The First Step Program
First Step is a partnership between Saskatchewan Health Authority, LiveWell Chronic Management Program and the City of Saskatoon Community Services Department.
The program's aim is to provide a high quality prevention/rehabilitation program to people with health concerns within and around Saskatoon.
Even if you are not familiar with regular exercise, or if your health concerns have discouraged regular exercise, you'll find First Step an important move towards improving your quality of life.
How does it work?
A three point approach to wellness:
- First Step provides a three-point approach to wellness: education, strength training and aerobic exercise.
- In each session, an exercise specialist will assess your individual needs and help you develop healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise.
- First Step is an ongoing program and you may register at anytime.
Education topics include:
- Goal setting
- The benefits of exercise
- Risk factor management
- Nutrition
- Diabetes and exercise
- Stress management
- Stages of change
- Footwear / foot care
- and many more...
Exercise:
Your exercise specialist will help develop your own individualized exercise program. Your program could start with walking, biking, rowing, stepping, stretching and strength. There are many cardiovascular options available. Once you have settled into the program your exercise specialist and yourself may add exercises designed to improve overall strength and other areas of interest for you.
Benefits of an Exercise Program:
- Build muscle strength and endurance
- Improve balance, agility, and reaction time
- Help control your diabetes
- Reduce joint discomfort and stiffness
- Decrease chances of falls and injury
- Decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve cholesterol levels
- Increase flexibility
- Maintain or lose weight
- Socialize with others
- Learn how to exercise safely for yourself and your current situation
How to get started
Participants can talk to their doctor about a referral or self refer. An application form needs to filled out prior to starting in the program; contact us to have one mailed to you or you can download and print our application form.
Location & Phase 1 Schedule
The First Step program is held at the Saskatoon Field House (2020 College Drive) and runs 3 times per week. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the following times:
Tuesday & Thursday Mornings:
- 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Saturday:
- Offered to Graduates only 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday & Thursday Evenings:
- 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost
The cost includes 4 months of supervised exercise (2 times/week) and initial assessment.
There are several supervised exercise programs offered at The Saskatoon Field House, please contact us to help determine which program is best suited for you and your health.
Once I have completed the 4 month program, what's next?
Our program has the option to continue on and become a part of our Graduate Program. You may purchase a First Step Graduate Card that is available to all First Step graduates and supports. The Graduate Card allows you to continue access to the facility during the First Step program times only. The Graduate Program runs Tuesday, Thursday and opens a 3rd day on Saturdays to progress to training 3 times/week.
Or, you may choose to instead purchase a LeisureCard. A LeisureCard allows you to have continued access to the facility during the First Step program times, in addition to seven days a week at all of the Leisure Centres, as well as the Terry Fox Track (in Forest Park), plus the outdoor pools in the summer months.