Breathe Right Exercise Classes

About the classes: Jill Lommer, BKin., is an exercise rehab expert with experience working with people living with COPD and other chronic lung conditions. In every class, she will include a warm up, cardio, strength training, and cool down stretches.

Regular exercise can help you feel better and breathe easier. All fitness levels are welcome!

Disclaimer: The BC Lung Foundation funds delivery of these classes but cannot assume any further responsibility or liability for those who choose to participate. Individuals are responsible for ensuring their own safety. We encourage all participant to consult their healthcare provider before initiating classes.

ex-able

Personalized, and suitable for all stages of COPD and fitness levels.

ex-able can help, with our remote home-based programs for people living with chronic lung conditions. The platform serves as a bridge pre- and post- clinical pulmonary rehabilitation, or where no program is accessible. The goal is to promote long-term health and lasting patient self-management.

We are updating the platform for an October launch and for any enquiries email info@ex-able. Or sign up here and you will be contacted with further information.

Pulmonary Rehab Programs in BC

Pulmonary rehab programs enable lung patients to function (and breathe) at the highest level possible improving quality of life.

Topics usually covered include exercise, relaxation, breathing techniques, nutritional advice, emotional support and how to cope with the condition itself. Below find a list of BC programs.

Fraser Health

Langley Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Program contacts

Email: pulmrehab@fraserhealth.ca

Alison Bowman, Physiotherapist |Adam Little, Respiratory Therapist

Program location

22051 Fraser Highway
Langley B.C. V3A 4H4

Program details

Education sessions only right now. Six one-hour sessions on both Wednesday and Friday ran by a team of a Physiotherapist and a Respiratory Therapist. Topics include understanding lung disease, breath control, respiratory medication, preventing lung irritation, benefits of exercise and a balanced diet, energy conservation, coping with stress, airway clearance, action plans and community resources.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Doctor referral, health care professional.

Diseases

  • COPD
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis

Additional program offerings

  • Follow up phone calls
  • 1:1 Zoom meetings for inhaler technique
  • Resources can be mailed
  • Exercise videos
  • Living Well with COPD website
  • Other individual concerns if needed

Other

As soon as possible will have smaller class sizes to ensure physical distancing during exercise class and then larger group for education component (ie exercise pre and post education session to ensure able to maintain physical distancing for as long as these guidelines remain in place).

Maple Ridge Pulmonary Rehab Program

Program contact

Name: Stacey McNeilly
Phone: 604-463-1820 / 604-463-1855

Email: Stacey.mcneilly@fraserhealth.ca

Fax: 604-463-1887

Program location

11666 Laity Street
Maple Ridge, B.C.V2X 7G5

Program details

In class program 3 days/week, education and exercise. Ongoing maintenance programs both in the hospital and in the community. Education on topics such as Intro to lung disease/Understanding lung disease, preventing lung irritations/managing flare ups and plan of action, medications and delivery devices, benefits of exercise, advanced care planning, healthy eating for people with chronic lung disease, breath control, airway clearance, managing fatigue, energy conservation, coping with stress, sleep, sexuality, etc.

Supported languages

English

Application process 

Referral from a Respirologist required, recent PFT and cardiac stress test.

Diseases

Any pulmonary disease (COPD, ILD, IPF, PF)

Additional program offerings

  • 10 week initial education and exercise 3 day/week
  • Ongoing maintenance 2 days/week
  • Smoking cessation education

Other

Onsite parking available: PayByPhone lot code:1505

New Westminster Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Program contact

Name: Dalia Kuna RN, Angela Buehrle
Phone: 604-523-8800
Email: dalia.kuna@fraserhealth.ca, angela.buehrle@fraserhealth.ca

Program location

230 Ross Drive Unit B
New Westminster, B.C.V3L 0B2

Program details:

The team consists of 2 Registered Nurses and 1 Physiotherapist. The clinic is open Monday-Thursday.

The Monday/Wednesday Pulmonary Rehab Program runs from 10am-12.30pm and consists of 1 hour 15 minutes of exercise and 1.5 hours of education based on the Living with Lung Disease manual.

Activation exercises are 10am-11.15am once per week (exercise only). Self Management Classes are two 2 hour classes (education only).

