American Heart Month: How Regular Exercise at the Create Healthy Wellness Center Supports Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but the most effective prevention tools are also the most accessible. Regular physical activity lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, strengthens the heart muscle, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
February is American Heart Month, a reminder that heart health is not a one-time effort. It’s built through consistent movement, smart habits, and access to spaces that make those habits easier to maintain.
That’s where the Create Healthy Wellness Center comes in.
“The Wellness Center removes a lot of the barriers people face when trying to take care of their heart,” said Dawn Bourgeois, director of the Create Healthy Wellness Center. “We give people access to safe equipment, knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming environment so exercise becomes part of their routine—not something they put off.”
The heart is a muscle. Like any muscle, it gets stronger with regular use. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That can include walking, cycling, swimming, strength training, or group fitness classes.
Consistent exercise can:
- Improve circulation and oxygen flow
- Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol
- Help manage weight and blood sugar
- Reduce stress, which directly impacts heart health
Even modest increases in physical activity can make a meaningful difference.
A Community Resource Built for Consistency
The Create Healthy Wellness Center is designed to support heart health at every level, from beginners to experienced athletes. With cardio equipment, strength training areas, aquatic facilities, and a full schedule of group classes, members can choose activities that fit their needs, abilities, and goals.
“Our focus is helping people exercise safely, effectively, and consistently,” said Bourgeois. “Heart health isn’t about doing the hardest workout. It’s about finding movement you can stick with and building habits that support your health long-term.”
Equally important, the Wellness Center is staffed by certified professionals who understand safe, effective exercise. That matters, especially for individuals managing high blood pressure, heart conditions, or those returning to exercise after time away.
Movement That Fits Real Life
One of the biggest barriers to heart-healthy exercise is sustainability. Programs fail when they feel intimidating, inconvenient, or disconnected from daily life.
“When people have a place they can go multiple times a week, close to home, it changes their relationship with exercise,” Bourgeois added. “Consistency gets easier when the space feels accessible and familiar.”
At the Create Healthy Wellness Center, members have access to:
- Group classes that add accountability and motivation
- Personal training for guided, individualized support
- Aquatic exercise options that are low-impact and heart-friendly
- Flexible scheduling that fits work and family life
With more than 4,000 members and growing, it’s clear that local residents value having a place where health is supported close to home.
Heart Health Is a Long Game
Heart Month is a reminder, not a reset button. Real progress comes from showing up consistently, making small improvements, and having access to spaces that support long-term health.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing routine, the Create Healthy Wellness Center offers the tools, expertise, and community to help you move with purpose this February and beyond.
Your heart works for you every day. February is a good time to return the favor.
