STEPS exercise program

The STEPS (STructured Exercise Post-Stroke) exercise program is a structured and individualized exercise program for people living with stroke. STEPS focuses 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 3 months post-stroke, 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.

STEPS begins as a 12-week, twice-weekly individualized exercise program performed in a small group setting. Graduates of the 12-week program may then continue exercising in our supervised facilities for a defined period of time. The STEPS program is fee-for-service.

STEPS participant performing a lunge while being supervised by fitness staff and kinesiology student.

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

Prior to participating in the STEPS program, participants require clearance from their doctor. Interested participants should ask their doctor to complete and sign the STEPS REFERRAL SCRIPT if exercise is deemed appropriate.

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 up to 12 participants, and supervised by our certified fitness staff and trained students. If all classes are full, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted as soon as a space is available.

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".