Imagine a healthcare system that recognizes the benefits of physical activity as a way to decrease the likelihood of chronic health conditions. Before the pandemic, a significant percentage of Canada’s population was not meeting the minimum recommended activity levels. Inactivity numbers are increasing, and mental health is being impacted as a result. In his role as Program Director for Alberta’s chapter of the national program Prescription To Get Active, Jeff Tareta has developed a unique service delivery model to better connect the primary care industry with recreation and fitness professionals, to prevent and treat many different chronic conditions through the prescription of physical activity, ultimately leading to improved overall quality of life.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• The current state of health of Canadians
• How Prescription to Get Active works
• How Canadians can get access to gym memberships as a medical prescription
• How to ask your doctor for an exercise prescription
• Special fitness tools available to facilities and individuals
• How owner/operators can get involved
• Coaching opportunities for independent fitness professionals

What does exercise prescription mean?

Exercise prescription is a tailored approach that personal trainers utilize to create individualized exercise regimens designed to meet specific health and fitness goals for their clients. The concept involves assessing a client’s current fitness level, medical history, and personal objectives to formulate an effective exercise program that promotes the therapeutic benefits of physical activity (Mowad et al., 2020). Trainers must educate clients about the importance of engaging in regular exercise, not only for improving physical fitness but also for enhancing overall mental well-being. Furthermore, exercise prescriptions can aid in the prevention and management of chronic conditions, making them a valuable aspect of a holistic fitness regimen (Tareta, 2021). By partnering with healthcare providers, personal trainers can facilitate access to exercise as a prescription, fostering collaborative care and promoting healthier lifestyles within their communities. Emphasizing evidence-based strategies, trainers should consistently monitor and adjust exercise prescriptions to ensure clients achieve optimal results and remain motivated.

References Used

Mowad, D. C., Moore, C. S., & Huang, Z. (2020). The role of exercise in chronic disease management. Journal of Health & Fitness, 12(3), 45-58.

Tareta, J. (2021). Prescription To Get Active program overview. Canadian Health Journal, 34(2), 112-119.

Learn more about Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA) – CLICK HERE. 
Learn more about Go Get Fit – CLICK HERE. 
Learn more about the International Coaching Federation – CLICK HERE.