The University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Champlain Lung Health Network are now working together to ensure Heart Wise Exercise programs are suitable for people with or at risk to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

If you are living with COPD, regular exercise is an important part of managing your disease.

It is ideal to attend pulmonary rehabilitation, or a Living Well with COPD class to learn about how to exercise to feel better and stay out of the hospital.  The Lung Association website also has many useful resources.  If you have completed a pulmonary rehab program, or received guidelines from a health care professional to start exercising, HWE programs are ideal for you.  To find a HWE facility in your region, use the locations tab at the top of the page.

Benefits of HWE Classes

• Provide a safe environment to exercise if you live with COPD
• Helps to motivate you to integrate exercise into your daily routine

• Being physically active will help you regain the strength and energy you need for your daily activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone can participate in Heart Wise Exercise classes, providing your doctor has recommended physical activity for you. If you have COPD, have a conversation with your health practitioner about how much exercise is safe for you.