By Maddy Nowosad
Nearly 4 million Canadians over the age of 20 are affected by osteoarthritis, a chronic joint disease and major contributor to disability across the country, according to the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System.
For Reh-Fit member John Murray, the inflammation, joint pain, reduced mobility caused by osteoarthritis were all too familiar. Four years ago, pain and inflammation in both knees left him limited to walking just a kilometre without discomfort.
“I was only able to walk a half a kilometre without being in pain,” said John. “I was putting off a knee replacement at the time, and now I’m glad I did.”
In the meantime, his physiotherapist encouraged him to strengthen the muscles around his joints — a challenge John took seriously. With consistent strength training at the Reh-Fit Centre, John has made remarkable progress.
“Now, I can walk 8 kilometres with no inflammation in the joints,” he said.
Osteoarthritis often leads to joint replacement, but consistent strength training of the muscles around the affected joints — particularly the quadriceps — can reduce joint stress and improve stability, often delaying or even preventing the need for surgery.
John has become one of Reh-Fit's most dedicated members. In 2024 alone, he visited the Centre 185 times, making him one of the top visitors of the year.
On any given day, you might find John in the Reh-Fit open-air space flipping tires and covered in dirt with a big smile on his face, lifting in the weight room, or on the pickleball courts.
John’s diverse fitness routine reflects the wide range of strength training options available at Reh-Fit. Members can train in the fully equipped weight room with state-of-the-art machines and free weights, explore the functional training zone, work with a personal trainer for more tailored support, and more.
Every new member also receives a complimentary coaching appointment, where trained staff can recommend personalized strength training options to meet specific health needs.
The benefits of strength training go far beyond the Reh-Fit, and translate to daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or simply moving without pain.
When asked what keeps him coming back to the Centre, John credits the welcoming environment and variety of activities available.
“I love the whole environment,” he said.
John’s story is one of many inspiring examples at Reh-Fit. In 2024, a total of 896 members visited more than 100 times — 132 more than the previous year.
To recognize these dedicated individuals, Reh-Fit honours its top visitors with a voucher and guest passes as a thank you for their commitment to health and well-being.