March 19, 2021

Welcome to Wellbeats

St. Joe’s Launches Online On-Demand Health & Fitness Program for Frontline Workers Thanks in part to a Grant from The Lewis & Ruth Sherman Foundation

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put a heavy strain on frontline workers world-wide and on the staff right here at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. This stress has been further compounded by the (much needed) public health restrictions that are preventing access to gyms, fitness centres, yoga classes and wellness resources that can help to mitigate feelings of anxiety, frustration, depression and isolation.

Trustees of the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Foundation recognized this growing concern and made a $15,574 donation to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation to invest in and launch a new virtual wellness program especially for our frontline workers. This gift was the catalyst for Wellbeats: a best-in-class platform for virtual fitness classes, nutrition guidance and mindfulness programming developed in consult with the Hospital’s Employee Health & Wellness Team.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Lewis & Ruth Sherman Foundation for their commitment to and support of employee wellness at St. Joe’s. Wellbeats is expected to significantly expand and enhance the Employee Wellness Program’s suite of offerings and is in alignment with the program’s dimensions of wellness.”​ said Sean Sergi, Manager, Benefits WSIB and Wellness, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

Launching the week of March 15th, Wellbeats is described as “Netflix” for health and fitness. Once they sign up, St. Joe’s staff will receive a login and password they can use from anywhere to digitally access a wide array of content that includes:

• 700+ on-demand fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• 30+ channels including classes for any age, ability level, interest or environment
• Recommended classes according to personal preferences
• Coaching and access to a team of certified, supportive instructors
• Goal-based challenges
• Trackable progress with personal statistics
• Remote access from home, extending wellness to family members

Thanks to the generosity of the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Foundation, now any St. Joe’s staff member, no matter what shift they may be working or what site they work at, can access any class or program they want, at any time they want. It’s on-demand support that encourages self-care for our healthcare heroes, so they can keep caring for our community, too.