Better Breather’s Pickleball
Come learn, move, and connect with us! Call 236-361-3480 to book your intake session.
Better Breathers Pickleball is a twice-monthly, in-person program designed specifically for people living with chronic lung conditions.
This is not just a sports program. It’s a supportive space where you can:
- Learn breathing techniques that reduce breathlessness
- Improve strength and endurance
- Build confidence in your body
- Connect with others who understand
- Have fun playing pickleball in a safe and supported environment
This program is delivered by Poplar Pulmonary Wellness.
Skills Class
Second Tuesday of Every Month
10am to noon at IPOP Burnaby
Hosted by two Respiratory Therapists
This session includes:
- Guided warm-up exercises
- Pickleball basics and paddle skills
- Breathing techniques for activity
- Lung health education
- Pickleball skills games
- Cool-down stretches
You must attend this session first before joining a court class.
Court Class
Fourth Tuesday of Every Month
10am to noon at IPOP Burnaby
Hosted by a Pickleball Coach and a Respiratory Therapist
This session includes:
- Guided warm-up
- On-court pickleball instruction
- Breathing and pacing support from a Respiratory Therapist
- Cool-down stretches
Once you’ve attended your first Skills Class, you can continue attending both sessions each month.
Eligibility Criteria
Who is this program for?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Live in British Columbia
- Have a diagnosed chronic lung condition
- Are under the care of a healthcare provider
- Can walk independently (without mobility aids)
- Can travel to IPOP Burnaby on your own
- Complete our intake assessment and questionnaires
- Sign required waivers
Who should not enroll?
For safety reasons, this program is not suitable if you:
- Have had a heart attack, unstable angina, or acute heart failure in the past 30 days
- Have been hospitalized for a lung exacerbation in the past 30 days
- Have significant vision, hearing, or mobility impairments that affect safe play
- Have uncontrolled psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment
- Do not yet have a formal lung diagnosis
If you’re unsure, please call or email us — we’re happy to discuss your situation.
Location
IPOP Burnaby, the Inclusive Place of Pickleball
9855 Austin Rd, Burnaby, BC
Lougheed Shopping Centre
Bring a Companion
Each participant may enroll one support person to join the program.
Your companion can:
- Play pickleball with you
- Learn breathing strategies
- Support you during sessions
- Be part of the community
- Your companion must meet eligibility criteria and complete intake as well.
Ready to join Better Breathers Pickleball?
Proudly sponsored by the BC Lung Foundation and powered by Poplar Pulmonary Wellness, this program is offered to participants at no cost.
If you’re curious, unsure, or are ready to register, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Poplar Pulmonary Wellness
Call: 236-361-3480
Email: poplar@poplarpulmonary.com
