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Programs and Services Offered in Alberta
The MS ActiveNOW initiative and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta and NWT Division offers a number of services to support persons living with MS to lead an active lifestyle through daily physical activity and exercise. These services are not only available to persons living with MS but are also offered and available to fitness, lifestyle & health industry professionals.
Services offered:
- Exercise program consultation and development
- Advocacy within community fitness centres
- Education sessions on exercise and MS
Many local chapters of the MS Society within Alberta offer a number of exercise and recreational programs. Program descriptions and details are provided below of many of the programs offered throughout Alberta. Have a look, you may find something within your community that may be of interest and benefit to you.
Community Exercise and Recreation Programs:
Yoga
Yoga focuses on breathing, meditation, movement and posture. Led by a qualified instructor, yoga helps increase relaxation, mobility and range of motion. Exercises are adapted for individuals who have MS and classes are taught while seated.
When: Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Location: Highwood Community Center 16 Harlow Avenue NW
Tel: 403-250-7090
When: Mondays, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Lake Bonavista Recreation Center
Tel: 403-250-7090
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Bowling
Test your skills with our accessible bowling program for individuals with MS. This fun bowling program is a great way to improve bowling skills and meet new people. We bowl one set, stop for lunch, then bowl a second set. Special equipment is available to bowlers.
When: Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Location: Let’s Bowl, 2916 - 5th Ave. NE
Tel: 403-250-7090
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Fun & Fitness
Fun and fitness is a seated exercise program that focuses on range of motion and stretching. We then relax over a cup of coffee and a snack, and visit with friends. A qualified instructor leads this class.
When: Fridays, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: VRRI, 3304 - 33rd St. NW, Recreation Building
Tel: 403-250-7090
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Gentle Fit
Gentle Fit is a challenging fitness program designed to lead individuals with MS through a workout focused on balance and core strengthening. Participants must be able to stand independently for this class. A qualified instructor teaches this class.
When: Fridays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: VRRI, 3304 - 33rd St. NW, Recreation Building
Tel: 403-250-7090
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Adapted Yoga for MS
Adapted Yoga for MS is designed for people affected by MS, their family members and caregivers. An atmosphere or non-judgmental, non-competitive environment is created where clients are invited to do a combination of Yoga movements, relaxation and breathing exercises. Everyone is invited to do the Yoga movements at their own capacity and rhythm. It can be done while sitting in a wheelchair or regular chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. Visualization is also recommended for those who are unable to do certain movements. Visualizing the movement stimulates the nervous system. Adapted Yoga also creates support and helps break isolation.
Tel: 780-645-3441 ext: 226
Email: denise.laverdure@mssociety.ca
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Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art over 1,000 years old. It is a way of correctly using your own energy…for therapeutic exercise and self-defence, health and relaxation. The program teaches people to know oneself and to improve one’s well-being, both psychological and physical. Movements are performed in a slow, soft, even tempo, emphasizing physical and mental balance, relaxation, and concentration; improves blood circulation, muscles are toned, and tense nerves relax.
When: Mondays, 12:45pm PM - 1:45 PM
Location: The MS Victory Centre, MS Society
Tel: 780-471-3034
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Yoga
Yoga combines aspects of stretching, strengthening, balance and coordination training, and even cardiovascular fitness to improve overall heath. It is an activity that is can be relaxing, in turn reducing stress and does not add much excess fatigue. Yoga integrates techniques of for breathing and moving, so overheating not big of a concern.
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM & Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Location: The MS Victory Centre, MS Society
Tel: 780-471-3034
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Bowling
For those interested in bowling, the Edmonton Chapter of the MS Society offers a five-pin bowling program. The cost is $5 per day, which allows participants to bowl two games, get shoe rentals and a drink. The program location is wheelchair accessible with an elevator going from the mall to the lanes. There are also bowling ramps available for anyone that may need assistance throwing the bowling ball.
When: Mondays, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Bonnie Doon Lanes
Tel: 780-471-3034
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Water in Motion
A 10 week shallow water adapted aquasize program. The Steadward Centre’s shallow and cool water aquasize program is one of a kind. At 28°C, the cool water allows participants to work longer at a higher intensity, while the buoyancy of the water reduces impact on joints and provides stability. The resistance of the water along with floating weights and belts make for a great full body workout. Led by The Steadward Centre’s own Adapted Physical Activity Consultants, this group fitness class provides an opportunity for participants to engage in cardiovascular endurance, strength training, balance and range of motion exercises in a fun, safe and supportive environment. The pool is equipped with a powered lift to assist individuals into the water from the deck area, along with accessible change rooms and showers.
When: Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: University of Alberta – West Pool
Tel: 780-492-3182
Cost: $25.00/one session per week or $40.00/two session per week
Website: www.steadwardcentre.ualberta.ca/index.cfm
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Therapeutic Yoga Class
A six week therapeutic yoga class specifically designed for people with MS, Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain.
