Wellness for every stage of recovery

The Best Health Suite at Shepherd Center’s James M. Cox Innovation Institute provides virtual and in-person programming dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve the highest level of well-being, no matter where you are in your recovery journey.

Through this mix of virtual and in-person delivery, we have a unique approach for building physical, mental, and emotional capacity, to empower every individual to actualize their fullest potential.

Two people in wheelchairs and a standing instructor follow an exercise video projected on two large screens in a bright, modern room. All participants are raising their arms, mirroring the movements in the video.
Participants engage in an interactive exercise session at Shepherd Center, following along with a guided video to promote health and wellness.

Our goal is to reach more people and bring expert-driven health content to anyone, anywhere. The Best Health Suite is how we do that.

Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM Vice President of Research & Innovation and Director of Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute

What to expect at the Best Health Suite

  • Tailored wellness sessions: Courses are developed and delivered by therapists and specialists who understand the unique challenges and needs of people with disabilities. Programs range from vision tracking and education to fine-motor skill training and self-defense.
  • Accessible anywhere: On-demand classes and livestreams support individuals at home, in rural communities, and across the globe.
  • Multilingual and inclusive: Many classes are available in Spanish, with closed captioning in five languages and plans for expanding Shepherd’s reach to diverse populations at home and abroad.
  • In-person and virtual options: A dedicated physical suite at Shepherd Center supports recording and hosting group classes and workshops through this hybrid delivery of in-person or virtually.
  • Leading-edge tech: Closely integrated with the Smart Tech Hub and Center for Assistive Technologies, the Suite allows participants to trial cutting-edge tools, like FES bikes.

Research in action

The Best Health Suite is more than wellness programming — it is a research-informed platform to provide ongoing and evolving care strategies that are accessible and equitable for patients worldwide.

Through our program, we collect data on feasibility, usability, and impact for all communities, including underserved and rural populations. These insights help shape reimbursement models and strengthen the case for broader access to home-based health interventions.

In-person fitness class schedule

Your first class is complimentary, and each additional session is $25. All classes are held in the Best Health Suite at the Marcus Center for Advanced Rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, and equipment is provided.

Best Health Suite fitness class schedule by class name, day of week, and time.
Class Day Time
Adaptive Cardio Class Mondays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Adaptive Strength Class Wednesdays 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Adaptive Yoga Cass Fridays 10:00-11:00 a.m.

We take pride in creating content and programs that are not only functional and effective, but also fun and engaging. Our approach goes beyond simply modifying exercises — we focus on building our patients’ physical abilities while also strengthening their mental and emotional readiness to move confidently and participate fully in their homes, communities, and daily lives.

Marina Moldavskiy, ACRP-CP Exercise Physiologist and Tele-wellness Program Manager