Medically Based Fitness Centre
The Reh-Fit is a medically-based fitness centre, rather than a commercial fitness centre, which positions it as a valuable asset to the community in several ways.
Our medical professionals, including a Medical Advisor, and our credentialed staff use the results of each member’s health screening and fitness assessment — a unique personal profile — to design an exercise program that encourages a lifetime commitment to fitness and health.
We have created a strategic partnership with the St. Boniface General Hospital to collaborate in four areas:
- Improve the quality of healthcare in Manitoba,
- Partner on specific health research initiatives,
- Develop training opportunities within each institution for professional staff growth, and
- Expand appropriate patient education and public health promotional materials.
We also collaborate with several other health care organizations which allows us to provide a wide range of health & fitness programming and services.
Our overall monitoring and supervision create a feeling of support and encouragement when needed, whether you are just starting an exercise program, suffering from a chronic disease, recovering from surgery, taking part in our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, or fine-tuning your athletic training program.
The Reh-Fit reinvests its earnings back into the Centre to better serve the community.
Health and Fitness Assessments
Members complete a pre-participation health screening form, and all members are given the opportunity to have a supervised health and fitness assessment that measures their aerobic fitness and determines their risk profile for heart disease and other lifestyle related diseases. Recognizing health-related issues as well as identifying a level of cardiovascular fitness helps the staff guide each member to design a personal program of exercise and education that enables them to reach their health and fitness goals. Results of health and fitness assessments are always forwarded to the individual’s personal physician for reference.
Clinical Programs
Cardiac Rehabilitiation Program
The Centre offers one of Canada’s foremost cardiac rehabilitation programs, which has been saving and enhancing the lives of those with heart disease for more than 30 years.
Through four months of exercise and education, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at the Reh-Fit benefits participants by helping them:
• understand the level of activity they can safely handle
• restore their health and strength
• improve their diet and lifestyle
• reduce cardiac symptoms
• develop a sense of wellbeing and confidence
• reduce depression and anxiety, which often develop during recovery
• decrease risk of subsequent heart attacks.
The four-month program is delivered by a team of professionals, including nurses, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, exercise specialists, dietitians, physicians, and psychologists.
With the inception of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) in 1999, cardiac rehabilitation has been delivered as a one-program, two-site model by the Reh-Fit and the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital. Individuals may be referred by a physician or by an automatic referral through the healthcare system.
Participants pay a modest fee, with nearly all of the cost covered by the WRHA. Financial assistance may be provided, based on individual need and the availability of funds.
Those who reside in rural areas of the province are offered a one-day intensive educational session where they are given a stress test and a nurse delivers a mini-education class and workout. There is some follow up once they return to their community.
Stroke Exercise Program
This program will help to improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of subsequent strokes or cardiovascular events. Our inter-professional team of physiotherapists, and fitness professionals will supervise your program ensuring you are safe during your workouts. You will receive pre- and post-assessments to track your improvements throughout the program. If you are unable to walk independently a support person must accompany you. A referral from your physician may be required.
Get Better Together
Take control of your health and be better able to manage pain, increase your energy level and deal with fatigue and frustration. Set goals to improve your health. Participants are welcome to bring a support person.
Improve Your Balance and Mobility Falls Prevention Program
Looking to improve your balance? Did you know 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 fall each year? This program is targeted towards those individuals looking to improve their balance and prevent falls. You will receive pre and post-assessment of your balance along with ongoing coaching and support.
Pilates for Neck and Back Pain
Under the direction of a Physiotherapist, you will receive core, stretching, and mobility exercises tailored to your individual needs.
PACE: People with Arthritis can Exercise
The PACE program is designed to help keep your joints flexible, muscles strong and to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. This low-impact class includes health education, movement activities, range of motion and strengthening exercises and can be delivered standing or sitting whichever is more comfortable for you. All the movements are easily adapted for your comfort and enjoyment.
Weight Management Programs
Rates of obesity have risen dramatically over the last decade with 23% of Canadian adults considered obese. For most, lifestyle plays a key role in their weight management.
Our Weight Management Programs help participants return their weight to a healthy range. A dietitian and a fitness professional work with participants in a supportive environment to empower them with the tools and resources needed to facilitate a positive lifestyle change.
