That’s where the Prescription to Get Active (RxTGA) program steps in, connecting patients with free opportunities to explore physical activities that suit their interests and health goals. First launched in Alberta in 2011, this program bridges primary care and recreation, fitness and sport to help prevent and treat chronic conditions.

RxTGA enables physicians and allied healthcare professionals to prescribe physical activity to their patients, offering free access to both community-based and online activities. This approach removes financial barriers, encouraging people to explore various activity options to meet their health goals.

Jeff Tareta, Executive Director of RxTGA explains, “There is about a $200 value per prescription on average, but this varies by location, facility access, and how many different options the patient tries before finding the right activity for them.”

Motivation to move

Rachel Fynn, a registered nurse and Primary Care Behavioural Health (PCBH) provider with South Calgary Primary Care Network, is an advocate for the program and new chapter member. As a weightlifting enthusiast, Fynn says she has personally experienced the transformative benefits of finding an activity she really loves.

“I was really focused on my new-found passion for weightlifting. I had the experience of not being as active previously, and then making this change and becoming really interested in something. I saw first-hand the positive impact on my mental and physical health,” Fynn shares. “Finding movement that inspires you in a program like this is huge for our patients.”

Dismantling barriers to exercise

RxTGA’s offerings go beyond traditional gym memberships. Recognizing that gyms aren’t for everyone, the program partners with online programs like Seven Movements, which features accessible seven-minute movement pattern sessions, and All Trails, a resource for walking and hiking routes.

“Participants can learn and develop competency and movement patterns that help them gain confidence with movement,” Tareta says. “When people start developing a streak of getting active, even in bite-sized chunks, they gain momentum and often feel they can start implementing more movement into their lives. It builds on itself.”

Check out more of the online programming available through RxTGA here.

The program also recently expanded its offering to include trial opportunities for sports groups and activities like fencing, pickleball and cricket, allowing patients to explore various options until they find the right fit.

A tailored approach to exercise

“Often times when a patient is told they could benefit from increased physical activity, they instantly think of weightlifting or running, and there’s just so many more options than that. Finding something you actually enjoy doing is a massive piece of success. If you absolutely hate running, you can be active in other ways,” Fynn says.

She loves that the program gives patients the financial ability to try on some different activities and see what works for them. This could be very cost prohibitive for folks otherwise.

RxTGA ensures, through a written agreement with their activity partners, that there will be no pressure on any patient to join. RxTGA does not share patient information with any of their activity partners; it is up to the patient to initiate their free trial.

Fynn reminds that when trying to increase movement in your life, it’s important to find activity that will raise you up and keep you coming back.

“Find something you look forward to,” Fynn says. “Reframing your mindset around how you view exercise is key. It isn’t about looking a certain way or weighing a particular amount but rather feeling a certain way that makes you want to keep going.”

Getting started

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle? Start by talking to your primary care provider or health team about how the Prescription to Get Active program can support your wellness journey. They can help you understand your options and determine the best fit for your needs. You can also use this free interactive tool to search for a prescriber in your area.