Desert Diabetes Club fitness instructor, Lisa Manning

The Desert Diabetes Club has launched a weekly exercise program designed specifically for those with diabetes. The classes are held each Tuesday from 11am – 12pm at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus in Rancho Mirage.

Classes will be led by certified fitness instructor, Lisa Manning, C.E.T., a desert native and local health educator. “We are excited about this program and invite people of all ages to join us!” says Manning. “The classes are designed to be as fun as they are beneficial.”

Attendees will work at their own pace with individual and group activities that focus on cardio exercise. Workouts will range from chair exercises to step to full cardio with light weights and exercise bands. “The objective is to lose weight, stabilize blood sugars, lower blood pressure and increase overall well being, but in order to work, it also has to be fun!”

Chuck Fasilis, President of the Desert Diabetes Club states, “There is a comfort level of being in a group where everyone has the same concerns and the same goal of improving their health. We are delighted to now offer this program to members and non-members to bring our community together for improving health.”

Manning is a cardiovascular technician and certified fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine. She specializes in Parkinson’s, diabetes and arthritis and is a health educator teaching life support and first aid throughout the community. She runs a similar program for Parkinson’s and notes that the activity becomes more than an exercise class. “As guests get to know each other, additional events and activities will transpire for those who desire. There will be shared lunches, helpful hints and new friendships formed.”

Designed to educate all Coachella Valley residents about diabetes, the Desert Diabetes Club meets each month (October through May) at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower. With a tax-deductible membership of $25, members receive vital information about diabetes and improving their quality of life through lectures by diabetes professionals. Other social and support events are planned throughout the season.
Those who want to simply observe the class before participating are welcome as well.

Classes take place weekly on Tuesdays from 11a – 12p (right after breakfast and before lunch) and cost $5 for Desert Diabetes Club members and $10 for non-members. Attendees will need a doctor’s release form to participate. Bring walking or tennis shoes and a water bottle.

For more information contact the Desert Diabetes Club at 760-773-1578 or visit EMC.org/DDC.