Before You Begin an Exercise Program

Congratulations on deciding to create an active lifestyle for you and your family!

Before beginning any new activity, let us point you in the right direction. Understanding what makes you and your family healthy can be a great place to start.

Learn more about healthy living and physical activity on the Region of Durham's website or read the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

All participants must assess their medical history by reviewing the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) prior to participation in any aquatic/fitness program.

Heart Wise Exercise in Clarington!

Heart Wise Exercise programs are for participants who are interested or concerned about their health. Look for the Heart Wise Program symbol in the Recreation and Leisure Guide to find a program that is right for you.

Heart Wise Exercise Programs meet the following criteria:

1. Encourages regular, daily aerobic exercise.
2. Encourages and incorporates warm up, cool down and self-monitoring with all exercise sessions.
3. Allows participants to exercise at a safe level and offers options to modify intensity.
4. Includes participants with chronic health conditions - physician approval may be required.
5. Offers health screening for all participants.
6. Has a documented emergency plan that is known to all exercise leaders, including the requirement of current CPR certification, phone access to local paramedic services and presence of an AED.

These criteria could cover a variety of different levels and type of programs. If you are unsure, please contact the Fitness and Customer Service Coordinator at 905-404-1525 ext. 2522.