The virtual platform being used currently is Zoom and runs two days per week. Guided exercise class are performed by physio and independent education (patients are being directed to use the “Living Well With COPD” modules), with virtual group discussions after Wednesday’s exercise class to review educational component.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Physician referral required. Call for testing appointment following receipt of referral. Recent PFT, Xray.

 

Diseases

  • COPD
  • Restrictive Lung disease

Program offerings

  • 8 week Pulmonary Rehab Program.
  • 6 week Activation Exercise program.
  • 2 day Self Management Program.
  • Smoking Cessation.
  • 1:1 consultation and follow up appointments.
  • Program assessment appointments.
  • Dr (Respirologist) Clinic day 2 times per month on a Thursday for new patients and patient follow ups.

Types of patients accepted

Confirmed COPD diagnosis

Other

Download the iConnect Respiratory Rehabilitation Patient Brochure here.

Surrey Lung Rehabilitation Program

This program is currently running virtually. You have the option to attend by phone or computer.

Program contact

Phone: 604-582-4565

Email: RespiratoryRehabilitation@fraserhealth.ca

Program location

Jim Pattison, Reception 1 C, 9750, 140 St,

V3T 0G9 – Mailing Address

Program details

A multidisciplinary approach to Lung disease self-management education.

Each session is 1-hour of education and 1-hour of exercise in a safe, supported environment.

Supported languages

English/Punjabi(Education only)

Application process:

Physician referral required.

Intake and booking is managed through the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre.
Please use the listed phone number to contact the program.

Diseases

Chronic Lung diseases:

  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis etc.

Program offerings

The program runs for a total of 6 weeks, participants attending 2 days per week.

Interior Health

Breath Program (Chase)

Program contact

Name: Sirka Hohndorf
Phone: 250-679-1406

Program location

Chase Primary Health Care Clinic
825 Thompson Avenue
Chase, BC V0E 1M0

Program details

Runs annually for 9 weeks (with one session per week) during April and May. Provides education and rehabilitation for chronic respiratory conditions, utilizing group or individual counselling, focusing on self-management skills. Topics include lung function, symptom management, energy conservation, medications, respiratory infections, environmental triggers, stress/anxiety and nutrition. Program includes a component of graduated supervised exercise to build strength, balance, and cardiovascular health.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Referral required

Diseases

  • Bronchiectasis
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Program offerings

  • Education
  • Exercise
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehab Program (Kamloops)

Program contact

Name: Tracee Gallant
Phone: Cell # 778-220-3761
Email: Tracee.Gallant@interiorhealth.ca

Program location

Primary and Community Care
#201-376 Tranquille Road
Kamloops, BC V2B 3G6

Phone # 250-312-3280

Program details

The Lung Health Program is a supervised exercise and education program that runs twice weekly for six weeks. Classes consist of one hour of exercise and one hour of education. The program is run by a registered Respiratory Therapist and a registered Community Physiotherapist from Interior Health.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Referral required

Diseases

Anyone diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, such as:

  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Chronic asthma
  • or Bronchiectasis.

Other conditions include:

  • Restrictive lung diseases, lung transplant or resection.

Program offerings

Aims of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Increase activity level.

• Improve quality of life.

• Reduce occurrence of flare‑ups.

• Improved management of shortness of breath.

• Managing stress.

• Reduced hospital admissions and length of stay

Pulmonary Rehab Program (Kelowna)

Program contact

Name: Julian Kirschner
Phone: 250‐470‐8691

Name: Todd Gale

Phone: 250-980-1572

Program location

Pulmonary Rehab Program
Kelowna General Hospital
2268 Pandosy St
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

Program details

Please contact Program Coordinator Julian Kirschner at 250‐470‐ 8691 or Email: KGHPulmonaryRehab@interiorhealth.ca for details.

Supported languages

English

Application process

KGH Respiratory Services Requisition for Pulmonary Rehab

Diseases

  • Asthma
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Program Offerings:
  • Assessment
  • Education
  • Exercise
  • Group Support
  • Maintenance/Follow-Up
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Program offerings

(Virtually)

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1400-1500
  • Tuesday, Thursday 1000-1100
  • Monday 1330-1400 education

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (Vernon)

Program contact

Vernon Pulmonary Rehab Program office
Phone: 250-558-1294

Program location

Vernon BC- virtual and group classes offered to clients from Lumby, Cherryville, Enderby, Armstrong and all communities in between.

