Cardiac Rehabilitation Testimonials

“I found cardiac rehab to be extremely beneficial – it motivated me to getting active 3+ days a week. I felt comfortable and safe exercising in a monitored environment. Everyone was extremely pleasant, helpful, gave suggestions, answered questions and just generally placed my mind at ease. I was able to meet so many wonderful people who had similar issues and we shared experiences amongst each other. The facilities were always clean, organized, and well maintained. It is a bright, relaxed atmosphere with wonderful outside views. It was a bit far for me to travel several times a week with gas prices but well worth it! I will in all likelihood be joining the gym after cardiac rehab.”

Patricia S.

“This program is a must for anyone who has had a heart attack and is physically capable of participating. Thanks to this program and the professionals that run it, my confidence to do physical activities has grown tenfold from the time I started. The staff has helped me with nutritional guidelines, stress management, exercise, and needed cardiac medicine changes. They get an A+ rating in all categories.”

David M.

“Cardiac Rehab has shown me the benefits of exercise. I was not doing enough exercise before I began rehab. Since completion, I have seen the benefits of exercising, more energy, more “get up and go”. Facilities very well equipped and clean. Staff helpful, friendly. They provide the push to get me started.”

Wayne M.

“The program helped me feel better. I would come in feeling sore and tired and when I leave I feel better. The therapists were very helpful and friendly that made me wanting to go to the therapy. I feel better since I did the program. I would recommend anyone to the rehab programs.”

Robert K.

“Cardiac rehab has been a very positive experience for me. I had no idea what to expect, but I was afraid it would be strenuous and painful. I was relieved to learn that the whole staff was working together with me and with each other to make sure we were all focusing on the same goals. Miranda and Angie kept tabs on my vital signs while Matt, Mackenzie and Lori made sure I was working at the right level while gradually increasing the intensity. No one made me do anything stressful, but they made sure I was doing all that I could to get stronger. I think the best result was that it allowed me to feel like a real person again and not an invalid.”

Joan R.

“The cardiac team does a real nice job daily of making sure your weight is measured, blood pressure before 2 lap walk, blood pressure after several minutes of exercise and one last blood pressure at the end of the 2 lap cool down phase. They are very good listeners and very compassionate as well as passionate about their duties/job. The exercises definitely start out at a nice slow pace but do increase and exhaust you by the end of 30-35 minutes “tired” but ready for the day after a good workout. The monotony of machines does need some variety and I think some unannounced variety would be helpful, mentally. Thank you!”

Steven M.

“Restored confidence in my heart health after undergoing such a life altering surgery. Improved my overall health – physical and mental. Provided a very positive social interaction with staff and members also in cardiac rehab. Increased my muscle strength overall. Improved my outlook on life and the importance of my family and friends who were there for me pre- and post-surgery. Overall, this was a great experience and I am so grateful to the rehab staff. Their encouragement, advice, and support will always be a special time in my life.”

Patrice S.

“Your rehab program is excellent. All team members are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always willing to answer any questions. Since starting the program I have learned the value of regular exercise and how much I can safely do. I have learned to eat a healthy diet, which foods to eat and not to eat and the effect each food has. This is a great program and I recommend it often. Thank you.”

Byron T.

“The cardiac rehab program has been great deal with my independence. It has also helped with my physical exercises to be able to do to make me stronger. It has been a pleasant experience because everyone is friendly and they make you feel good about yourself and never force you to do more than you want.”

John C.

“Wonderful experience! The staff were very welcoming and very professional. They seem to take the time to get to know all the patients and adjust to the individual patient. As time passed, both the staff and members made it feel more like a family atmosphere than a hospital program.”

Derrick, age 53

“When I first arrived, I was nervous regarding my abilities and if the exercise would cause me to revert back to atrial fibrillation; or if it would too hard. I had endured a lifetime of cardiac limitations and with my surgery, restrictions were lifted. The cardiac rehab program staff understood my concerns and gently encouraged me to push forward. The monitoring and familiarity with the staff made this an even stronger reinforcement for my success. The staff is exemplary and professional. I encourage any person who could benefit from cardiac rehab to seek the program at Windber.”

