About the Y’s Hearts Cardiac Maintenance Program
The Y’s Hearts program is designed for all those diagnosed with heart disease, and/or those
who have one or more risk factors. It focuses on prevention of coronary heart disease and
reduction of risk factors through improved fitness and health levels. This helps to reduce the
risk of heart attack or stroke. The program combines activity, education and a support network
of individuals with the same risks.
Our program is located on the main floor of the 100 Wright Crescent Branch, in the Dr. Gordon
Taylor “Fit for Life” Centre. Each class is one and a half hours in length and consists of a warm
up, cardiovascular training, strength training and cool down with a full body stretch. We allow
a maximum of 15 members in each group and there is always a certified personal trainer with
you to get you started, help update your program or make suggestions about your progress.
Classes are either on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, both
with set class times.
Participants should arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the class in order to take their resting
heart rate. Most trainers are trained to take a blood pressure reading, which is entirely
optional. At the scheduled start time, the trainer will lead you through a group warm up, then
members will start their cardiovascular training. The cardiovascular work out is performed on
three different machines to promote the use of various muscles and to prevent boredom. The
cardio component ends with a cool down and is followed by the weight training component.
The trainer will demonstrate each new exercise, help members determine the appropriate
weight and guide the participant through proper form and function. After completing the
weight training portion, participants proceed with a stretching program.
In order to enroll in the Y’s Hearts Program, you must have a completed doctor’s referral form
(stating that you have had a cardiac event, or suffer from one or more risk factors associated
with heart disease), or have graduated fro the Hotel Dieu Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation
Program. You may pick up your referral form for the Y’s Hearts Program from the Fit For Life
Centre, or print from our website. For more information including available class times or to
book a consult with a personal trainer, please contact (613) 546-2647 ext. 244.