Certified Personal Trainers. All have invaluable experience working in the fields of clinical and weight management as well as outpatient wellness programs. Their experience encompasses a broad range of issues including weight management, diabetes, heart health and sports nutrition.
Q: Does Ways to Wellness have a medical director?
A: Yes, Ways to Wellness was developed by a team of health experts at Woodwinds Health Campus and is under the direction of Medical Director Mathew Rolando, MD, from HealthEast Woodbury Clinic. Because of our program expertise, the Wellness Coaches can work with you and your physician if you have health issues such as diabetes or heart disease.
Q: Do you see children or adults with an eating disorder?
A: No. These clients are referred to clinics in the area that specialize in eating disorders.
Q: What if I go on vacation during the 12-Week Program?
A: The program is flexible and is customized to your life and schedule. You and your Wellness Coach will work out the schedule and appointment times that work for you. You only have eight appointments during your 12 weeks.
Q: What classes are available with Ways to Wellness?
A: Ways to Wellness has a variety of classes that are a part of the program. Participants can attend these classes at any time over the 12-Week Program.
Click here for descriptions, dates and times.
Q: What if I want to continue after the 12-Week Program?
A: We have a variety of options for you to choose from if you want to continue. Ask your Wellness Coach for more information.
Q: What is your success rate?
A: Over 90% of clients that have completed the Adult 12-Week Program have met their lifestyle goals which may not be weight related but help to promote new healthy choices. Also, over 70% have met their 12-week weight goals and many of them continue with Ways to Wellness once they've completed the 12-week program. Data analysis also shows statistically significant health improvements for blood pressure, heart rate, energy level, body image and self-confidence.
Family Program questions
Q: How does the family program work?
A: The Family 12-Week Program is very similar to the Adult 12-Week Program, except that a parent (or other adult) enrolls in the program with their child or children. At least one adult and one child need to participate. The program takes a non-diet approach and encourages healthy lifestyle changes and fun.
Q: What age children can participate?
A: Children 8 to 17 years old can participate in the program. Program materials are specific to their age group. Children under the age of 8 may participate with a doctor's approval.
Q: Does the parent need to be involved?
A: Yes, at least one parent or guardian needs to participate with one child. The parent will participate in the Adult 12-Week Program, customized to fit with the family goals set together.
Q: Who should attend?
A: The entire family is encouraged to participate.
Q: What if I already participated in the Adult 12-Week Program; do I get a discount on the Family Program?
A: If you are enrolled or have already completed the Adult 12-Week Program, you will pay $449 (the adult wellness assessment will not be redone). If you have more than one family member participating, you will pay the additional $100 fee for each family member. You are still required to attend with your child or children.
Q: What is the basis for the program?
A: The program is based on making lifestyle changes with a non-diet approach. The program uses current information from the American Dietetic Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, USDA and American College of Sports Medicine.
Q: Will my child be on a restricted or low-calorie diet?
A: No. Your child will be learning about healthy, nutritious food choices and moderating portion control. No foods are off limits.
Q: I’m worried about causing an eating disorder or hurting my child’s self-esteem; how will you deal with this?
A: The family program takes a non-diet approach and focuses on building self-esteem and body image. If your child shows signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, you Wellness Coach will discuss next steps with you.
Q: Will you communicate with my child’s doctor if needed?
A: Generally no, unless requested. You would need to provide a release of information form.
Q: Is it safe for my child to do metabolic testing? Is it accurate?
A: Metabolic testing will only be done on children who have gone through puberty because we do not set calorie levels before then. Metabolic testing is accurate as long as the testing requirements have been followed. The equipment used is FDA-approved.
Personalized Options questions
Q: What are Wellness Coach Visits?
A: Wellness Coach Visits are either a 30- or 60-minute appointment with a Wellness Coach. Our Wellness Coaches are both registered dietitians and certified personal trainers. During these visits you may design the time that best suits your needs. For example, you can spend the entire time developing an exercise plan or discuss meal planning. You may use the visits for personal training to keep you motivated with your fitness plan. You decide how to spend your time.
Q: How much does a Wellness Coach Visit cost?
A: You may purchase single visits:
- $40 for 30 minutes
- $70 for 1 hour
Or you may purchase a package:
- $160 for 5 (30-minute sessions)
- $320 for 11 (30-minutes sessions)
Q: What are the Wellness Coaches’ specialty areas?
A: Our Wellness Coaches are trained in sports nutrition, weight management, cholesterol management, diabetes education, menu planning and mood and food. They also teach personal training methods such as kickboxing, cardio boot camp, home fitness programs, balance training, yoga, BOSU ball and hand weights, as well as many others.
Q: What is an Assessment Visit?
A: If you just want to evaluate your health and fitness level without participating in the 12-Week Program, this two-hour visit may be for you. Like the initial visit of the Adult 12-Week Program, the Assessment Visit includes metabolic testing, body composition (body fat, BMI, waist/hip ratio), fitness (strength, flexibility, cardio-respiratory) and nutrition evaluations.
The cost of this appointment is $199. HealthEast employees/volunteers and current Ways to Wellness clients receive a $25 discount. You will need to complete a registration packet prior to your appointment.
Q: What if I already did an Assessment Visit and now decide to sign up for the 12-Week Program?
A: You would need to pay the remaining $250 (Adult 12-Week Program) but would not repeat any of the assessments. It needs to be within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Wellness Coach.
Q: What is a Balance Assessment?
A: At this assessment your Wellness Coach will determine your risk for falling by having you complete five simple balance tests. You’ll then learn exercises to help you improve your balance based on your needs. You’ll also discuss what you can do to prevent a fall. This individual consultation is provided by a Wellness Coach, who is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer. This one-hour visit is $70 payable at your appointment.
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Medical Director of Ways to Wellness, 
decisions. The program includes: 
Before your appointment, please complete the registration packet. You will need to complete a packet for each person (adult and child) participating. Bring your completed packet to your first appointment. 
If you don’t want to commit to the 12-week program but would like support to learn more about your nutrition and fitness needs, we have a variety of choices. Our Wellness Coaches can support you in a many areas, such as maintaining weight loss, gaining weight or sports nutrition.