Pam, age 65

“I felt it helped me to prepare for returning to work. I got to exercise with other people who had different health problems. It was a good program for people that want to get stronger and return to work.”

Robert, age 67

“I was sent here for cardiac rehab. Staff was very friendly and attended to all my needs. I decided to join the gym after my rehab because of my excellent relationship with staff.”

Robert, age 71

“I found the cardiac rehabilitation program team excellent. I believe the staff makes the program. They are professional and knowledgeable while progressing through each phase of the program. They are friendly and interested in your well-being and continuously check on your progression before increasing your workload and/or increasing you to something new. I believe this program benefits me by improving my overall stamina and balance. I have and will continue to recommend this program to others.”

Max, age 80

“Staff was knowledgeable and caring in helping me return to the gym after my stent placement and angioplasty. The dietician portion was very helpful showing me things to look for with regards to sodium and healthy snacks. I’ll be returning to the gym in the afternoon when my rehab is complete.”

Jim, age 70

“I am glad that I chose Windber rehab for my cardiac rehab. The staff is very friendly and the equipment is top of the line. I would recommend this rehab center to anyone in need of cardiac rehab. Thanks for all you have done to get me back into good physical condition following my aortic valve surgery.”

Joseph, age 74

“Cardiac rehab helped me to get my confidence back after my heart attack. Exercising while being monitored helped me to know I could resume exercise on my own.”

Terri, age 68

“My experience at the cardiac rehabilitation program couldn’t be any better. The help I got, and the patience of the workers that helped me, made the experience very helpful and put me at ease. They did everything they could to help in any way they could. I would recommend this program to everyone. I will continue to do what I learned in the future.”

Rose, age 82

“When I first started here I was physically and mentally struggling. With various health issues and depression; then a heart attack and congestive heart failure, my outlook on my life was bad. I was ready to give up. Miranda, Angie, Matt, and Lori talked me through my 3x/week workouts. They provided ways to talk me through getting my goals accomplished with exercises and they helped me with a lot of my thoughts of giving up. At the end of rehab, I have a much better feeling about myself and things I can accomplish and not to give up, to keep going. I am joining here to continue my therapy and to keep improving. They are fantastic here!”

Rhonda, age 58

“I was very happy that I decided to participate in the cardiac rehab program. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They would take time to listen to my questions and give positive advice plus encouragement. They have motivated me to continue to work toward a full recovery.”

David, age 57

“I am absolutely convinced that this program was instrumental in aiding my recovery from active congestive heart failure. Without the help, support, and guidance of the cardiac rehab staff, the increase of my heart ejection fraction would not have been as significant. I plan to continue this regimen on my own through the Silver Sneakers program.”

J. Paul S.

“The atmosphere, professionalism, and friendliness of the staff is to be commended! I have nothing but high praise for the Chan Soon-Shiong Cardiac Rehab. I entered the program with doubt that I could complete the goals set before me. I was very exhausted, extremely tired, and without much motivation. I have completed the program with confidence, increase of energy, and a hopeful outlook. My health has truly been rejuvenated while at Cardiac Rehab. I am thankful for the caring watchfulness of the staff and their ability to answer many health questions I had while in the program. Thank you!”

Brian T.

“Always well managed. Provided good direction during all exercises. Friendly people willing to help and listen to you. Clean and bright environment. Well maintained equipment. Best place to come for rehab help”

Richard H.

“Cardiac Rehab has helped me get through a very difficult time. The physical exercise, health monitoring, wonderful support from the staff, the therapists and the nurse were all great. Being able to ask questions about our health problems and even helping our emotional issues was much needed. Also being with others with similar health issues and being able to share with them, even making new friends with them was very helpful. Thank you all for all your help, support, and all you do for us. And especially for the one-on-one help and support.

Edwin D.

“The Cardiac Rehabilitation program helped me to get back to a quality lifestyle. I had a very comforting experience knowing I had so many “coaches,” my therapists, who were sincerely concerned throughout my therapy. I was taught a heart healthy diet to keep me living longer. Rehab built my strength and increased my energy. This experience was very successful moving me into a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to all involved to getting me back to enjoying life.”

Connie B.

