Exercise Programs

With the guidance of the staff and volunteers at PACE, I am realizing that I am stronger than I think.

Having a long term injury is not just about reducing the pain so you can move again, it is also about the mental part of healing. With the guidance of the staff and volunteers at PACE I am realizing that I am stronger than I think. They are there to encourage me past my fear of moving just in case I hurt myself, they are there to provide further understanding of my program. They are non-judgmental and encouraging. They are there to give a smile while I am sweating my way through my program. The staff empower me every time I go to the gym. I am so grateful to be a part of the PACE group.

There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor

In October 1989, I received a heart transplant at London Health Sciences University Hospital six days after suffering a massive heart attack. Following three months of treatment as an outpatient including six weeks of physiotherapy sessions, I was discharged and returned to Hamilton. I vowed to take better care of myself in consideration of receiving this second chance at life. Since regular exercise plays an important role in a healthy lifestyle and after attempting to exercise unsuccessfully at home, I decided to look into facilities in the community. In February 1991, I became aware of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at McMaster University and entered the program shortly thereafter. That was over 27 years ago and since then I have become a dedicated member of the MacCardiac Program exercising regularly in a bright, well equipped facility under the supervision of attentive, qualified staff. Many other men and woman of like needs attend and over time a spirit of camaraderie has grown. There is no doubt in my mind that the McMaster Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has contributed to my success as a long-term transplant survivor; one who has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

The MacWheelers program has been life-changing.

When I was discharged from my Outpatient Physio program I worried that I might lose some of what I had recovered without ongoing physiotherapy. MacWheelers had been strongly recommended to me by the Outpatient team, but I was skeptical that going to a ‘gym’ could replace the specialized program that had helped my recovery so much. Once I experienced MacWheelers it was clear that it was far more than a membership at a gym!
I was assessed and a personalized workout regimen was created for me. Eventually, I came for extra sessions to practice my walking and I have experienced significant improvements. The MacWheelers program has been life-changing. The staff and volunteers provide exceptional expertise, support and encouragement. I am certain that I would not have the quality of life I currently enjoy without MacWheelers. Thank you for all you do!