Patient Exercises Back to Health with LVHN Fitness

Dave Mancke is a long-time Lehigh Valley resident who is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He and his wife Kay were seeking a new way to stay fit as they aged. That’s why, in September 2020, they joined LVHN Fitness Center, conveniently located right next to their apartment complex in Center City Allentown.

The couple enlisted the help of Dana Musgnung, exercise physiologist, to learn how to properly and safely use equipment for their needs. She acted as a personal trainer and developed an age-appropriate program with goals to guide them on their fitness journey. The couple were dedicated to following weekly instructions and could feel the difference in their health.

Despite following safety protocols at the center and in his daily routine, Macke tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2021. He was admitted to LVHN and spent 28 days in the hospital, battling the virus.

“I am convinced that had I not received Dana’s disciplined, proactive approach to improving my health and exercise combined with the incredible attention from the hospital staff, I would not have survived the ravages of this virus,” says Mancke.

Following his hospitalization, Mancke participated in home therapy sessions to regain muscle strength and address labored breathing concerns. In mid-April 2021, he returned to LVHN Fitness, and Musgnung developed a new series of exercise routines for him. She sought advice from colleagues to create the best possible plan for his recovery and health. Mancke participates in the pulmonary fitness class taught by Musgnung, intended for those impacted by COVID-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“Having experienced a plethora of physical and health conditions this year, I remain incredibly impressed with the LVHN Fitness programs,” says Mancke. “My involvement in these programs has been so instrumental in helping me to deal with the ill effects of COVID, both mentally and physically.”

Rebuilding his health, Mancke has been completing workouts designed to gradually wean him from supplemental oxygen, enhance muscle development, address balance issues and increase lung capacity. Despite a challenging six months, he is getting better every day with help from Musgnung and the team at LVHN Fitness.