Medically-Assisted Gym (MAG)

Expert-Guided Fitness for People Who Want More Than Just a Gym.

What if working out felt less like a gamble and more like a sure thing?

That’s exactly what our Medically-Assisted Gym (MAG) is designed to be. Not a regular gym — something better. The MAG is a monthly fitness program at our Lancaster West location where every member gets a customized plan built around their specific strengths, weaknesses, and goals, and a qualified professional in their corner to make sure they’re actually making progress. No guessing. No wandering around staring at equipment. Just focused, supported movement in a small, welcoming environment where people actually know your name.

The MAG is especially popular with patients who’ve just finished physical therapy and aren’t quite ready to go it alone at a big commercial gym. But here’s the thing — a lot of them never leave. Once you experience working out with expert guidance and real accountability, it’s pretty hard to go back to figuring it out by yourself.

Why Choose the Medically-Assisted Gym (MAG)?

There are a lot of places you could go to exercise. Here’s what makes the MAG different:

  • FREE Initial Evaluation — performed by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy to identify areas of concern, individual strengths and weaknesses. And yes, it’s billable to insurance.
  • Expert Supervision — our Exercise Physiologist is on-site to keep you moving safely and effectively, with minimal risk of reinjury
  • Goal-Oriented Structure — you’ll get a fitness evaluation every 8 weeks so your plan keeps up with your progress
  • Fully Customized Plans — your workouts are built for you, not just copied from a template
  • Scheduled Workout Times — because accountability is half the battle, and having a set time makes it a whole lot easier to actually show up
  • No-Contract Membership — month-to-month, no long-term commitment, no initiation fees. Just show up and do the work.
  • A Gym That Actually Feels Good — small, intimate, encouraging. No crowded weight floors, no waiting for machines, no feeling invisible

Meet Your MAG Director

Aaron Brustad, our MAG Director and Exercise Physiologist, is on-site every single day the MAG is open. He’s not just overseeing things from a desk — he’s actively working with members, adjusting plans, answering questions, and celebrating wins. His expertise is included in your monthly membership, which is honestly one of the best deals we offer.

Have questions for Aaron? Email him at abrustad@hartzpt.com or call 717-735-8880.

 

MAG Hours at Lancaster West

Monday: 7am–11:30am and 12pm–7:00pm
Tuesday: 7am–11:30am and 3pm–6:30pm
Wednesday: 7am–12:30pm
Thursday: 7am–11:30am and 3pm–6:30pm
Friday: 7am–2pm

What MAG Members Are Saying

For the past several years, we have had a wonderful experience in the Medically-Adapted Gym at HARTZ Physical Therapy. In a uniquely small group setting, we are given exercises that meet our specific needs and abilities. Our scheduled time keeps us faithfully disciplined in attending three times every week, with an added bonus of an atmosphere of camaraderie with others and a professional team of coaches. While committing to an exercise program can be personally challenging, striving to be fit has never been easier than it is with the MAG.

Ron and Colleen, MAG Clients

I came to Hartz Physical Therapy suffering from lower back pain and balance problems. Dan was very skilled in muscle therapy and balance exercises to gradually strengthen my back muscles and restore my balance to prevent falling. I was then able to transition into the MAG (Medically Adaptive Gym) program at Hartz. At MAG Aaron created an individual exercise program for me to maintain and increase my muscle strength and keep improving my balance. The tools I received during physical therapy and the MAG program at Hartz have greatly improved my quality of life. They are THE BEST!

Barb H, Lancaster-West patient and MAG client

"Participating with the MAG program which is working out great. Excellent facility and staff that are helping me stay healthy."

robert

"The MAG program and Aaron who is in charge of it is great! The workout is designed just for me and my goals. He is there to assist and help as needed."

Barbara

"The MAG is wonderful and has really helped me become strong again."

Carol

"Aaron has done a great job with my fitness. His programs work my entire body. I enjoy the variety of exercises and the challenge of the workouts. He always helps with making sure you are doing exercises the correct way. A definite must for all especially seniors."

James

Is the Medically-Assisted Gym (MAG) Right for You?

The MAG is a great fit if you:

  • Recently completed physical therapy and want to keep your progress going
  • Have been told you need to exercise but aren’t sure where to start
  • Want the structure and safety of professional supervision without the clinical setting
  • Are managing a chronic condition and need a smarter approach to fitness
  • Just want to work out somewhere that feels supportive instead of intimidating

If any of that sounds like you, let’s talk. Reach out to Aaron at abrustad@hartzpt.com or call 717-735-8880 to learn more or schedule your free initial evaluation.  This is the gym experience you’ve been missing — with the medical expertise you actually deed.

HARTZ PT’s Medically-Assisted Gym (MAG) is a unique monthly fitness program which identifies and addresses strengths and weaknesses of each member to develop a customized plan that is monitored and progressed by a qualified professional in a welcoming small-gym environment.   This program is excellent for patients who have been discharged from PT but need additional supervision before returning to a traditional gym setting.  However, often times our patients end up preferring our structure and remain with us instead of going back to their local gym.  The MAG program is available at our Lancaster-West location.

Listen to a first-hand account about the difference the Medically Adapted Gym has made

I came to Hartz Physical Therapy suffering from lower back pain and balance problems. Dan was very skilled in muscle therapy and balance exercises to gradually strengthen my back muscles and restore my balance to prevent falling. I was then able to transition into the MAG (Medically Adaptive Gym) program at Hartz. At MAG Aaron created an individual exercise program for me to maintain and increase my muscle strength and keep improving my balance. The tools I received during physical therapy and the MAG program at Hartz have greatly improved my quality of life. They are THE BEST!

Barb H, Lancaster-West patient and MAG client