The Activities of Daily Living Performance Enhancement Research Center (commonly known as the PEC) is a cooperative effort between Villa St. Benedict and the Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology program. This well equipped fitness center features FreeMotion resistance training equipment that utilizes pulley systems to allow a wide range of joint motions to be accommodated. Many of these machines are also accessible to those confined to wheelchairs. Our most recent addition is a leg press to help our residents improve their lower body strength.

For aerobic conditioning, we have NuStep recumbent trainers, StarTrac recumbent bicycles, and StarTrac treadmills. An electronic upper body arm ergometer, rowing machine and Airdyne bike round out the aerobic offerings.

Group exercise classes are offered 5 days of the week and include a variety of class formats. We currently offer balance training, core conditioning, and strength training. Our students also lead classes in other areas of the campus including Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Working at Villa St. Benedict is terrific opportunity to help a great group of residents improve their fitness to help maintain their quality of life. In addition, it provides students with practical experience working with a wide variety of chronic conditions. The hours worked at Villa St. Benedict counts towards the requirements for the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiology exam.

Please contact Regina Schurman at rschurman@ben.edu to learn more or for a tour.