Chronic health problems sometimes require prescription medications to manage them. However, some doctors are prescribing a tried-and-true remedy that is age old. Doctors are prescribing exercise rather than medication more than ever.

Doctors are beginning to prescribe exercise for the treatment of chronic health conditions instead of medication. They encourage their patients to think of exercise as their medication rather than just taking a pill.

One such program being instilled at a location in Boston, Massachusetts, internists and physicians are prescribing gym access for $10/month. Providing access to affordable gym facilities that includes childcare, classes, and children’s activities is helping low-income patients to fill their exercise “prescriptions.”

At the Whittier Street Health Clinic, this low-cost access is important. 70% of their patients suffer from chronic health conditions and are considered to be low-income. The life expectancy in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston is 59 years. This is well below the nation’s average of 78.8 years.

One testimonial to the effectiveness of the program is Monesha Long. Long, who is morbidly obese and suffers from hypertension, has achieved visible results after 2 years of regular exercise.

“I lost well over 150 pounds and have kept it off for a couple of years,” she says.

Despite the fact that physically active people suffer less from cancers, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other medical conditions, fewer than 25% of American adults exercises enough to reap the benefits.

If you have a fitness goal in mind, contact personal trainer Frank Tortorici. Whether your goal is to lose weight or just get into better shape, Frank can help you meet and exceed your fitness goals. Contact him today.