Program details

The Pulmonary Rehab Program is a supervised exercise and education program that runs twice weekly for six weeks. Classes consist of one hour of exercise and one hour of education. The program is run by a registered Respiratory Therapist and a registered Community Physiotherapist from Interior Health.

Group classes are currently cancelled until further notice. Exercise Program Lung Fit is being run virtually twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2pm. Virtual Group Education sessions are currently being developed.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Referral from a physician is required.

Diseases

Anyone diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, lung transplant or resection.

 Program offerings

  • Assessment
  • Education
  • Exercise
  • Ongoing Respiratory support in the community

Northern Health

Pulmonary Rehab Program (Prince George)

Program contact

Phone: 250-562-9341 x 2117
Fax: 250-596-7447

Email: Katy.armstrong@bc.ymca.ca

Program location

PO Box 1808, 2020 Massey Drive
Prince George, BC • V2L 4V7

Program details

The YMCA offer Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs to reduce risks in a safe environment to improve overall health and quality of life.

The program consists of graduated clinically supervised, individualized exercise programs (aerobic and strengthening); as well as education, delivered in a group setting in conjunction with the exercise sessions. It is designed to help patients improve their symptoms, become part of a supportive community, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations.#

Supported languages

English

Application process

Please have your Physician fill out the referral form as you will be required to have a referral before you begin participating in the program.
Participants are required to have had recent Spirometry (within the last 5 years) confirming COPD diagnosis.

There is also a fitness assessment upon intake and discharge.

Diseases

  • COPD
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

Program offerings

  • Graduated exercise sessions 2x per week for a total of 10 weeks
  • Education sessions after each exercise session
  • Optional graduated entry into the YMCA’s ongoing Phase III Pulmonary and Cardiac Maintenance Program

Vancouver Coastal Health

North Vancouver BREATH Program

Program contact

Name: Eve Dedinsky RN, COPD Educator
Phone: 604-988-3131 (X 4940 BREATH office T-Th) or (X 4150 North Shore Chronic Disease Mon-Fri)
Fax:  BREATH office (604)984-5898
Email: Eve.Dedinsky@vch.ca

Program location

Lions Gate Hospital
231 East 15th Street
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7

Program details

Provides an exercise, education and support program to help individuals with lung problems achieve and maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Individual self-management sessions and group programs may be offered.

Topic areas include: Anatomy&Physiology, Signs&Symptoms of chest infections/lung irritants, Self-management/Action Plan, Coping skills, Relaxation, Sleep hygiene, Medication management, Nutrition, Bronchial hygiene, Rescue breathing and breathing control, PFT interpretation, Oxygen therapy, Smoking, Traveling with COPD, Intimacy and Energy conservation, Community Resources and Advanced Care Planning. Exercise may include aerobic exercise, weight training and stretches.

Guest Lecturers include Respirologist, OT, RT, PT, RN, Dietitian, Social Worker and Pharmacist.

Supported languages

English

Application process

Physician referral required using NSCDS referral form EF.850.N67 and Fax it to (604)297-9681.

Diseases

  • Asthma
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/pulmonary fibrosis

Additional program offerings

  • Education
  • Exercise
  • Group Support
  • Maintenance/Follow-Up
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Other

BREATH Program maintenance exercise group runs Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30pm-2:00pm at LGH gym

***We are working on a virtual ZOOM*** exercise program TBD.

For BREATH Program additional information www.vch.ca\nsbreath.

Richmond Pulmonary Rehab Program

Program Contact

604-369-7941

Program Location

Vancouver Coastal Health Community Respiratory Program
Garratt Wellness Centre
7504 Chelsea Pl, Richmond, BC V7C 3S9

Program Details

Provides an exercise, education and support program to help individuals with lung problems achieve and maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Individual self-management sessions and group programs may be offered. The Pulmonary Rehab Program runs Tuesdays & Thursdays afternoons over 6 weeks.

