Frequently Asked Questions

About Steve Smith.

I've been a tennis player all my life. I started hitting a ball against a wall for hours. I played on my HS and college teams. Taught school in NYC for two years. Opened my own tennis club in 1973. Rated by Tennis Magazine as one of the top 50 clubs in the US. In 1975 I hosted a major ladies tennis tournament with Billie Jean King and Margaret Court Smith.

In 1981 I opened my first fitness center at the Marriot Hotel in the World Trade Center, NYC. This was rated as the #1 corporate fitness center in the country. American Express choose us to develop a Gold Card fitness program and Sports Illustrated did a double page spread or our facility.

My second facility in the Westin Hotel, Washington, DC was rated by Traveler Magazine as the best hotel fitness center in the world.

Over time my company grew to own and manage over 50 clubs in the US and do consulting work worldwide. I have worked with and employed some of the best trainers in the country.

I started Wings Adult Fitness in 2005. The School of Movement reflects simple training strategies that have been important to me and proven through the years to help people meet the challenges they face every day.

Why do we call it the Wings School of Movement?

Good movement and strength are both physical and mental. As the mind and body to work together, good movement stimulates both. We learn important things that support safe and strong movement. So, it's like school but it's a lot more fun.

Who can benefit from the Wings plan?

Anyone will benefit from improving their movement habits. For example, becoming more aware of your breathing and body position has benefits for everyone.

Good movement habits reduce wear and tear that result in injuries, especially the neck and the back, and reduce fatigue and that old feeling.

Older adults start to feel stronger, will reduce injuries and falls, build confidence, and extend their independence.

How hard do you have to work?

Safety is most important. You work at your own level.

Anyone can learn, train and apply the basic skills to everyday activity. If you can do simple chores at home, you can do this. You become stronger, safer and boost your confidence. For fitter people the training becomes more challenging.

What equipment do I need at home?

You can start the classes without equipment, using a chair and something to hold like the kitchen sink. As you progress, some classes use simple, inexpensive equipment like an exercise band, light hand weights. We will find a source for you if you have difficulty getting equipment when you need it.

Do you have to get on the floor?

No. We do a few things in a chair, but to improve your movement you need to be standing controlling your body weight. You start with short periods, only what you can do.

How do I pay? How can I cancel?

You are automatically charged monthly on your credit or debit card. There are no contracts, and you can cancel yourself at any time by signing in and going to your account page.

Does insurance cover the plan?

You can pay with a medical credit card if permitted by your insurance. We are working to get covered in the same way health club memberships are covered by many insurance companies.

I started playing pickleball, will this program help?

It will definitely make you safer. One of our primary goals is to build strength in the core and mobility in the hips and shoulders. This is a requirement for all athletic activities and everyday movement.

I am in my 80's and have a hard time standing up from a chair. Will the program help?

Yes, you are a perfect candidate for the program. One of the most common movements of the body is up and down and it is important you do it right. Use your hips more and take stress off your knees. You may see some results almost immediately.

What is the most important things you get out of the Wings program?

In a word the most important thing would be confidence. When you start to feel more control and strength you become more comfortable and confident. This often motivates you do too even more.

What is the average age?

We have had people from their late 40's to early 90's. We have had people with Parkinsons and pre and post joint replacements.

If you can do simple chores around your home, you can participate. If balance is an issue we suggest you have someone with you when you.

How do you compare to other options like yoga, Pilates, or gym memberships?

All of those options are fine. We actually incorporate some elements from all of those. Any option to exercise, recreation, and move within your range of safety is good and compatible for following our plan.

Wings primary focus is on strong, safe movement. We build a foundation and skills that will enable you do participate safely in other things that you enjoy doing. We believe the body has to work together, not parts, to do be strong and safe.