Heart Wise Exercise FAQ

Heart Wise Exercise programs are designed to accommodate people with heart and other health conditions. The programs consist of low to moderate levels of intensity and encourage participants to exercise at their own appropriate level.

You are strongly recommended to follow the exercise recommendations outlined by your healthcare provider. Heart Wise Exercise programs include a gradual warm-up and cool-down, and the leader will provide you with exercise options to help you reach your recommended level of intensity.

All in-person Heart Wise Exercise locations have an emergency plan, have phone access to emergency medical services and have a defibrillator on site.

All virtual Heart Wise Exercise programming will encourage the creation of Personal Emergency Plans, which include phone access to local paramedic services.

Not at all. While many exercise programs are safe and appropriate, Heart Wise Exercise classes have been identified as a good place to start or continue exercising for those living with heart or other health conditions.

Heart Wise Exercise programs are usually regular fitness classes where the intensity and type of exercises can be modified to meet the needs of people living with heart and other health conditions.

According to the Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity, older adults (aged 65 years and older) should get at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week to achieve health benefits and improve functional abilities. Exercise sessions should last 10 minutes or more.

If you have a heart condition, you should have exercise recommended to you by a healthcare professional. This could be at a cardiac rehabilitation program, by your health specialist, or by your family physician.

Yes. Anyone can take these classes, especially those concerned about their health or those just beginning an exercise program.

Heart Wise Exercise programs are offered in a variety of facilities, including fitness centres, high schools, and shopping malls. There is no cost above the usual enrollment cost for any facility, and there are several free programs, such as walking programs in some shopping malls or local high schools.