The First Step Program™ in Saskatoon offers personalized, professionally guided exercise and education to help adults safely build healthy habits, improve fitness, and support long-term well-being.
The City of Saskatoon proudly employs Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) certified exercise professionals, ensuring a high standard of care in exercise science. As First Step Program™ coordinator and a CSEP-CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist), Shannon Doyle-Kenny is committed to keeping the team aligned with current best practices to deliver safe, effective exercise guidance.
“In my role, I meet with each participant at the start to discuss goals and determine how we can support them,” says Doyle-Kenny. “Our team of kinesiologists work together to build confidence while creating realistic steps to help participants succeed.”
The First Step Program™ is a partnership between the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. It is designed as a prevention and rehabilitation program for adults who may be new to exercise, returning after a decline in activity level or managing health concerns. Guided by professional kinesiologists, the program combines education and exercise to help participants build sustainable, healthy habits and improve overall well-being.
“Everyone’s exercise journey is different,” Doyle-Kenny explains. “Some participants may begin with walking on the track or using specialized cardiovascular equipment, then gradually add functional strength exercises. Others may start by building strength to make walking into the facility easier before progressing further.”
The program focuses on four key functional movements: push, pull, hip mobility and sit-to-stand. These movements support everyday activities such as carrying groceries, reaching overhead and climbing stairs, helping participants maintain independence and confidence in daily life.
Before starting, participants complete an assessment with an exercise specialist, who develops a personalized plan based on their abilities and goals. In addition to exercise sessions, participants learn about goal setting, the benefits of physical activity, nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.
Doyle-Kenny recommends the program to anyone looking for support and motivation. “The key is helping participants build new habits that may be difficult to establish on their own. Sometimes it’s the accountability or encouragement from others that makes all the difference.”
Health care professionals often refer individuals to First Step because regular physical activity can improve strength, energy and overall health, while helping prevent or manage chronic conditions.
“Hearing how the program has improved participants’ lives is incredibly rewarding,” says Doyle-Kenny. “It’s a positive, supportive environment that helps people take that first step toward better health.”
Classes are held at the Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Dr. Sessions run Tuesdays and Thursdays, with flexible participation between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and/or 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., allowing participants to start and finish within those time blocks. Graduates may also add an optional third day on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
To learn more visit saskatoon.ca/firststep.
