Nick Niro, Fitness Specialist Coordinator at Hartford Hospital’s Barney Gym, may not be treating patients, but he is doing his part in the fight against COVID-19.

Because his gym is closed due to restrictions surrounding the pandemic, Niro spends his time working to help keep the frontline staff at the hospital loose and limber so they can provide the best care possible to those who need it most.

Niro, a member of Hartford HealthCare Community Network’s Wellness Initiative Committee, has been making rounds to several hospital units during the past few weeks offering short and informal exercise routines designed to keep the doctors, nurses and other frontline staff fit and stress free.

So far, Niro says, his efforts have been very well received and he plans to continue to offer his services as long as they are needed.

Here’s a look at Hartford Hospital nurses taking an exercise break:

[huge_it_gallery id=”137″]

“The staff is loving the exercises, Niro said. “For 10-15 minutes out of their shift they can clear their minds of this crisis and focus on their own health and wellness. To see the staff laughing, joking and competing with one another brings joy to them during these difficult times.”

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent care doctor.

Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.

Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

Get text alerts by texting 31996 with COVID19 in the message field.