Physical Wellness Program

Hanbleceya Seattle is blessed to reside in one of the greatest areas in the world for outdoor activities and exploration. Seattle proper contains over 6,000 acres of parkland and provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking, sailing, and kayaking. Seattle is also located within short driving distance from a number of national forests, affording even more opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploration.

Hanbleceya Seattle’s embrace of these outdoor opportunities has led to the creation of our Physical Wellness program, which incorporates a weekly physical fitness regimen tailored to each client’s specific needs as well as regular therapeutically-oriented, nature-based activities to complement treatment in a variety of ways.  We believe that incorporating physical wellness and nature-based activities into our already comprehensive approach to treatment provides yet another way to support each individual on their path of recovery and healing.

The benefits of regular exercise on mental health have been widely documented for the ways they contribute to both physical and psychological wellbeing and aid the management of a variety of mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, etc.).  Nature-based therapies facilitate personal growth by cultivating a greater awareness of one’s strengths and abilities, fostering interpersonal relationships through cooperation, service and teamwork, developing leadership skills, and providing opportunities for empowerment and self-confidence. Incorporating nature-based activities into treatment also promotes stress reduction, an increased sense of connection, meaning, and purpose, and personal "groundedness."  

As part of our Physical Wellness program, every new Hanbleceya client will be assessed for their physical capabilities before partaking in any of our outdoor or fitness activities.  Upon admission, each client will receive a fitness evaluation from a club professional at our Town Center neighbor, Normandy Park Athletic Club. The result of the evaluation will place the client into one of three fitness levels.  This will help us make sure the physical fitness regimen designed for each client is safe and appropriate.

Once established, each client will be required to participate in a physical fitness activity for a minimum of 30 minutes twice a week.  With nearly 15,000 square feet of fitness equipment and exercise space, our clients will have a bevy of fitness choices at Normandy Park Athletic Club, including Pilates, yoga and other cardio classes, as well as a very large array of cardiovascular machines including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.  All activities within the athletic club will be monitored by a Hanbleceya staff person until the client has demonstrated full competence and safety in using the various machines and classes.  Each client’s fitness regimen will be periodically reviewed and revised in support of continued physical wellness.

Hanbleceya Seattle clients will also participate in weekly outdoor activities. It is our expectation that each client can participate in some manner in these activities, as we have carefully tailored this component of the program to consider the physical limitations and needs of all individuals within the Hanbleceya population.  Whether walking the trails in our local neighborhoods, biking on the nearby biking paths, or joining half-day hikes in our local mountains, your loved-one will be safely and effectively participating with his/her peers and supported by staff, learning new ways to create meaningful connection while participating in regular nature-based activities. 

For the more advanced clients, we will be facilitating monthly high-performer outings that include kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, sailing and advanced trailblazing.