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MacSeniors Exercise and Wellness Program

MacSeniors exercise and wellness program offers supervised aerobic and resistance training for community members who are 55 years of age and older. Personalized programs are designed for specialized exercise equipment based on the needs and fitness levels of each participant.

 

MacSeniors Exercise and Wellness Program

Our goal is to help seniors regain and maintain cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength and endurance, which will prolong their mobility and independence. It’s not always possible to add years to your life, but we make it possible to add life to your years.

Community members have participated in our MacSeniors program for more than 20 years. The program began following completion of a research study examining the effects of long-term resistance training on dynamic strength, exercise capacity, muscle and bone. Participants in the study’s exercise and control groups were invited to continue with aerobic and resistance training at McMaster.

Information Box Group

How to Join Download Referral Form

Before starting the program, participants need to ask their primary care physician to complete a referral form and fax it to us at 905-525-7629. An exercise stress test is no longer required unless indicated by your physician. Once we have received your referral form, we will contact you to set up an intake assessment with our Physiotherapist.

We are currently working to admit new members from our wait-list as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Program Fees

Initial Physiotherapy Assessment (Reimbursable by extended health plans that cover physiotherapy):

$165/hour

Payments can be made by Visa, Mastercard or Debit.

**Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a $30 charge. No-shows and same day cancellations will be charged 100% of the appointment cost. **

Membership:

$55/month – $660 total (12-month commitment)

$60/month – $360 total (6-month commitment)

Parking:

$20/month – $240 total (12-month commitment)

$20/month – $120 (6-month commitment)

Accessible parking is available at the Ivor Wynne Centre’s East and South Entrances. Please note that vehicles must display both an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit and a McMaster accessible parking hang tag. The hang tag can be purchased from the PACE reception desk for $10.

PACE Reimbursement Policy: Our standard reimbursement policy is to credit membership and parking fees when a participant has been absent from PACE for a minimum of one month. These fees are credited as an extension of the participant’s respective accounts. Alternatively, if a participant chooses to leave the program, a refund is issued for any unused services of one month or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

MacSeniors is an exercise and wellness program designed for adults aged 55 and older. Our goal is to support healthy aging by helping participants maintain and improve their mobility, independence, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength.
Please Note: Volunteer support is not guaranteed. To participate in the MacSeniors Program, individuals must be able to follow instructions and safely use exercise equipment on their own. Participants who are unable to do so may be found ineligible for the program.

1. Have your physician submit a referral

Ask your physician to complete a referral form and submit it to our office by fax at 905-525-7629.

Please note: PACE is currently experiencing a high volume of referrals. As a result, it may take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for our team to contact you and begin the intake process. We appreciate your patience and will reach out as soon as possible after your completed referral has been received.

2. Book a physiotherapy assessment

Once your referral reaches the top of the waitlist, a member of our team will contact you by phone to schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Physiotherapists.

3. Attend your physiotherapy assessment

The cost of the 60-minute intake assessment is $165, with payment due at the time of your appointment.

During the assessment, the physiotherapist will:

  • Review your health history
  • Assess your current abilities and limitations
  • Discuss your goals
  • Develop recommendations to support your exercise program

4. Schedule your first exercise session

Following your assessment, you will book the first of two one-on-one exercise sessions with staff. This appointment is typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after your physiotherapy assessment.

5. Attend your first exercise session

Your first exercise session marks the beginning of your MacSeniors Program membership.

When you arrive:

  • Check in at the PACE reception desk.
  • Pay your membership fees and parking fees (if applicable).
  • Please note that the minimum membership commitment is six months.

During this session, you will work one-on-one with a member of our gym staff team, either a Registered Kinesiologist or Student Program Assistant, who will:

  • Introduce you to the fitness facility and equipment
  • Review your personalized exercise program
  • Help you learn how to exercise safely and effectively

6. Book your second exercise session

At the end of your first exercise session, a staff member will schedule your second one-on-one exercise session to continue building your confidence and independence in the program.

After your onboarding sessions

Once you have completed your two one-on-one exercise sessions, you can begin attending MacSeniors exercise sessions independently during scheduled program hours, with ongoing support from our staff team as needed.

No, we do not offer free trial sessions. Welcoming a new participant into the MacSeniors Program involves significant preparation by both our administrative and clinical teams, including intake, assessment, program planning, and individualized exercise recommendations.

If you are unsure whether the program is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a tour of our facility. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, observe sessions in progress, and determine whether the MacSeniors in-person program is a good fit for your needs and goals.

No, the MacSeniors Program is not covered by OHIP. Participation requires a membership fee, which can be paid in either six-month or twelve-month increments. Monthly parking permits are also available for $20 per month for those who wish to park on the McMaster University campus.

No, we do not offer discounts for individual participants. However, PACE already subsidizes approximately 60% of the cost of all programs through grants, fundraising efforts, and support from McMaster University.

Membership fees help cover only a portion of the costs associated with program delivery, clinical oversight, equipment, and facility operations.

All new PACE members are required to complete a physiotherapy assessment before beginning the program. During this appointment, a physiotherapist will discuss your health history, assess your current abilities, identify any limitations, and learn about your goals. Using this information, they will develop exercise recommendations tailored to your individual needs to help you exercise safely and effectively.

In many cases, the initial physiotherapy assessment is eligible for coverage through an extended health benefits plan. Coverage varies by provider and policy, so we recommend checking directly with your insurance company to confirm your eligibility and reimbursement details.

Please note: Monthly membership and parking fees are not eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits.

PACE is also unable to bill insurance providers directly, and payment is required at the time of service.

Your MacSeniors membership provides access to a supportive exercise environment and personalized guidance to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Membership includes:

  • A personalized exercise program developed by our clinical team
  • Two one-on-one introductory exercise sessions with trained staff
  • Access to change rooms and shower facilities in the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)
  • Educational workshops, presentations, and other knowledge-sharing events offered throughout the year

Membership and parking fees (if applicable) are due on the date of your first scheduled exercise session with staff. This date marks the start of your MacSeniors membership and access to the program.

All exercise sessions are supervised by a Registered Kinesiologist and supported by a team of McMaster student Program Assistants, who are available to help guide participants through their exercise programs.

The MacSeniors Program is also supported by trained volunteers; however, volunteer assistance is not guaranteed. Participants are expected to be able to follow instructions and use exercise equipment independently in order to participate safely in the program.

Yes. You may place your membership on hold for a minimum of one month and a maximum of twelve months. If you plan to be away from the program, please notify the reception desk as soon as possible. 

Please note: An absence of 12 months or longer will result in dismissal from the program. If you choose to return after this time, you will be required to complete the intake process again before rejoining the program. 

If your leave of absence is due to a health-related concern, you will be required to provide medical clearance from your physician before returning to the program. This helps ensure that you can safely resume exercise and fully participate in your prescribed program. 

If there have been significant changes to your health status during your absence, we may also recommend an updated physiotherapy assessment to review your needs and ensure your exercise program remains safe and appropriate.