Introducing the JGH Staff Fitness Studio
Employees at the Jewish General Hospital dedicate themselves every day to keeping others healthy and on their feet. Now it’s their turn: The JGH Staff Fitness Studio is offering a bright new space designed with their well-being in mind.
The JGH is inaugurating its first ever gym for staff—a place to relax, refresh and get moving.
Whether employees are looking to log a few kilometres on the treadmill, build up strength with free weights or find their Zen with some stretches and deep breathing, this is their place. They can break a sweat, clear their head—and simply take care of the person who takes care of everyone else.
“Healthcare workers are very devoted people, and they’re always ready to take care of others. says Rosa Zito, Director of the Human Resources Directorate. “This allows them to look after themselves. It’s for the people who take care of people.”
Tucked into the top floor of Pavilion K, the Studio is a light-filled retreat from the intensity of hospital life. The space is equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and elliptical machines, weight machines, medicine balls, resistance bands and other equipment.
The studio had its champion in Dr. Lawrence Rudski, JGH Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Azrieli Heart Centre, who led the effort to create a project that benefited “everybody who works at the hospital.”
“It’s a symbol of caring,” he says.
“Healthcare is challenging, and you need a place to disconnect from your hard work and refocus on yourself.”
Dr. Lawrence Rudski
The benefits of fitness are backed by science. Even 20 minutes of exercise a day can improve your heart health, boost your mood and lower the risk of chronic diseases over time.
“With almost every single disease, risks can be reduced and outcomes can be improved by exercise,” Dr. Rudski says. The perks extend beyond the physical. “Stressing your body de-stresses your mind. It’s not only good for your physical health — it’s good for your brain, too.”
The JGH Staff Fitness Studio—which is open to all JGH staff, including doctors, nurses, clinical teams, administrative teams and support staff—was made possible thanks to the generosity of Trudi and David Berger in partnership with the JGH Foundation.
It came to life through the collaboration of multiple teams in our CIUSSS, each contributing their expertise to turn the idea to reality.
“It’s exciting—this is a place with beautiful equipment in a beautiful environment,” Ms. Zito says. “It represents the fact that our employees’ well-being is a priority.”