When: Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 AM beginning Jan. 27th, 2011
Location: Apline Summit Seniors Centre (wheelchair accessible)
Contact: Sandra Coombe RMT, RYT
Tel: 780-852-5084, 780-852-8242 or E-mail: slcoombe@telusplanet.net
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Adapted Yoga and Stretch Class
Adaptation of stretches and gentle Yoga movements designed for individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic conditions. The class is adapted to suit individuals needs, where by participation can be done while seated in a chair or wheelchair or done while standing. Gentle Yoga and stretch will help with individual posture, flexibility, muscles strengthening, breathing and relaxation.
When: Weekly
Location: St-Paul & Bonnyville
Contact: Denise Laverdure-Sych, MS Society Lakeland Regional Office
Tel: 780-645-3441 ext. 226 or E-mail: denise.laverdure@mssociety.ca
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Program for Active Living (PAL)
The YWCA and non-profit organizations throughout the city of Lethbridge are teaming up to provide men and women with a fun, safe way to get physically active. Come out, meet new people, and find your way to energize your life!
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: YWCA, 606 – 8th Street South
Cost: $40.00 for six week session
Contact: Amber Kubos at 403-329-0088 or akubos@ywcalethbridge.org
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Adapted Yoga
The Adapted Yoga Program is for those affected by MS, have a partner with MS or are unable to attend a regular Yoga program. The class is free for those who have an MS membership of $10 per year.
When: Tuesdays, 10:00 AM beginning on Jan. 18th, 2011
Location: Workshop Room of the Community Services Centre, 4419 - 52 Ave
Instructor: Dale Foss
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Aqualite
Aqualite is a water aerobics program that includes cardio strengthening, flexibility and balance according to each individual person’s needs and abilities.
When: Fridays, 10:00 – 10:45 AM beginning Jan. 21st, 2011
Location: Leisure Centre at 59th Ave & 29th St
Instructor: Sharon Charters
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Fitness and Swim
Lloydminster Chapter also offers fitness at the Servus Sports Centre (4420 – 20 Ave) and swim passes at the Leisure Center (59th Ave and 29th St).
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Living Fit
To provide safe, supportive, barrier free, health and wellness opportunities for people with disabilities.
When: Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM
Location: The YMCA
Contact: Pat Tinney-Schafer at 403-527-4426 ext 221
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Swimming & Aqualite/Aquacise
We offer free swimming to our members at the Leisure Centres in Medicine Hat and Brooks. As well, free drop-in aqualite/aquacise at the Medicine Hat Leisure Centre. Aqualite is a special version of aquacise for individuals who have chronic conditions, joint problems, or after surgery.
Aqualite I - Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:15 AM
Aqualite II - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:15 AM
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Curves
It is the first fitness and weight loss facility dedicated to providing affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women. It provides a 30-minute fitness concept combined strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves North and Curves South have partnered with the MS Society, Red Deer Chapter to provide free memberships to persons with MS who wish to be active and exercise. To get this free membership a referral is need by the Red Deer Chapter of MS Society.
For Referral Contact: Red Deer Chapter of MS Society (403)-346-0290
Location 1: Curves North, Tel: 403-348-0642
Location 2: Curves South, Tel: 403-343-7560
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MS Yoga
MS Yoga is a class designed especially for persons with MS. In this class many modifications will be given to suit individual participants. As well, some individuals may practice while in a chair or a wheelchair. Learn yoga breathing, postures and relaxation techniques to help build flexibility, strength, balance and the ability to relax.
When: Wednesdays (Spring session ) May 8 - June 26, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: Yoga for Today
Tel: 780-416-4211
Website: www.yogafortoday.ca
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Drop-In Fitness
Drop-in fitness is a program designed for persons with MS to workout and exercise that focuses on cardio, strength, flexibility and balance. Exercises and activities are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each individual person. Persons work at own pace, level and ability to meet individual goals.
Location: Millennium Place
Tel: 780-416-3300
Website: www.strathcona.ab.ca/recreation
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Next Step
This gentle exercise program is designed for people with neurological disorders or chronic health conditions. Improve your sense of wellbeing with movements that increase range of motion and reduce the risk of developing additional health concerns. Exercises often include walking or cycling and are.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Monday & Wednesdays 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Glen Allan Recreation Centre
Tel: 780-467-4404
Website: www.strathcona.ab.ca/recreation
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MS Kinesis
Kinesis helps individuals improve strength, flexibility and balance. Using a system of unique cables, grips and weight stacks, users are able to perform exercise movements easily and naturally without restrictions. The principle behind Kinesis is to help people rediscover the beauty of movement by means of free and natural movements.
When: Thursdays, 10:45 - 11:30 AM
Location: Servus Credit Union Place
Tel: 780-418-6088
Website: www.playitup.org/node/17
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Yoga for MS
Yoga focuses the mind and body to work together as one unit. Yoga can help improve posture, flexibility and joint movement in persons with MS. Also teaches breathing techniques and gradually progresses through postures to improve energy and increase healthy circulation.
When: Tuesdays, 11 AM-12 PM (spring session) til June 18th
Location: Acu Harmony & Health
Tel: 780-963-1297
Website: www.harmonyhealthalberta.ca
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For further information please email: active@mssociety.ca
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Our Mission :
To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. |
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Alberta
& Northwest Territories Division
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
#150, 9405 - 50 Street
Edmonton,
Alberta T6B 2T4
To locate the MS Society office near you, please select the appropriate
chapter:
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