What equipment does the CORE utilize, and which exercises are performed?

The CORE workout uses a series of exercise machines specifically designed to target, isolate, and strengthen spinal muscle groups and to promote and improve flexibility.

• Low back: Lumbar Machine
• Torso: Torso Rotation Machine
• Cervical Spine (Neck): 4-way Neck Machine
• Abdomen: Abdominal Crunch Machine
• Lats/Arms/Anterior Shoulders: Lat Pull Down Machine
• Chest/Upper Back/Arms: Upright Rowing Machine
• Legs/Buttocks: Leg Press Machine

The CORE also offers flexibility training for seven major muscle groups through a unique machine that provides progressive, measurable stretching exercise.

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What is the difference between the CORE and PNBC’s exercise rehabilitation program?

PNBC’s treatment program is for people suffering from chronic spinal pain or dysfunction. After an initial evaluation, your PNBC physician will decide whether or not to recommend the exercise rehabilitation program. If you begin the program, you will meet with a physician again once every 3 weeks to evaluate treatment progress. The program itself is 8-10 weeks working one-on-one with a member of PNBC’s physical therapy staff, typically twice a week for one hour. These sessions are by appointment, because they involve specialized medical exercise equipment registered with the FDA which requires a trained clinician to operate. In most cases, health care insurance covers the cost of PNBC’s exercise rehabilitation program.

PNBC’s CORE spinal fitness program is designed for individuals that have completed PNBC’s treatment program, and are able to exercise without the need for direct medical supervision. CORE members generally perform two, 20-30 minute, strengthening exercise sessions per week. Similar to a health club setting, members are able to use the exercise equipment without an appointment under the general supervision of trained staff members.  CORE members pay a monthly out-of-pocket membership fee.

	PNBC Treatment Program	PNBC CORE Program
Population	Chronic spine pain patients	Individuals discharged from PNBC treatment program; possibly asymptomatic individuals for injury prevention
Program Goal	Improve spinal fitness/function; reduce chronic pain symptoms	Maintain or further develop spinal fitness levels; prevent recurrence/injury and further health care utilization
Supervision and Program Administration	One-on-one evaluation and supervision provided by physicians and therapy staff every session	Initial one-on-one orientation/ training, then general supervision provided by trained PNBC staff
Primary Equipment Utilized	Medical exercise equipment that isolates spinal muscles; FDA approved	Specialized exercise equipment that isolates spinal muscles; Patented stretch machine; Other high quality exercise equipment
Staff Credentials/Training	Licensed MDs, PTs, PTAs, Certified Athletic Trainers, or Exercise Physiologists trained through PNBC’s internal certification process	Exercise Physiologists, Certified Athletic Trainers, and/or Physical Therapist Assistants trained through PNBC’s internal certification process
# of sessions/week	2, by appointment	2, no appointment needed
Approximate time/session	1 hour	20-30 minutes
Payment	Generally paid for by most insurance companies under patient’s health plan or work comp benefits	Members pay out-of-pocket on a monthly or annual basis. No minimum contract required
Program Locations	6 Twin Cities locations:    Coon Rapids,  Eden Prairie, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Roseville, and Woodbury	Currently available within PNBC’s Woodbury, Roseville, and Maple Grove clinics as a separate & distinct facility

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What makes the CORE program different from exercise programs provided at a standard health club?

Specialized, Exceptional Service – The CORE is staffed by PNBC’s caring staff of spinal fitness specialists. Our staff has worked with each CORE member during his/her rehabilitation program, and understands the medical history and specific needs of each member. Unlike generalized fitness programs offered in health clubs, CORE members receive a program tailored to their needs. Members receive in depth instruction, along with regular motivation, education, and monitoring of progress by PNBC staff.

Specialized Equipment –The CORE program has specialized exercise machines that isolate and strengthen the spinal muscles more effectively through the use of stabilization pads/mechanisms. Published research shows that commercially available ‘back’ machines found in health clubs do not isolate and strengthen the lumbar muscles.

Value –Most health clubs charge an additional $45-$80 per hour for services like PNBC’s CORE. Even then, health clubs don’t offer effective spinal fitness equipment. For $40 a month, CORE members have access to specialized equipment, knowledgeable and caring staff, and most importantly, the means to maintain spinal fitness and well being.

The CORE vs. Typical Health Club Membership

	The CORE	Health Club
Program	Specific spinal fitness program tailored to the needs of its participants	Generalized fitness program
Staff	Exercise physiologists, certified athletic trainers, and/or physical therapist assistants trained through PNBC’s internal certification process; specialized focus on spinal fitness; familiar with each member’s medical history & needs	Health club instructors with varying levels of education/training; no medical expertise and/or specialization in spinal fitness; no familiarity with member’s medical history & needs
Service	Initial one-on-one orientation/ training, then general supervision provided by trained PNBC staff; motivation, education, evaluation of progress is standard	Generally ‘on your own,’ with little supervision or staff follow-up unless additional personal training sessions are purchased
Fitness Equipment	Specialized MedX exercise equipment that isolates spinal muscles via stabilization pads/mechanisms; MedX stretch machine; Nautilus exercise equipment	General resistance training machines that offer minimal or no isolation of the spinal muscles; no progressive resistance for cervical muscles; no stretching machine
Program Cost	$40 per month or $425 per year	Annual membership fees range from $500 to $1,000; personal training offered at additional cost of $45-$80/hour
Availability	Currently available within PNBC’s Woodbury, Roseville and Maple Grove clinics; no other similar program in the Midwest	Variety of companies and locations throughout the Twin Cities


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What is the difference between the CORE and the home exercise program (HEP) that PNBC recommends to its discharged patients?

PNBC’s CORE provides the equipment and environment to both maintain and increase spinal fitness, while the Home Exercise Program (HEP) is gives you the tools to simply maintain the spinal strength and symptom improvements gained from the PNBC exercise rehabilitation program. Even though the HEP is an effective way to maintain your spinal fitness, we all know how difficult it can be to stick to a regime on your own. That’s why many patients choose to join CORE, a place where they are surrounded by professionals who specialize in spinal fitness and can offer both the encouragement and motivation you need to keep your spine strong and your pain gone.

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