In 2017, National Fitness Day was born. Kim Bielak, the co-founder of Class for a Cause and a fitness enthusiast, designated the first Saturday of May to be a celebration of strength and empowerment through fitness. National Fitness Day organizers have helped facilities and studios across the nation to coordinate free and donation-based fitness classes to get people involved with raising money for different causes. Let’s dive deeper into a brief history of National Fitness Day, its philanthropic efforts, and how letting your inner athlete loose on May 5, 2018 can inspire others.
The History of National Fitness Day
Last year’s National Fitness Day was more than an opportunity to sweat. The event raised money for a non-profit after-school program known as Girls on the Run. This 501(c)3 organization creates interactive experiences that integrate running with helping girls develop leadership skills and self-confidence. Exercise classes, community events, and the power of social media were used to raise awareness and donations for the cause. As a result, National Fitness Day 2017 was a success with fitness clubs and studios across the country.
This year, the movement has expanded its reach. Clubs and communities from Florida to Canada plan on hosting workouts and just like last year, the event will raise funds for Girls on the Run through t-shirt sales, social media support, donations, and fitness-related fun.
This year, the movement has expanded its reach. Clubs and communities from Florida to Canada plan on hosting workouts and just like last year, the event will raise funds for Girls on the Run through t-shirt sales, social media support, donations, and fitness-related fun. National Fitness Day ambassadors and organizers hope the annual celebration continues to grow and impact more and more lives as the years go on.
National Fitness Day ambassadors and organizers hope the annual celebration continues to grow and impact more and more lives as the years go on.
How You Can Get Involved With National Fitness Day
There are several ways you can support the National Fitness Day cause and help to empower others. Here are a few suggestions from the creators of the event for how you can assist:
Work out. A little sweat equity goes a long way on National Fitness Day. While event partners are offering everything from yoga to Pilates classes, with all proceeds going to Girls on the Run, any and all workouts serve as a great way to spread the word.
Host an event. Whether you’re a gym owner or a fitness fanatic, you can apply to host a National Fitness Day event or workout. Just make sure you have the appropriate space needed.
Hit up social media. Hashtag #NationalFitnessDay on all your fitness-related posts. Social media is a great source of awareness and an easy way to lend a helping hand.
Hit up social media. Hashtag #NationalFitnessDay on all your fitness-related posts. Social media is a great source of awareness and an easy way to lend a helping hand.
Join the team. The organization is constantly seeking everyone from bloggers to ambassadors to get involved. Send them an email to learn more.
Snag a t-shirt. 30% of proceeds from National Fitness Day swag go straight to Girls on the Run. Gear up!
Join the team. The organization is constantly seeking everyone from bloggers to ambassadors to get involved. Send them an email to learn more.
Snag a t-shirt. 30% of proceeds from National Fitness Day swag go straight to Girls on the Run. Gear up!
Creative Ways to Let Your Inner Athlete Loose on National Fitness Day
Fitness facilities and group exercise classes aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean May 5th should be a rest day. Here are a few outside-of-the-box ways that you can unleash your inner athlete and empower others to celebrate fitness:
Hop on a paddleboard. If you’re near an ocean or lake, why not SUP? Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, catch some waves on a surfboard.
Take a hike. From a walk around the block to summiting a peak at 14,000 feet, any form of hiking is an excellent way to honor exercise.
Go bowling. Roll a strike to celebrate the cause. This is a great way for all ages to honor the occasion.
Swing by the dog park. Encourage your four-legged friends to get involved by letting loose at the dog park. Fitness can be fun for the whole family.
Go bowling. Roll a strike to celebrate the cause. This is a great way for all ages to honor the occasion.
Swing by the dog park. Encourage your four-legged friends to get involved by letting loose at the dog park. Fitness can be fun for the whole family.
Dance the day away. From Zumba and Jazzercise to making your mark at the local nightclub hotspot, dancing for a cause can be a fun way to spend National Fitness Day.
Dance the day away. From Zumba and Jazzercise to making your mark at the local nightclub hotspot, dancing for a cause can be a fun way to spend National Fitness Day.
There’s no doubt National Fitness Day is here to stay. With its emphasis on celebrating staying active, it’s easy to get involved. As always, we encourage you to stay hydrated as you exercise the day away and make the most of your movement. Happy #NationalFitnessDay!