VALDOSTA STATE MAGAZINE 75 the client’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body composition. They measure the client’s cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and balance and coordination. The testing involves advanced technology, such as a BodPod that measures a person’s body fat percentage. A handheld device known as a MedGem precisely calculates how many calories a person burns at rest; that information is then used for nutritional counseling. “We take all of that information, along with sitting down with the person and talking about what they want to accomplish, and we create a customized program for them,” Thomas said. “My goal when we opened the CEMR two years ago was to take away every excuse people may come up with not to exercise with us. We continue to do that. “Essentially all a person has to do is walk in the door. You’re always going to be greeted by