Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ACCEL?
A: The ACCEL program is part of the Affiliated Community Medical Centers, a multi-specialty network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 150 physicians in over 25 specialty areas and over 700 support staff, its main clinic being located in Willmar, Minnesota. The original ACCEL package is designed for athletes of all levels to improve speed, quickness, strength and self-confidence. Each program is individualized based on your personal goals and the information gathered during your initial consultation. The primary focus of each program is to improve the individual athletes performance at any level in their choosen sport.
There are also specific programs for hockey, cross country or marathon training, and golf through ACCEL.
Q: Who can participate in the ACCEL Program?
A: Programs are available for athletes at the middle school level through late adulthood. Because no two athletes are alike, we avoid "cookbook" workouts where athletes of all levels perform at identical intensities. We understand the individual differences that exist relative to physical age, prior training experience, and personal goals. It's our philosophy that effective training must be individualized and safe.
Q: What typically happens in the program?
A: Your program begins with a free initial consultation with our exercise physiologist and program director Jeffrey Kennedy to discuss the program, training schedule, your goals and training history. If after the free consultation we mutually agree that the program is appropriate, subsequent appointments are established for the initial physiological testing to inventory various aspects of strength, flexibility, anaerobic and/or aerobic capacities, weight, and body fat percentage. Full payment and completed health history form is required prior to conducting the assessment.
Based on our goals and the results of your initial evaluation, an individualized program is assembled. The basics of strength, and flexibility are addressed in a variety of specialized programs offered in our state of the art training facility in the ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center in south Willmar.
At the completion of each package a re-evaluation is conducted to measure progress. A report detailing your progress is sent home 7-10 days after the re-evaluation.
Q: How is the ACCEL program different from a sports camp or health club?
A: Each ACCEL workout emphasizes the development of the "physical" aspects of the sport for which the athlete is training. These areas may include strength, speed, agility, endurance, power and flexibility. While camps may work in larger groups and focus on the "skill" component of a sport, the original ACCEL program provides small group or one-on-one instruction. The ACCEL program can be designed to complement your in-season activities or provide a solid foundation for your off-season improvement.
Q: When can I begin the ACCEL Program?
A: Depending on your goals and commitment, you can begin the ACCEL Program at anytime. However, HOW you use the ACCEL Program is very important to the success you experience as a result of your training. The best results are achieved if the ACCEL Program is used as a performance enhancement tool to improve your performance in a desired sport in the off-season. This requires a commitment and focus to a minimum of 2-3 sessions per week to effectively utilize the 18 appointments. Keep in mind the first and last appointments are the evaluations.
Q: If I decide to enroll in the program after the initial consultation, what can I expect during my first appointment?
A: Come prepared to workout by wearing shorts, t-shirt and proper running or gym shoes. You will begin with an initial evaluation with the exercise physiologist. Some testing may be of mild intensity while some may require an effort to exhaustion. To best prepare for this, we recommend that you eat a light, healthy meal 3-4 hours prior to your appointment. Please avoid foods high in sugar or fat. In addition, it is advised that you bring in a fruit juice, not pop, to consume at the end of the initial evaluation. You may feel weak at the completion of the testing and fruit juices work best at this stage of the appointment. Bananas, crackers, or some fruit are great ideas if a light snack is desired after the testing or any appointment. Subsequent appointments begin the introduction to activities, equipment, and protocols used in your program.
Q: How do I get started with the ACCEL Program?
A: The process is simple. Follow these 5 simple steps:
- Call the ACMC Physical Therapy appointment desk at 320-231-5039 to schedule your free consultation with exercise physiologist and program director Jeffrey Kennedy.
- If after the consultation you enroll in the program, download and complete the Participant Health Questionnaire and Parental Permission Form.
- Call the ACMC Physical Therapy appointment desk at 320-231-5039 to schedule your initial evaluation.
- Make payment. Payment is required prior to any evaluation or assessment. Use one of the convenient payment methods: credit card, personal check or cash. If you live out of town, you may call in using your credit card, mail in the completed form with your personal check, or conveniently stop prior to your initial. Cashiers are available at until 5:00 p.m. daily.
- Finally, show for your initial evaluation at our ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center located at 1604 South 1st Street in Willmar. Be dressed appropriately (see above), on time, and ready to go!