FAQ

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page. Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 778-688-8586.

What is Kick-Start?

what's involved?

When?

What is Kick-Start?

Kick-Start Cardio is a 12-month health and wellness program that offers a program custom-built for hospital staff, whether they be hauling long hours, pulling odd shift work, or pushing through standard nine to five workaday routines. If your want to lose weight, reduce that belt size, or simply to increase stamina and improve the quality of your sleep, we'll Kick-Start you on the road to your goal.

Okay, what's involved?

Your year of better health begins with a four-week, 20-session exercise component from Monday to Friday. It sounds like a lot, but if you only give us one hour per day for four weeks, we'll have you looking and feeling better than you can imagine. Each day of the week focusses on a different muscle group. For example, one day might work on arms and shoulders, while the next concentrates on the midsection (often generally described as an "ab workout," but more accurately called "core work.")

Every class is designed and taught by a BCRPA-certified instructor, who supply proper positioning, encouragement and support; they'll also give each participant a personalized fitness plan. Resistance exercises, aerobic activities, team-based cardio builders, stretching and a few surprises; they're all presented in a fun, upbeat environment built to challenge beginners and amateur athletes alike. Each participant is encouraged to challenge themselves, but our instructors keep an eye on everyone to make sure they aren't pushing too hard. We're here to improve our health, fitness and wellness, not hurt ourselves!

When?

Multiple class times each day mean the scheduling excuses have been removed! All Monday classes are the same, so you can't say, "Oh darn, I missed my class, so I guess I can't exercise today." If you miss the morning hour, there's one in the afternoon, and another that will have you done in time for a late supper. Need an oddball time, to suit strange shifts? Let us know your schedule, and provided a minimum of six participants register for that hour time slot, we'll open a Kick-Start time slot just for you. We'll do a midnight class if you get five of your colleagues to commit to those four weeks of witching hour workouts with you.

While we ask that you choose a specific time slot when you register, you're welcome to attend any of the open sessions each day. So, if you have an unusually hectic Tuesday afternoon planned, for example, feel free to drop into the morning session that day.

Where?

Classes will always be within a five-minute drive or 10-minute walk of your facility. RCH classes run at upper Hume Park, or Sapperton Park. New West Home Care will run at City Hall or Queens Park. The great outdoors -- namely the fields, trails and covered areas when necessary -- bring a refreshing change from working (or working out) in stuffy, low-ceilinged rooms and corridors bathed in fluorescent light. During extended periods of inclement weather, an indoor facility within a short drive of the hospital, such Douglas College or a local elementary school, will be arranged.

What do participants get?

In addition to the short-term results seen after four weeks of increased, or improved, exercise -- better sleep, posture and self-image, to name three -- and the long-term results of better fitness -- reduced risk of heart trouble and better digestion, for example, not to mention camaraderie with colleagues, and improved networking throughout the hospital -- participants in the Kick-Start program receive a number of perks:

- 12 monthly update classes to maintain or update techniques, and stay fresh

- 12 months of wellness seminars to encourage mental fitness as well

- customized nutritional plan prepared by a graduating student of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (www.csnnvancouver.com)

- personalized fitness plan prepared by one of your instructors

- professional quality dry-fit workout shirt

- comprehensive Kick-Start Cardio binder jam packed with fitness, nutrition and wellness information

- 10% discount on shoes and gear at Rackets and Runners (www.racketsandrunners.ca)

- 25% discount on athletic clothing and ultimate gear at GAIA Ultimate (www.gaiaultimate.com)

- prize draws and summer BBQs (we'll even give you a balloon if you want one!)

Further deals and specials will be announced throughout your 12 months, as well, so you won't forget that you've signed on for a full year of bettering your health. No resolution can be kept 100% of the time, cold turkey; that said, we'll do everything we can to help you get through these 12 months healthier, fitter and happier -- we literally Kick-Start your life, starting with your Cardio.

What's the bottom line?

Of course, everyone wants to know the bottom line. Kick-Start Cardio's 12-month program only costs $10 plus tax per paycheque for one year* -- it's deducted directly from your pay, and appears on your pay stub as a reminder to keep going!

* Kick-Start Cardio's introductory pricing is available for Fraser Health personnel who register for any program that starts before September 1, 2007. Friends and family can register, subject to class availability. The introductory price for non-hospital personnel is $299 + GST. Payment must be received by Kick-Start Cardio prior to the class start date.