Wall, a former Shelby police lieutenant, is not one of them. After all, he’s been coming to Cleveland Regional Medical Center at least three times a week for a little more than a year and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Wall had quadruple bypass surgery in 2007 and his cardiologist recommended the Cardiac Pulmonary Program at CRMC as a way to recover faster and become stronger.

“Patients usually come to the program a month or eight weeks after they’ve been discharged,” said Sean Mayes, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator at CRMC.

The program lasts three months or a total of 36 sessions. Most clients come at least three times a week, but some are more comfortable coming five days a week.

At the end of the 12-week sessions, participants can choose to continue the program, much like Wall has.

“I still come three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” Wall said. “I feel like it’s helped me a lot. It seems like I’ve gotten strong, but my legs are still week. Of course, I’m 82 years old and you don’t spring back quite as fast as you once did.”

With physician referral, the program is open to anyone who has suffered a heart condition such as a heart attack, coronary angioplasty, coronary bypass, angina, cardiomyopathy, stent placement, valve replacement, congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease.

Rehab staff works with each patient to tailor a program to suit their individual conditions.

“We design a program to optimize physical and social performance and autonomy for each patient,” Mayes said. “Our program is small and personal to allow time for individual needs. The team includes a nurse, exercise physiologist, nutritionist, vocational rehab counselor, a leader in stress management and a physician director.”

Participants have an array of equipment to use such as stationary and recumbent bikes, treadmills, rowers, steppers and arm bikes to increase their fitness levels and help strengthen the heart muscle.

“We teach you how to exercise safely,” said Casey Southards, Cardiopulmonary Rehab RN, BSN. “The program is developed in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine.”

The monitoring gives patients like Wall peace of mind. “They check your blood pressure, your heart rate and your weight,” he said. “They take good care of me.”

In addition, participants who complete the initial phase are eligible to continue the fitness program.

“We continue to stress the importance of exercise to improve their endurance and strength,” Mayes said. “And they are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle.’

Each class lasts about an hour and participants may attend indefinitely. While this phase is not covered by insurance or Medicare, Wall said the monthly fee is cheaper than joining a gym or buying equipment for the home. “I wouldn’t do this at home,” he said.

Southards said many patients who have graduated from the initial program ask permission for their spouses to attend. “They want their spouses to come exercise with them,” she said. “You don’t have to have a cardiac history. You just have to have a doctor’s order clearing you to exercise.”

One added bonus Wall didn’t anticipate was the camaraderie among the other program participants.

“I like the association with the other people,” Wall said. “It’s helped get me out of the house. It keeps you from being lazy.”

A doctor’s referral is required to enter the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Program.

For more information, call (980) 487-3697 or (980) 487-3659 or talk to your doctor about the program.

“Providing care in a personalized, compassionate manner.” For more than 85 years, Cleveland Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has served the healthcare needs of Cleveland County and the surrounding region. The 241-bed Joint Commission accredited medical center consistently places an emphasis on quality, state-of the-art medical technology and an abiding concern for providing care in a personalized, compassionate fashion. Backed by Carolinas HealthCare System, Cleveland County HealthCare System also consists of the 102-bed Kings Mountain Hospital, the 120-bed Cleveland Pines Nursing Center and the 60-bed Crawley Memorial Hospital in Boiling Springs.