STEPS exercise program

The STEPS (STructured Exercise Post-Stroke) exercise program is a structured and individualized exercise program for people living with stroke. STEPS is a 12 week program focused on restoring and improving the health, wellness, energy and function of individuals living with stroke in a safe and supportive environment. Participants of this program must be able to self-transfer and walk a distance of 10 meters safely, with or without the help of a walking aid.

Trained exercise specialists take into account medical history and health status when developing individualized exercise programs aimed at improving cardiovascular function, balance, muscular strength, endurance and range of motion.

The specialized program provides safe, private, small group, one hour exercise sessions twice a week over the 12 week period. Each program is tailored to the individual's specific health needs and goals. The exercise program is fee-for-service.

Who is a candidate for the STEPS program?

If you have been diagnosed with a stroke or transient ischemic attack, can self-transfer and can ambulate a distance of 10 meters safely, with or without a walking aid, you are a candidate for the STEPS exercise program.

Referral to participate

If you’re interested in participating, please have your doctor complete and fax the STEPS Referral Script to clear you for participation in our exercise program. Please contact our fitness staff for a copy of the STEPS Referral Script or for more information at fitness@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 40498.

What happens next?

Once your referral form is received, clients will be contacted to complete a preliminary fitness assessment and then join a twice weekly, 60 minute class for 12 weeks. Classes are a small-group format, with 5-12 participants, and supervised by our certified fitness staff and trained volunteers.

Instructions for assessment

This assessment takes up to two hours to complete. All information regarding directions and preliminary instructions to follow on the day of the assessment will be sent to you prior to your initial appointment. You will be asked to bring a list of current medications.

If you have any questions after reading this information, please contact our fitness staff.

Where to find us

The STEPS exercise program is located at the University of Waterloo in the Toby Jenkins Applied Health Research Building: 340 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6R6.

For map and detailed directions, see directions and parking for access to the Toby Jenkins Building.

Support STEPS

The STEPS exercise program is currently fee-for-service. It is our hope that additional support for the STEPS exercise program could be obtained to make the program more affordable to those living with stroke.

To donate directly to the program, contact Andrea Carthew, Director of Advancement, Faculty of Health at andrea.carthew@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 46319. or complete Waterloo's secure online donation form. Designate your gift as "Other - STEPS".