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“They deserve to have a gym”

Michael Wiseman of Foremost Fitness makes moving gesture to hospital

Behind an unassuming door on the lower level of what was once a quiet corner of North York General Hospital (NYGH), there’s now bustling activity. Freshly painted walls embrace a curated layout of gleaming, state-of-art fitness equipment, eagerly awaiting use by Team NYGH who are enthusiastically taking up the opportunity.

But this transformed wellness space so much more than the ‘staff gym’ it appears to be. It’s a gesture of gratitude, courtesy of Michael Wiseman, a local fitness expert who’s proving there’s more than one way to flex your giving muscle.

“They deserve to have a gym”

Michael Wiseman of Foremost Fitness makes moving gesture to hospital
Michael Wiseman of Foremost Fitness with Staff at NYGH in the New Staff Gym

Behind an unassuming door on the lower level of what was once a quiet corner of North York General Hospital (NYGH), there’s now bustling activity. Freshly painted walls embrace a curated layout of gleaming, state-of-art fitness equipment, eagerly awaiting use by Team NYGH who are enthusiastically taking up the opportunity.

But this transformed wellness space so much more than the ‘staff gym’ it appears to be. It’s a gesture of gratitude, courtesy of Michael Wiseman, a local fitness expert who’s proving there’s more than one way to flex your giving muscle.

Personalized Gratitude

“Everything I’ve placed in there, I would personally sell to a family member,” says Michael, who gifted NYGH with an overhaul of its on-site fitness facilities in February of this year.

And to Michael, this is personal.

The entrepreneur behind Foremost Fitness, a leading provider of exercise equipment in Canada, says that NYGH has time and again provided exceptional care to himself and his family during life-defining moments.

When a NYGH nurse casually mentioned to him that their staff gym could use an upgrade, Michael immediately saw an opportunity.

“I knew, right then, that this was the best way I could say thank you,” says the entrepreneur, whose thriving business demands financial prudence, making extra cash not always readily available.

“I understood I would be giving back more than just the dollar and cent value because of the staff who helped my family so much.”

Fast-forward to today, and what was once a basic room of home equipment has transformed into a sleek space brimming with quality fitness gear. This includes a carefully curated selection of cardio equipment (treadmill, elliptical), strength training equipment (dumbbells, bench, leg press), soft goods and stretch mats — all intended to give the complete gym experience minus the travel and inconvenience.

Vital Wellness

But why, according to Michael, could a gift of access to workout equipment be so meaningful to health care workers?

“A lot of people go into the profession because they’re compassionate and want to help, and to see other people suffering is very stressful. In order for these people to continue doing their jobs effectively and for their own health, they need to take care of themselves, and that includes exercise.”

And while the work of a healthcare professional is inherently exhausting, he reminds us that moving from bed to bed with a chart in hand, for example, is not generally enough to get one’s heart rate up and start them perspiring.

“It’s medically known that working out and sweating, even for 20 minutes, eliminates the stress hormone cortisol from your bloodstream. It opens up all of your arteries, heart, and cardiovascular system. It builds stamina, builds strength – there are physiological benefits of all kinds.”

“These workers deserve to have a gym,” he says. “If they don’t get the opportunity to look after their own bodies and minds, the level of care they deliver will be compromised; it’s just that simple.”

Cycle of Care

This staff gym, now adorned with a plaque displaying Michael’s name and commemorating his generous gift, is paving the way for a healthier future, ensuring that Team UHN can sustain their commitment of being here for life.

“Being in this health and fitness field for 30 years — many of my friends are physicians or in healthcare. You want to help those people so that they can help you. You have to give back — I feel it’s important to do something good every day.”

Michael says he aims to pass on that same spirit of generosity to his children. His 13-year-old son has already embraced an opportunity to run his own concession stand at a car show the pair attend together, choosing to donate proceeds to an associated charity.

“I would say as a final message to a lot of the people in my industry: there’s enough to go around. There’s so much competition and everyone’s trying to make the big bucks, but I’m hoping this story might inspire others. Maybe we — maybe anyone — can find a way to do good for their community.”

Rally-Ready Tips from a Fitness Expert!

Never run before but hoping to join our annual Rally in the Ravine fun run this September? Michael Wiseman of Foremost Fitness shares his top tips to help beginners get ‘Rally ready’ and start their fitness journey on the right foot:

“If you can only do one thing each day to kickstart your fitness journey, make it walking. Walking engages every muscle in your body and keeps your systems functioning properly, from digestion to circulation. If walking is difficult, try an elliptical — elliptical machines provide a low-impact workout, meaning they are gentle on the joints.

And if neither of these are options, try something like our signature series Functional Trainer. Adjustable to whatever intensity you’re comfortable with, these types of apparatuses provide an endless amount of exercise options for whatever muscle you choose to focus on.”

Would you like to support patients and their families at North York General? Donate today to help fund our most urgent needs including upgraded equipment, enhanced care spaces and innovation across NYGH:

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Rally-Ready Tips from a Fitness Expert!

Never run before but hoping to join our annual Rally in the Ravine fun run this September? Michael Wiseman of Foremost Fitness shares his tips to help beginners get ‘Rally ready’. At the top of his list? Cardio, strength training and stretching!

“If you can only do one thing each day to kickstart your fitness journey, make it walking. Walking engages every muscle in your body and keeps your systems functioning properly, from digestion to circulation. If walking is difficult, try an elliptical — elliptical machines provide a low-impact workout, meaning they are gentle on the joints.

And if neither of these are options, try something like our signature series Functional Trainer. Adjustable to whatever intensity you’re comfortable with, these types of apparatuses provide an endless amount of exercise options for whatever muscle you choose to focus on.”

Generations of Care Marieka, RN, North York General Hospital Seated comfortably on a sofa chair in her North York retirement residence, Rose Steer – 109 years old – is a captivating presence. Remarkable Rose