Topic areas include coping skills, medication management, nutrition, breathing control and lung conditions. Exercise may include aerobic exercise, weight training and stretches.

Supported Languages

English

Option for Cantonese and Mandarin translators as long as Provincial Language Service is available (this option will not be available for Virtual Programs).

Referral Form

Form must be completed by family doctor or respirologist. Click here for the Referral Form.
Diseases

  • Bronchiectasis
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Asthma

Breathe Well, Live Well – Healthy Living Program

Program contact

Name: Healthy Living Program, Vancouver Coastal Health
Phone: 604-267-4430
Email: healthylivingprogram@vch.ca

Program location

Trout Lake Community Centre
3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4M4

Program details

The program consists of 10 sessions: twice weekly for two hours in a small group setting. Safety is monitored during progressive exercise sessions. Individuals and group exercise sessions include strength, balance & flexibility training and aerobic conditioning. Topic areas include Healthy eating, living an active lifestyle, relaxation techniques, reducing stress and anxiety, medications and inhaler techniques, improved coping skills – breathing & energy conservation and management/prevention of a chest infection or “lung attack”. It includes an interdisciplinary team of registered nurses, registered dietitians and certified exercise physiologists

Supported languages

English

Application process

  • Program Fee
    Free (Physician Referral Required)
    * Leisure Access Card or FlexiPass is required for access to the Fitness Room

Diseases

  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Chronic Asthma
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis

Vancouver General Hospital Pulmonary Rehab Program

Program Contact and Location

VGH Hospital
VGH Pulmonary Function Lab – Station 3 – Ground Floor
Leon Judah Blackmore Pavilion
899 West 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 1M9

Phone: 604-875-4111 Ext. 63099
Email: VGHPulmonaryrehabilitation@vch.ca

Program Details

Our program offers two different rehabilitation programs, one directed at individuals living with chronic lung disease and one intended to support individuals following lung transplantation.

For individuals with chronic lung disease we provide a comprehensive education and exercise program. The program is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. The goal of the program is to teach clients’ self-management techniques and support them in safely starting, or increasing, an exercise program so they can improve their physical and emotional wellbeing over the long term. We offer an 8-week program that offers continuous intake throughout the year with classes running 3 times per week in the mornings.

For individuals who receive a lung transplant we provide an 8-week program that is led by a physiotherapist. The goal of the program is to support clients’ continuing rehabilitation as the recover from their surgery and hospital stay. The post-transplant program runs 3-4 times per week in the afternoons.

Referral Form

Click here

Supported languages

  • English
  • Translator services available

Diseases 

  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Chronic Asthma
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Lung Transplant

Other Exercise Resources

Physical activity is proven to improve energy levels, anxiety, stress, depression and sleep as well as the body’s use of oxygen, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and shortness of breath.

Important: If you are living with a lung condition it is important to get your doctor’s approval before your start a new exercise regime. Your doctor may also suggest strategies to help you get started, such as using a walker or referring you to a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

iMaster Health – Online Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Take the next step toward stronger lung function with iMaster Health’s Online Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

Receive self-guided exercises, daily challenges, breathing techniques, education, and tools – all in one program! Enjoy lung health recipes, virtual group classes, chair yoga, stretching, interval training, and more!

Move into Health Program

BC’s Interior Health Authority, in partnership UBC’s Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Healthwith, developed the Move into Health video series to increase ways for patients with COPD to access safe, evidence-based, home exercise resources.

Living Well with COPD Program Resources

A free online COPD self-management program was conceived and developed by the Montreal Chest Institute, a part of the McGill University Health Centre. We encourage you to explore this online program

Below find ‘Living Well with COPD’ program videos to help you stay active.

Poplar Pulmonary Wellness

Poplar Pulmonary Wellness’s mission is to build a supportive community that empowers people living with chronic lung conditions to live their best lung life.

At Poplar Pulmonary Wellness we believe that people living with chronic lung disease should have access to respiratory therapy services within their community.

Our goal is to establish multidisciplinary partnerships to create fun, evidence-based exercise programming and life-long respiratory education to support healthy living.

Dr. Roger Goldstein on COPD & Exercise