A Conversation with Dr. Steven Mortazavi of Valley Wellness Center

Dr. Mortazavi is an interventional anesthesiology pain management specialist practicing at Valley Pain Specialists in Bethlehem. He owns a freestanding ambulatory surgical center and specializes in treating chronic spinal disorders.

As a lifelong fitness and health enthusiast he was inspired to create Valley Wellness Center at the suggestion of some of his medical staff who pointed out that there were no comprehensive upscale health, wellness and fitness complexes in the Lehigh Valley.

His vision was to incorporate both fitness, health, wellness, and recreation under one roof. He wanted to create a destination facility, or way of life, where people would come to exercise and work out, but also socialize and have fun and, even spend the day.

LVB: You refer to Valley Wellness Center as more than a gym — a way of life. Explain what that means to you.

Dr. Mortazavi: For example, mom and dad could come in and work out together or individually. Mom could then utilize the services of the on-site, full-service Green Room salon and spa, while dad could hit golf balls in our realistic golf simulator or roll putts on the putting green. Both could enjoy our delicious café food and the whole family could enjoy recreating on the outdoor pool deck in the summertime.

LVB: How important is fitness in an individual’s overall wellness?

Dr. Mortazavi: As a pain specialist, I found that I was often able to alleviate patients’ pain. However, if they did not change their way of life and take fitness more seriously their pain would return. In a sense the facility is an extension of my day job trying to promote wellness and have people return to an active way of life.

I also want to have a venue which could host events for children. If you can engage children in fitness and health activities you cannot only make an impact on their future life but also create a cohesive family structure where the whole family would stay together. That being said, we have children’s activities, children’s classes etc.  We also host other events such as indoor triathlons and dog adoptions. We also offer live entertainment on the outdoor pool deck as well as alcohol sales. We believe in giving people choices and that in moderation alcohol consumption together with physical activity can create a nice blend between fitness and recreation and keep people engaged.

LVB: What do you see as some of the future trends in fitness and wellness?

Dr. Mortazavi:  I believe the future trends in the fitness industry include multi-faceted organizations such as ourselves, which can blend all of the amenities traditionally found in smaller expensive boutique gyms along with a full array of amenities only found in a larger facility such as ours.  – By Stacy Wescoe