A prescription exercise program is a medically guided exercise plan. It’s created just for you by an exercise physiologist. It’s for people who want to be more active but need a safe, structured plan. You may be dealing with excess weight, pain, injuries, or health issues that impact your ability to exercise.

You meet with the exercise physiologist regularly to learn how to move your body. They design an exercise plan to support your weight loss, protect your joints, and improve your balance, strength, and stamina. Your plan may include strength training, cardio, stretching, and simple routines you can do at home.

Movement does more than help with weight. It can improve sleep and mood, reduce pain, lower stress, and support long-term health.

Exercise programs at Carilion

Your exercise physiologist will match you with the program that fits your health needs, comfort level, and schedule. It may be one of these programs or an exercise plan tailored to you. 

• FitRx: A structured program focused on building strength, stamina, and healthy movement habits.
• RecoveryRx: A gentle program for those who need a slower start due to pain, joint issues, or other health issues.

Cost and insurance

We require a referral to join a prescription exercise program. You can ask your primary care team or a specialist to refer you.

These programs are cash pay. We offer low-cost options and will explain pricing before you begin. They either include access to our Carilion Wellness centers, or you can apply the cost toward a Carilion Wellness membership.

A prescription exercise program may be a good fit if you want to become more active but are not sure where to start. We often suggest these programs for people who are overweight or have obesity as part of their weight loss care.

Many people join because movement and weight loss can help improve:

• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Infertility
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

If you have limits with mobility or pain, we adjust your plan so you can move safely and still make progress.

Before you start, we learn about your health history, movement goals, and any limits you have with exercise. You may meet with an exercise physiologist as part of your medical weight loss visits, or your doctor may refer you directly to a program.

During the program, you attend scheduled sessions with an exercise physiologist. They teach you safe exercises, check your form, and help you raise your activity level step by step. You’ll also get tips to use at home, so you don’t rely only on workout days to see progress.

After the program ends, you can keep building your routine. Some people move into another program level or join Carilion Wellness to continue their fitness journey.