Meridian Health and Tilton Fitness now join with network of five fitness centers

Meridian Health, the largest provider of hospital and health care services in Monmouth and Ocean counties, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Tilton Fitness Management, a regional leader in health club operations. The partnership now includes a network of five fitness centers, one of which will be a brand new facility in Jackson and will be located in Meridian's new 150,000 foot Health Village.

Meridian Health and Tilton Fitness first established a relationship in 2010 when the Ocean Club in Manahawkin became part of the Meridian Health family. Later in August of 2012, Tilton was selected to manage and operate Meridian Fitness and Wellness in Hazlet, NJ. As part of the expanded relationship, the Tilton Fitness centers in Northfield and Galloway will also operate in partnership with Meridian Health.

Additionally Tilton Fitness and Meridian Health will open a 32,000 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness facility at Meridian Health Village in Jackson, NJ, this January, 2014.

"Meridian Health is committed to keeping people active and healthy here in our communities," says John K. Lloyd, FACHE, president of Meridian Health. "Our shared focus on helping people maintain their health through personalized and supervised exercise and wellness programs is what sets our collaboration with Tilton apart from other fitness centers and gyms. Our facilities and our professionals are all about enhancing the health journey and experience. "

Sam Young, president and CEO of Tilton Fitness, says there is good reason behind the rising trend of hospital-affiliated fitness centers nationwide. "There is a renewed emphasis behind improving the health status of communities," says Young. "Exercise is becoming a common prescriptive element in everyone's care plan. Fitness facilities, especially hospital-affiliated ones with increased emphasis on health improvement and maintenance, are fast becoming important components of the care continuum."

Young says that individuals are attracted to these partnered facilities because they recognize the added benefits and expertise that the health system professionals bring to the centers. In addition, members have the ability to use all of the Meridian/Tilton facilities. This is particularly appealing to those who work in one area and live in another.