Frequently Asked Questions


1. How much does it cost to join the Fitness Center or the Sports Program?
  The RIC Helen M. Galvin Center for Health and Fitness required an initiation fee to join the program. The member will receive an evaluation appointment to determine the correct exercise prescription and a second appointment that will be a one on one in the fitness center with one of our professional staff. The fee must accompany the medical form for it to be processed. The initiation fee is as follows:

RIC patient referral (medical form completed by a RIC physician) - $10
Non RIC patient referral (medical form completed by a non-RIC physician) - $25

There is still no monthly charge for the fitness facility. However, there is a yearly maintenance fee of $20. This fee helps us with maintaining the equipment and facility. The maintenance fee is due on September 1st of each year.
   
2. How are you able to offer programs for free when most local Special Recreation Associations charge fees to participate in their programs?
  We are very fortunate to be supported by a number of generous organizations including: Chicago Blackhawk Charities, Cubs Care and Bears Care (all funds of the McCormick Tribune Foundation). In addition, the Women's Board of RIC and RIC's Associate Board hold various fundraising events each year that partially support our programs.
   
3. Do I need to be an RIC outpatient or a former RIC patient to join the program?
  No. Any individual with a physical disability is eligible to participate in any of our 18 different programs. Participants must submit a completed RIC Center for Health and Fitness Medical Form signed by a doctor before participation. Note: the definition of physical disability relates to those served by RIC.
   
4. If I practice with one of your sports teams, will I get to travel to national and international competitions?
 

Yes and No.

If you are a regular participant with one of our sports teams, you may be eligible to participate on that team's travel squad. Not all participants travel to all competitions. Travel rosters for each competition are decided by the team's head coach and is based on a number of factors including but not limited to: funding, type of competition, and a player's performance in practice.

   
5. If I am recruited for a research study and for one reason or another, I am found ineligible for the study, am I still able to participate in your programs?
  Yes, although participants for research studies are screened very closely because of the extreme physical exertion needed for the fitness testing, individuals found ineligible for research studies are invited to participate in any of our other programs.
   
6. Do you provide transportation?
 

Yes and No.

We DO NOT provide transportation to and from the Fitness Center or any of our regular scheduled practices or programs. Participants must arrange their own transportation.

Yes, if you are traveling with an RIC Team to and from an out-of-town competition, we usually provide transportation.

   
7. Where is the Center for Health and Fitness?
  On the 3rd Floor of Abbott Hall - 710 North Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL (click for map)
   
8. How many times a week should I exercise in order to lose weight or get rid of excess body fat?
  This depends upon several factors including an individual's overall activity level, initial fitness level, and health history. Generally, working out two times per week is sufficient for a beginner to receive both cardiovascular and weight loss benefits.
   
9. How can I make a contribution to the RIC Health and Fitness Center and the Wirtz Sports Program?
 

Thank you for considering contributing to the Health and Fitness Center. You can make a donation to the RIC Health and Fitness Center and Wirtz Sports Program in any denomination by visiting the RIC Online Giving page. When giving online, please be sure to indicate that you are supporting the sports program at RIC. You can also become an RIC athlete or RIC Team Sponsor. Click here for more information on sponsorship. Additionally, you can send a check or money order payable to RIC Sports to: