This 10 week hydrotherapy course is for those who suffer from all forms of Arthritis and is supervised by physiotherapists from SportsMed. There are three courses delivered each year, with a limit of 20 participants per class. Contact the course administrator to get your name on the waiting list. Time: Tuesday and Thursday (must be able to attend both days) 4.30pm - 5.30pm. Cost: No cost as the course is funded by the Canterbury District Health Board, however a full commitment to attendance required. Location: Burwood Hospital. Good to know: You must be over 18 and able to complete a medical clearance form (provided by Arthritis NZ), and you are only able to complete 1 course every 2 years.
These classes are led by volunteers and designed to help manage pain and improve mobility. Times: Monday (two class options) and Saturday (two class options). Each class runs for an hour. Cost: $3 per class. Location: Burwood Hospital Hydrotherapy Pool. Good to know: GP approval required but can you can self-refer (Yvonne can help with the process).
The mobility action programme (MAP) is a free 8-week programme for people with osteoarthritis that affects their hip or knee. It's been shown to help people move more easily and be able to do more in their everyday lives. Times and Locations: Mobility action programmes start regularly throughout the year and are held during the day or evening at various places in Canterbury. Each weekly session lasts two hours and includes: an interactive education session, a five-to-10 minute break, physical activity, and a short theory session followed by a practical session. Cost: The Canterbury DHB funds MAP so there's no cost for you to attend. Ask your GP or an allied health professional if the mobility action programme is right for you. They can refer you to the MAP coordinator who will contact you to enrol you in a programme. Good to know: Online sessions are also available.
The Canterbury Better Breathing Programme offers an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme for people with long-term chest conditions. If you have a breathing problem, this programme can help you to improve your breathing and fitness. The programme consists of a two-hour session twice a week, and participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. Each session includes an hour of exercise followed by an hour of education by various local experts. Note: There are entry requirements for this programme. Times/Locations: Vary (check website for details). Cost: Free. Good to know: You will have an assessment about a month before starting the programme.
If you have a breathing disorder, it's important that you maintain and improve your fitness. Community groups in several places around Canterbury provide support and exercise classes. The exercise classes typically include gentle, medium to high level weight, Theraband, stress ball, and scarf exercises, led by a trained health professional. Times: Morning and afternoon classes are available (refer to website link). Cost: Range from $2.00-$5.00. Locations: Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Amberley, Rangiora, Darfield, Ashburton. Good to know: Many people go to these classes to get started before taking part in the Better Breathing - Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme.
This one hour class at the St George's Cancer Care Centre is a mixture of weights, aerobic and stretching exercises. Group based exercise classes have been shown to improve cancer patients physical and psychological functioning both during and after treatment. Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move around in, and bring a drink bottle. Times: Tuesday and Thursday. Cost: $7.00 per class ($35.00 for 5 classes concession card). Location: St George’s Cancer Care Centre. Good to know: Contact the Cancer Care staff before you attend your first session.
Yoga is a mind body practice that involves breathing, stretching, balance and strengthening exercises. Some people find that it can help them manage the side effects of their cancer treatment. There are three classes held during the week held at the St George's Cancer Care Centre - two are suitable for beginners and one is more suited to those with some yoga experience and a moderate level of fitness (more details are available on the website). Times: Monday and Thursday. Cost: $5 per class or $25 for 5 classes with a multi-pass (available from reception). Location: St George’s Cancer Care Centre. Good to know: When you come for your first class we will ask you to fill out a brief form listing any injuries or physical concerns you may have.
Next Steps is a free group exercise programme for people who have finished their main cancer treatments. Time: The sessions run for one hour per week for 10 weeks and are scheduled once a class is fully booked. To find out when the next class is starting, click on the website link and enter 'Canterbury' as the search location. Good to know: You can access BCFNZ-funded cancer rehab services by using a Pink Ribbon™ Card. Once approved, the funds will be loaded directly onto your personal card.
Amberley Medical Centre provides a cardiac rehabilitation service for people at risk of a cardiac event or recovering from post cardiac events and surgery. The weekly sessions include some gentle exercise, a cup of tea/coffee and the opportunity for a chat. Time: Friday 1.00-200pm. Cost: $2.00 per session. Location: Anglican Church Hall. Good to know: Everyone is welcome.
This class is for people who have had a cardiac diagnosis or treatment and have been cleared by their GP or cardiac clinician to exercise independently. Time: Tuesday, 10am-11am. Location: Hale Compound HQ, 27 Osbourne Street, Waltham. Cost: $10.00 per session. Good to know: Please contact Tim before attending your first class.
Medically supervised exercise classes (gym, pool, walking) and social events for cardiac patients and their associates. Membership is open to anybody who has had a heart condition. Times: Monday and Wednesday, 7.00pm-8.30pm and Friday, 10.00am-11.00am. Locations: Burwood Hospital's Gymnasium/Pool and Avonhead Baptist Church Hall. Good to know: The group can provide assistance to heart patients who do not have enough income for essential transport or for such things such as visits to their doctor.
A 6-week cardiac rehabilitation programme run by clinical staff for people who have been discharged from hospital within the last few months (Phase II). It is suitable for post myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, angina, coronary artery bypass graft, spontaneous coronary artery dissection and valve surgery. There is also an option to attend a referral appointment with a cardiac nurse specialist to provide post cardiac event follow up, education and support. Good to know: Participation in this programme is usually based on a referral from a health professional.
A 6-week cardiac rehabilitation programme run by clinical staff for people who have been discharged from hospital within the last few months (Phase II). It is suitable for post myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, angina, coronary artery bypass graft, spontaneous coronary artery dissection and valve surgery. There are two programme options available. Good to know: Participation in this programme is usually based on a referral from a health professional.
Gentle sitting exercises for people with diabetes. Everyone most welcome, tea and coffee provided. Great social and interactive fun group, plus easy accessibility and parking. Time: Friday at 10:15am-11:30am. Cost: Society Member $3.00, Non-Member $4.00. Location: Diabetes Centre. Good to know: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
This class is designed specifically for those managing Intermittent Claudication. It is a circuit class aimed at increasing walking distance (on average we more than double it- based on a pilot of 50 clients). You can work at your own pace and ability. There is also an opportunity to talk and get advice from "fellow Intermittent claudication clients". Contact Physical Sense for times and more information.
The Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society of Canterbury (Inc) provides professional support and services to people with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. They offer a comprehensive exercise programme that includes dance classes, nordic walking, yoga classes, specialist classes and seated exercise. Times: Throughout the week. Cost: Range of $5.00-$7.00 per session. Click on the website link to view the timetable. Location: Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society of Canterbury (Inc). Good to know: Please contact the physio team before starting a class.
Amplitude is a fun class that focuses on the key areas for Parkinson's people including BIG movements, BIG voice, balance, coordination, agility and complexity. Time: Wednesday 11.00am - 12noon. Cost: $10.00 per session. Location: YMCA Bishopdale. Good to know: Please contact Tim before attending your first class.
This class is for men at any stage of diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer who are looking to work out with other men in a convivial and inclusive group setting. No exercise experience necessary. Time: Wednesday, 1.00pm. Location: YMCA Bishopdale. Cost $10.00 per session. Please contact Tim prior to attending.
A circuit class that caters for different abilities and allows everyone to work at their own pace. Prerequisite: You can go independently to the toilet (or with help of your carer – who is prepared to stay for the class). Contact Physical Sense for times and more information.
These small group sessions revolve around functional movement integrated with task-related exercise. They are specifically designed for the needs of stroke survivors with partial paralysis who are unable to recover further using more traditional approaches. Times: Monday and Thursday afternoons. Location: Concrete Health and Fitness, 325 Brougham Street. Good to know: Please contact Tim before attending a session to discuss your specific needs.