“The staff has been very supportive. I am nearly back to feeling as good as I did before the heart attack. They are really concerned with how you feel. The staff is terrific!!”

Donald D.

“In the beginning of my program, I was uncertain of not just my capabilities but of the center’s, too. I could not imagine what more it could do for me than I could do myself. From the beginning, the staff and patrons were great, friendly, and accepted me as one of them. I always left rehab feeling good both mentally and physically. The staff did a good job of exercising me at a safe and comfortable pace. I am sad to see my rehab end but with its help the rest of my life has just begun!”

Russell B.

“Cardiac Rehab has been very good for me being a diabetic; increased exercise has helped control my blood sugars better. The staff has been very helpful and most flexible to my work schedule so I could make all my sessions. Thanks to all of you.”

Wilbert N.

“[The Cardiac Rehab] program has been a tremendous help to me! I am once again on a regular exercise program, watching more closely what I eat and finally seeing all my “important” numbers; blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight coming down. I have been encouraged and motivated by the friendliness and guidance of Cindy, Angie, Lori and Matt. This is such a well-run program and I would highly recommend it. Thank you all for your help.”

Kathy M.

“When I started this program, I just had some blockage repaired. It made it hard for me to breathe; and I got very lazy. Since then, I have more strength, and now have the desire to continue with physical training. The staff was always helpful, and willing to push me just a bit harder. I now have the goal to improve, and keep the progress going forward. I will be here to keep advancing. My many thanks to all who have helped!”

Ken M. age 70

“The Cardiac Rehabilitation is a great program, and helped me gain strength back. I was weak when I returned from the hospital, and the program allowed me to regain my muscle tone. I lost a lot of muscle after having my heart operation, and the program helped me gain it back. The staff works with us as patients to answer questions, and how to get set up with an exercise program for our individual needs. The staff is very good with what they are trained to do; and I am pleased with how well I have done in the 12 weeks I have spent in the program.”

Michael M. age 67

“I found the program very satisfying and useful. The staff was friendly and concerned with my progress. I enjoyed brief periods of talking, and interaction with other clients. I plan to join the HealthStyles program, and continue improving my health.”

Ronald S. age 82

“Cardiac Rehabilitation has helped me get my cholesterol and triglycerides under control. This is the first time in 15 years that I have had normal numbers.”

Marjorie B. age 60

“Everyone I worked with was positive and professional. They allowed me the flexibility to complete my Cardiac Rehabilitation while continuing with work. Lori and Matt allowed me to progress the intensity of the workouts while measuring my comfort levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Angie and Cindy worked hard to ensure I had no issues physically; and did everything possible to make me comfortable with the program.”

John H. age 56

“Cardiac Rehabilitation was a blessing for me. I went from being afraid to try many activities, to gaining confidence to try new things. I was encouraged to increase my endurance in the activities that were prescribed. When doing these activities, I gained confidence in my ability. I feel much stronger and able to move on with life. Thank you to everyone who worked with me throughout the process. I plan to continue my exercises at this facility after my program is done.”

William W. age 75

“After surgery I was anxious about any activity that would stress my heart. Cardiac Rehabilitation gave me back my confidence. I knew if I worked hard I could enjoy life again. The staff was very supportive. They frequently monitored my blood pressure, and blood sugar levels throughout exercise. I would, and do, recommend Cardiac Rehabilitation to anyone who has had any conditions. Without rehabilitation, I would probably be sitting in my chair afraid to move.”

Virginia B. age 73

“The program works if you commit to doing it. The staff is helpful and there to assist in any way they can. I nicknamed them “my dream team.” I worked at my own pace and did not feel pressured to just perform, and move on. I will join the HealthStyles program when my Cardiac Rehabilitation is complete. Thank you all for helping me to succeed!”

Chris R. age 66

“What an amazing difference! 36 sessions later, and I feel so much better! Everyone was so friendly, and helpful. Lori and Matt pushed me ever so friendly to do a little more at a time. I have gone from barely making it upstairs for a nap after therapy, to going hiking afterwards. After a “cardiac scare” it was reassuring to know someone was keeping an eye on me through monitors.”

Cheryl B. age 67