As we age, health becomes a concern.
Even among friends, the topic of health has been increasing. Although I am worried about lack of exercise, I often find it difficult to start, and even when I do, I struggle to continue. Additionally, even though I know exercise is good for my body, I sometimes don't know where to begin.
The "Exercise Class" organized by the Kurashiki Central Hospital Preventive Medical Plaza is led by experienced and knowledgeable physical therapists and health exercise instructors. I also heard in detail about the content of the exercise class and tips for making exercise a habit.
Overview of the "Kurashiki Central Hospital Preventive Medical Plaza"
Kurashiki Central Hospital Preventive Medical Plaza (hereinafter referred to as "Preventive Medical Plaza") is a specialized facility that opened in 2019 as the "Kurashiki Central Hospital Comprehensive Health Management Center," where advanced health check-ups and human dock services aimed at disease prevention and early detection can be received.
It is a facility where approximately 50,000 people undergo health check-ups annually, offering a variety of tests including general health check-ups, human docks, PET-CT, specialized docks for the brain, heart, and pancreas, advanced cancer screenings, women's courses, and genetic testing.
The Preventive Medical Plaza is a stylish and sophisticated building.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a lobby that exudes a resort hotel-like openness, brightening your mood.
Additionally, on the first floor, there is "Miyake Shoten PLAZA" and a health food restaurant "Le Riel" (reservation only), where you can enjoy delicious meals.
About the Plaza Exercise Class
At the Preventive Medical Plaza, since 2014 during the time of the "Kurashiki Central Hospital Comprehensive Health Management Center," they had set aside about 15 minutes for exercise during the waiting time for health check-up results.
Therefore, to encourage more people to come for disease prevention, they thought about opening an exercise class, and the Plaza Exercise Class started in May 2022.
As of August 2025, it is conducted by experts in exercise, including physical therapists and health exercise instructors, in the following manner:
- Held twice a week (Monday and Friday)
- Each session lasts 45 minutes
- Ticket system (3,000 yen for 5 sessions)
- No reservation required to participate
- Physical therapists conduct exercises focused on themes such as shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, knee pain, dieting, and Pilates
- Health exercise instructors conduct health exercises that use the whole body in a balanced manner
Additionally, starting in October 2025, there are plans to collaborate with "Harmony Kurashiki" to hold exercise classes at each other's facilities. As a result, Wednesday will be added to the Monday and Friday sessions, making it a three-day-a-week class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Characteristics of Participants
Participants are mainly women in their 60s to 80s. There are those who participate alone, couples, and even parent-child pairs where the child says, "I brought my mother because she doesn't have an exercise habit."
Medically, there is data showing that exercising in a group has a higher continuation rate than exercising alone.
Voices of Participants: I have developed an exercise habit
I spoke with a participant (female) who has been attending the exercise class for about two years since it started.
Do you feel the effects of attending the exercise class?
Participant
I feel that I have developed an exercise habit.
Actually, before coming to this class, I had no exercise habit. I usually travel by car and have no hobbies that involve physical activity.
However, I have seen my parents and relatives weaken in their legs and hips with age, making it difficult for them to walk, so I felt I needed to exercise.
At that time, when I received a health check-up at the Preventive Medical Plaza, I heard about bone density. "Bone density inevitably decreases. It is important to slow down the rate of decrease, and exercise is one way to do that."
I was told that I have a tendency towards osteoporosis, so I thought I would try to start exercising. I began attending the exercise class that was recommended to me, and I have been able to continue for two years.
What do you think is good about the exercise class?
Participant
It is great that experts in exercise provide guidance.
Understanding the meaning of the movements, such as "Why is this exercise necessary?" and "This is the exercise to strengthen this muscle," is something I appreciate.
I also enjoy interacting with the very friendly instructor every time. I feel that the 45-minute exercise time is just right.
On Mondays, there are various classes, including those for shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, and recently, a dieting class. The ticket system allows me to go whenever I want, making it easy to use.
What kind of people would you recommend this to?
Participant
I would recommend it to people who have no exercise habit or those who want to start exercising but are unsure where to begin. I also think it is good for those who have reduced opportunities to go out due to retirement or other reasons.
Here, there are people who, like me, want to take care of their health and participate. It is also enjoyable to chat with other participants when we have time.
I would like to continue participating in the future.
I spoke with the dedicated physical therapist Dr. Yamamoto Ryo and health exercise instructor Tanaka Ayuko about disease prevention and tips for continuing exercise.
Data on the Plaza Exercise Class
| Name | Plaza Exercise Class |
|---|---|
| Days Held | Monday: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Friday: 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM |
| Location | 1-11 Tsurugata, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1 set of 5 tickets: 3,000 yen (including tax) Valid for 6 months from the month of purchase |
| Website | Kurashiki Central Hospital Preventive Medical Plaza Exercise Class |
