AgeWell Partners and Matrix Fitness Systems have announced plans to open four medically-based fitness centres in the first quarter of 2004.

Working in conjunction with hospitals and physicians, the AgeWell Matrix Centres will target the 50+ age group and be located close to local hospitals.

Around 15,000sq ft in size, the centres will include a large central exercise floor, group exercise rooms, a lifestyle education conference room and spa facilities.

The centres will offer a five-point exercise and education plan for members who have habitually dropped out of exercise programmes due to lack of results and those who have suffered a significant medical event and require close supervision.

Members will work closely with their personal physicians to become proactive against major health risk factors facing mature adults, such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Matrix Fitness Systems, a division of the Johnson Health Tech Co, launched in 2001, will supply cardiovascular and strength training equipment.

AgeWell Partners was launched in August 2002 by its president, Dan Lynch, after more than 30 years in the hospital fitness industry. Lynch’s previous projects include the development of facilities for a number of Fortune 100 companies including Mobil Oil Corporation and JP Morgan Chase.

The first AgeWell Matrix Centre is due to open in January 2004 in Northern New Jersey.