The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges to maintaining an active lifestyle, but we know physical activity is vitally important for our health. How can exercise help in during the pandemic? Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity is associated with better immune function, helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and can help to manage and reduce the risk of developing other health conditions* that are associated with the greatest risk for severe complications of COVID-19.
PACE’s in-person community exercise programs are closed until further notice to reduce the risk of virus transmission, so we’re bringing the exercise to you!
Exercise along with our Registered Kinesiologists and Physiotherapist from the comfort and safety of your home. Classes focus on multiple components of fitness and exercises are modifiable based on fitness level and accessibility requirements.
*Reference: Exercise Medicine
Steps to participate in McMaster PACE – LIVE! AT HOME
Step 2: Complete the Waiver
Complete this electronic waiver simply by typing your name and the date.
Step 3: Subscribe
Subscribe to the PACE newsletter to receive weekly schedules and links to connect.
Step 4: Join the fun!
Click the Zoom link at class login time. You will be placed into a virtual waiting room and the host will admit you after verifying that your waiver has been completed.
PACE – LIVE! At Home Class Details
Suggested Equipment: Keep an eye on the newsletter for weekly suggestions specific to each class.
Strength at Home with Julia
Class Time: Tuesdays at 11:00am-12:00pm
Class Description: This class will focus on full body strength activities to promote functional independence. Exercises can be modified to suit various fitness levels and may also be performed from a seated position.
About the Instructor: Julia is a Registered Kinesiologist and CSEP-Certified Exercise Physiologist with a special interest in improving physical function and quality of life among older adults and individuals living with chronic disease or disability.
Balance at Home with Marianne
Class Time: Wednesdays at 12:00pm-1:00pm
Class Description: No two classes are the same and explore all areas related to how we train and control balance including strength, flexibility, and coordination.
About the Instructor: Marianne is a Registered Physiotherapist with a special interest in balance and mobility training. She has led balance exercise classes at PACE for over three years. The classes are now being adapted for our new COVID-19 reality.
Wheelchair-Accessible Fitness at Home with Sabrina
Class Time: Thursdays at 12:00pm-1:00pm
Class Description: This wheelchair-accessible class will focus on upper-extremity activities to target range of motion, strength, and aerobic fitness.
About the Instructor: Sabrina is a Registered Kinesiologist who has extensive experience working with PACE’s neuro-gym programs: MacWheelers and MacMS-FITT. She specializes in designing accessible exercise programs for people living with chronic disease and disability.
Fun Fitness at Home with Paula
Class Time: Fridays at 10:30am-11:30am
Class Description: The focus of this class rotates each week and may include yoga, dance, HIIT, and more.
About the Instructor: Paula is a Registered Kinesiologist who has extensive experience with PACE’s main-gym programs: MacSeniors, MacCardiac Rehab, and MacWarriors. Paula recently completed the Cancer Exercise Trainer course through the American College of Sports Medicine to further her understanding of the role of exercise in cancer rehabilitation