Almost 20 years ago, Dr. Donald Dill had a vision for creating total wellness — not just healing — within the walls of the Coronado Hospital. Through the support of community donations, his vision came to life in the form of the Motion Center, where patients and community members could focus on their physical fitness and well-being. The concept was so popular that the Motion Center soon became too crowded and eventually, in the year 2000, strategic planning committees began laying the groundwork for a major upgrade.
Nearly 15 years of exhaustive community fundraising, surveying and planning later, the Sewall Healthy Living Center (named for the family that donated a large portion of the $2.1 million that made it possible) has opened its doors to Coronado.
“From the beginning,” said Susan Stone, CEO of Sharp Coronado Hospital, “we wanted to give community members, patients, and hospital staff the tools to live life to the fullest. Going back to the early years, the goal has always been to demonstrate the efficacy of combining targeted therapy, gym work and spa work hand in hand.” In the almost 9,000-square-foot space on the hospital’s third floor that encompasses serene massage rooms overlooking the Coronado bridge, a dry sauna, private rehabilitation rooms, an open gym filled with state-of-the-art equipment, a bright group exercise room and sparkling shower and locker room facilities, it seems they have accomplished just that.
The Healthy Living Center is certainly not just a place to work out. Nor is it only for people undergoing rehabilitation. It’s an environment that was created to optimize the health and wellness of all who enter its doors — patients and community members alike (memberships for the use of the facilities range from $32 to $45 a month, depending on length of commitment). As Robin Kovacs, rehabilitation manager of the center says, “It’s a space that brings out the best in everyone.” She recalls an experience she had with a 93-year-old patron when the center first opened its doors in September, who saw the True Stretch machine, designed for custom stretching exercise and became elated, immediately grabbing the bars. Kovacs said, “She was just so at home.”
Indeed, the center has something for everyone. At the crux of what its visionaries wanted to accomplish was the desire to bring luxury and tailored elements to healthcare. Kovacs said, “We wanted to modify the experience with details that were inspiring and motivating.” Their efforts have come to light in all sorts of both subtle and grand touches. As guests walk in the door, the center’s cheerful and welcoming wellness coordinators share reflective quotes designed to engage and connect them to the experience. Rehabilitation patients identify personal goals and inspirational quotes that are displayed on customized computer screens at the beginning of every session or treatment. The center even offers free valet parking Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The gym equipment is far from traditional; cardio machines such as treadmills and stationary bikes are equipped with large screens that literally show the world at your fingertips. Care to bike through wine country in France or run along nature trails in New Zealand? These machines take you there — complete with sound effects like background conversations in French and leaves crunching beneath your feet. Furthermore, the weight-lifting equipment is designed so trainers can customize a program for your lifestyle and hobbies. Whether you’re recovering from a joint replacement surgery, want to strengthen your golf swing, or even training to climb Mount Whitney, the trainers at the center will tailor an exercise regimen with your specific goals in mind. 
Those who prefer to get active in the company of others can take classes in the group exercise room overlooking beautiful trees and park space. Rubberized floors are designed to protect joints, and classes can all be modified for different fitness levels and needs. Classes include beginning and intermediate yoga, tai chi, gentle fitness, circuit training, and stretch & balance.
And, since what you put into your body matters as much as how you move it, clinical nutrition is part of the experience as well. Onsite registered dieticians work with guests to determine metabolic rate, weight goals and dietary needs and come up with a customized nutrition plan.
Those looking for a spa-like experience will certainly find that here as well. Immediately stepping off the elevators, guests are welcomed by the trickling of entryway waterfalls, reminded of Sharp Coronado’s motto (“Live, Heal, Grow”) by reflective wall lighting within a whimsical nautilus shell and immediately at peace among paintings reminiscent of calm waters. Stone said, “We wanted to create an experience at every sense level — to turn the hospital experience upside down.” Indeed, plush robes, hot tea, lemon water and inviting seating make it immediately clear the center defies the status quo — and that’s all before unwinding in the dry sauna or getting a deep tissue massage or acupuncture treatment (during which, of course, you can customize your aromatherapy and music choices). “We take every opportunity,” Kovacs said, “to optimize levels of healing and well-being.”
Because of the forward thinking of its early visionaries, tireless efforts of planning committees, generous donations of philanthropists and community members and dedication of its staff, something special has been built at Sharp Coronado Hospital. As asserted in their mission statement, it’s a place right here on the island that will “help you live your life with dignity and in optimal health, heal to the highest degree of functioning possible, and grow in all the ways that have meaning to you.”
A light sculpture by artist Deanne Sabeck at the entrance to the Sewall Healthy Living Center incorporates the hospital’s nautilus shell motif and Sharp Coronado’s motto, “Live, Heal, Grow.”
One of five specialized physical trainers at the center demonstrates how to use the popular rowing machine
The state-of-the-art machines in the gym have colorful screens that give you the option to truly customize your workout — and even choose an exotic destination to travel to without having to leave the island
A bright and cheerful group exercise room offers classes like yoga and tai chi
From left to right: Robin Kovacs, rehabilitation manager at the Sewall Healthy Living Center, Harriet Sangrey, manager, patient/administrative relations and Susan Stone, Sharp Coronado CEO
