Contact: Carla Gencher
(613) 798-9818 ext. 278, cgencher@jccottawa.com

The Soloway JCC and The University of Ottawa Heart Institute have teamed up to offer safe and effective programs for people with cardiac disease. Exercise programs that carry the Heart Wise logo are most suitable for those with cardiac disease or those who may want to assure themselves that the programs are heart-friendly.

Heart Wise Exercise works with fitness providers in your community to develop and identify programs and classes that are appropriate for people who want to stay healthy or who may be living with a chronic health condition.

A program or class that displays the Heart Wise Exercise logo does all of the following:

1. Encourages regular, daily aerobic exercise
2. Encourages and incorporates warm-up, cool down and self-monitoring with all exercise sessions
3. Allows participants to exercise at a safe level and offers options to modify intensity
4. Includes participants with chronic health conditions – physician approval may be required
5. Offers health screening for all participants
6. Has a documented emergency plan that is known to all exercise leaders.

• • a. For in-person exercise:
    i. The requirement of current CPR certification,
    ii. Phone access to local paramedic services and
    iii. Presence of AED

• • b. For virtual exercise:
    i. Advises participants to create a Personal Emergency Plan*, including phone access to local paramedic service
    ii. Ensures all participants have shared their phone number and address with the exercise leader, in case of emergency

*A Personal Emergency Plan should include the following:

• • • i. Advise another person that they are doing an exercise class
    • ii. Ensure there is a phone nearby
    • iii. Clear the area where they will be exercising of any tripping hazards
    • iv. Wear appropriate footwear

Heart Wise Exercise-approved offerings cover different types of exercise with different levels of intensity. The program descriptions provided by the facilities will help you find the Heart Wise Exercise program for you. If you’re not sure, please contact the program operator or your healthcare provider.

For more information on Heart Wise Exercise click here.

Find a HWE program for you.

Vitality Plus: Share life-enhancing benefits and have fun with this low-impact class combining cardiovascular exercises, muscle toning and stretching.

AquaWaves: The best of both shallow and deep water aquafit. Aquawaves focuses on cardiovascular endurance with full body toning and an aqua stretch segment for relaxation. Aqua belts are provided for flotation.

Aqua Arthritis: Aqua Arthritis offers a wide range of gentle exercises to help maintain and improve range of motion, muscle strength, endurance and balance as well as reduce pain.  The class takes place primarily in shallow water, with some deep water activities. Enjoy the benefits of exercising in the water in a safe and supportive environment.

Rehabilitation Functional Fitness: Designed for those recovering from injury or medical conditions (stroke, surgery, knee and hip) who are ready to get back on the move!  Improve balance, mobility and functionality in this small group setting.

Restorative Gentle Yoga: Let go of everyday tension and stress in a nurturing, inclusive environment.  Increase balance, strength, stamina, flexibility and vitality.  Modifications for individual body types and physical limitations make this an excellent class for beginners.  Alternative postures are offered for experienced participants or those who want a greater challenge.  Emphasis on breath-work and mindfulness leaves everyone feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Maximum 8 participants

Beginner Yoga: Offered at a slower pace, focuses on the basics of yoga, breathwork and movement.

Chair Yoga: Helps with stiff and aching joints, balance, posture and alignment.  Includes 30 minutes of seated yoga poses that strengthen the body and 30 minutes standing, using the chair and other props for stability and support.