613 242 9557
meet the teacher
You might recognize me!
My name is Lisa Dow. I’ve practiced as a physiotherapist in the Belleville community, including QHC for 25 years. For the last decade I have primarily focused on working with clients with COPD and other respiratory conditions. I have successfully managed and delivered the QHC Respiratory Rehab Program to 100s of our area’s citizens. I have supported many locals go through the lung transplant process. The motto we have come to work under is
“Exercise is our Medicine”.
After listening to my clients and taking their concerns to heart, I have created the Keeping Breathing Virtual Respiratory Exercise Program. I have partnered with a dynamic, young, community minded entrepreneur named Jessica Purchase. Jessica is the owner and operator of Evolve Fitness Studio in Belleville, Ontario. She is a certified fitness trainer with strong interest in providing programming for individuals with unique needs. She has generously provided the space and support for me to virtually deliver this innovative, experience based exercise and support program and a very low cost.
The pandemic has been particularly challenging for the respiratory client group. Our hospital based Respiratory Rehab Program has suffered rotating shutdowns, even after I moved to a virtual platform. Our local gyms and community centres have had multiple closures. Our local respiratory clients haven’t been able to participate in the exercise programming that is crucial to help them breathe better. They report feeling a loss of control in their health outcomes. "
- Lisa
We are excited to support these clients! Reach out to us, joining is easy!
Testimonials
A sudden collapse & subsequent C.O.P.D. diagnosis almost took me out a couple of years ago. Left me feeling weak & unable to do almost anything. Luckily, Lisa was assigned to my assessment & introduced me to the idea of respiratory rehabilitation as a way to get some of 'my stuff' back. Unfortunately, that was just about the time the pandemic took over our lives, but Lisa was able to quickly pivot to an on-line group that eventually gave rise to this most excellent endeavour at Evolve.. Under Lisa's patient tutelage, exercising with this group has not only increased my stamina & mobility, but also instilled a new confidence in me ... knowing that if i pace myself & practice good breathing techniques i can still go a long way. To top it off, it's a great group for bouncing ideas & questions around & the Zoom format brings the gym to me. This is definitely a wonderful way to breathe new life into your world.
-Mary Collins
When I first got diagnostic with my disease Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension I thought I could not exercise it would be to much work and that I hurt myself. But by doing the program at the hospital and then doing this program I learned not to fear exercise and learned steps that would help me get through the exercising. This program is helpful, enjoyable, the instructions are clear and everyone one is awesome and helpful. Lisa showed me that I won't hurt myself if I exercise and she gave me the confidence that I can become stronger with my health. So I highly recommend this program. You just need to put one foot in front of the other and know that it will be okay to exercise. Yes it is scary at first but once you get all the tools you will start to feel confident and feel better about your health!!
- Tina T
Excellent program, great teacher, helps me feel like I am doing something positive. Makes us stronger!
- Susan Q
A highly recommend this program. Lisa has an excellent program!
-Robert H
I highly recommend this program. The people are friendly and jovial. You start at your own pace and increase at your speed. The instructions are clear and the exercises are easy to do. The people in the program share a common goal to exercise to make breathing easier. Join the group to strengthen your body and breathe easier. You'll be glad you did.
- Doreen C
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