OPEN EXERCISE The Fitness Center or "Wellness Room" is open from 11am-3pm each day. Equipment includes: stationary bikes, a UBE machine, treadmill, stair cimber dumbbells, resistance bands, and a state-of-the-art universal gym. THE WELLNESS PROGRAM On average, people with mental illness die 10 to 15 years earlier than the general population and the prevalence of excess body weight is two to four times greater. The Our Space Wellness/Exercise Program was initiated in 2002 in direct response to the members' requests for more health related programming. The program was also in response to the call from the National Institute of Mental Health for new ways to treat mental illness. The Wellness Program consists of four basic components: Health Education, Complementary Therapies, Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Abuse (ATODA) Support/Educational Groups and a Supervised Fitness Center Health Education learning about physical diseases, such as heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and obesity, and their relationship to one's mental health insight into psychotropic medications, their level of safety and understanding side effects information on vitamins, proper diet, meal planning & keeping a food diary understanding eating patterns and dysfunctions addressing personal care & hygiene issues Complementary Therapies Experts offer presentations on complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture & massage (ATODA) Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Abuse Program 30-40% of members have experienced problems with substance abuse and mental illness. By examining the nature of addiction and dependency and their chemical effects on the mind and body, this 6 week program offers a means to prevent further abuse through personal support and education. Currently, approximately 75 members participate in either open exercise or the research study. Participating in prolonged and regular exercise has a very positive effect on the psychological and physical health of individuals diagnosed with mental illness. STUDIES Currently, Our Space is focusing its studies on obesity and mental health. 16 members (9 males, 7 females) ranging in age from 23 to 66 years participated in a 20-week research study. PHYSIOLOGICAL RESULTS: INDIVIDUAL 67% decreased resting heart rate 37% decreased resting blood pressure 31% decreased weight 67% decreased body mass index (BMI) 56% decreased hip to waist ratio 56% decreased disease risk 100% increased cardiovascular endurance 100% increased upper body strength PHYSIOLOGICAL RESULTS: GROUP 46% decrease in depression 25% decrease in anxiety 10% increase in perceived Quality of Life 18% increase in self-esteem INDIVIDUAL 87.5% decreased in depression 68% decreased in anxiety 56% increased in perceived Quality of Life 50% increased in self esteem GENDER: FEMALES 65% decrease in depression 35% decrease in anxiety 32% increase in perceived Quality of Life 53% increase in self-esteem GENDER: MALES 43% decrease in depression Open Exercise Results 65% reduced acute anxiety 52 individuals participated in open exercise sessions; 26 of the 52 participated in an acute anxiety study to measure the immediate effects of exercise on anxiety & mood This year, 60 members will be part of a one year longitudinal study. Program duration longer than 20 weeks and/or at a higher frequency, intensity and duration may be necessary to raise a level of fitness where people can begin to see additional and more pronounced physiological and psychological gains from exercise participation.