Our Story

How an odd thought became common wisdom.

It was over four decades ago that the Reh-Fit Centre first opened its doors when a few bold doctors wondered if exercise might be good for their patients.

Our Story

It turns out those forward-thinking doctors were right. Exercise is good for all of us, and it’s one of the most important things we can do for our health.

Exercise is the Best Medicine

As Canada’s first certified medical fitness facility with over 40 years of experience, we believe exercise is medicine. Besides building strength, we work to build a sense of community and a culture where active lifestyles are the norm. Right away, you’ll notice a difference from other fitness centres and, before long, a difference in yourself. Let us help you make a lasting positive changes in your life.

Medical Fitness Centre

The Reh-Fit was recognized as Canada’s first certified medical fitness facility by the Medical Fitness Association. The designation assures members and the community at large that the Reh-Fit meets the highest global standards for programs, staff, safety, and community service.

certificate-1.png (36 KB)

45 Years of Innovation

Early 1970s

St. Boniface Hospital
25 sq ft Lab

The Reh-Fit Centre begins as a stress test lab with a treadmill that’s used to diagnose patients’ heart problems. Word spreads that the key to recovery from heart problems is exercise -- not bed rest. Soon, the treadmill is going at all times as patients use it to exercise between stress tests. We need more room. 

1975

Indoor Track / University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba offers the use of its track in the underground gym dubbed the Gritty Grotto. The spirit and camaraderie are great as Reh-Fit clients walk and run alongside students and athletes. But the facility is crowded. Again, we need more room.

1979

40,320 sq ft Reh-Fit Centre / 1390 Taylor Avenue

With great ceremony, we move to the beautiful new facility where growing numbers of cardiac rehabilitation clients (aka ‘reh-fits’) and non-cardiac, health-seeking ‘pre-fits’ improve and maintain their health. Over 12 successful years, we outgrow the space.

1991

Renovation / Reh-Fit Centre / 1390 Taylor Avenue

As interest in health and wellness grows, so does our number of programs and services. It’s clearly time to expand. A generous donation turns this vision into a reality.

2006

86,000 sq ft  Reh-Fit Centre/ 1390 Taylor Avenue

The newly renovated and expanded Reh-Fit Centre opens its doors with more for Manitobans, including a welcoming new entrance, a roomier exercise area, and more space for public education and group fitness classes. The improvements spark years of steady growth in membership. As Manitobans embrace the new space and Manitoba health care undergoes major changes, it’s time for more again - to grow from a centre into a campus.

2012

Certification as Medical Fitness Facility

In June 2012, the Reh-Fit Centre was certified as Canada’s first medical fitness facility. This certification, presented by the Medical Fitness Association is earned, not awarded. It places Reh-Fit in the ranks of an elite few certified medical fitness associations around the world. 

Future

Reh-Fit Health & Wellness Campus / 1390 Taylor Avenue

The reality of a campus is around the corner as Reh-Fit continues to push for more. Building more space, delivering more programs, more people, and keeping more Manitobans out of hospital and on the life long path to health and wellness.