Now, as part of a comprehensive program of specialized services offered by the Centre du Sablon, the centre has launched a new 'Health in Safety' program for those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular or high cholesterol conditions, featuring semi-private exercise workouts and training. In addition to those suffering from a medical condition he or she is aware of and that is under control, any other individual who would like to benefit from the motivation that comes with working out in a group setting is also welcome. Each group is followed by an exercise science specialist. "We are aiming this program mostly at people who have had injuries or health problems," says Gabor Bitchkei, director of the Sablon Fit training facility. "It could be called a post-rehabilitation program, which is aimed at people who have had a heart attack or blood pressure problems, any kind of physiological or medical problems, who can still safely train, but they need somebody to watch their progress and watch out for their health. This is the program for them.

" Often, according to Bitchkei, those who have just been through an episode of health-related problems involving hospital treatment, followed by rehabilitation for a number of weeks, will find that they are then left on their own to pursue the healing. "We want to help these people," he says. "For many of them it's not safe to do these kind of exercises alone or they just don't know how to do them." A typical Health in Safety training session involves pre-workout blood pressure and blood glucose testing (for those to whom these apply), a five-minute warmup, and 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise on one or more cardiovascular machines adapted to the individual's range of motion. Heart rate is taken every five minutes to make sure that the exercise being done is safe and effective. This is followed by 15 minutes of weight training, five minutes of static stretching, followed at last by post-workout blood pressure and blood glucose level tests. Training sessions last 55 minutes and are done in groups with a maximum of six people.

It is recommended that the individuals whose blood glucose needs to be taken bring their own glucometer since this is not included in the price. Health in Safety training is available at Sablon Fit at a cost ranging from $160 per month (+ tax) for two months with two sessions per week, up to $380 per month for four months with three sessions per week. Other options are also available. These memberships include unlimited access to the training facility.

According to Bitchkei, the Health in Safety program is not only healthful, but also turns out to be a very cost-effective means of delivering training. "In small groups it's a lot more cost-effective," he says. "It's cheaper than having a trainer that you pay each time. This could be the answer for people who might otherwise not be able to afford regular personal training sessions."