Fitness Warriors Gearing Up For Next Class To Start

Over the past two years, Sports Backers’ Fitness Warriors program has trained over 40 community members to become group fitness instructors. These Warriors, as they have become known throughout the Richmond region, have been leading free weekly fitness classes in the communities that need them the most. Beyond those weekly classes and the countless hours of training they put in, you can find the Fitness Warriors out at community events encouraging locals to get moving and promoting the free classes that are happening across the city (and beyond!). But it’s more than that. The Warriors are leaders in their communities. They have found a way to use their passion, their personal journeys, and their skill sets to give back to their communities.  In that way, they are modeling what it means to lead an active lifestyle, and they are setting an example for the rest of us. An example that says, “It is not enough to just focus on my personal health and wellness – I need to help my neighbors do the same.”

One of the alumni of the Warriors program, Ebony Blanton, is an excellent example of this attitude and approach. “The Fitness Warriors program has been the most uplifting and eye-opening experience for me both as an instructor and personally,” Blanton says. “I see the amazing progress that my participants are making and it inspires me to continue with my own journey to health.” And her Warrior family – yes, we become family – would agree. Giving back and helping others is a rewarding experience indeed. Beyond that, our Warriors are improving their own skills, getting out of their comfort zones, and finding ways to challenge their own fitness levels along the way. It’s a win-win for sure! Check out this video that highlights just a few testimonials of people in our community who have been impacted by the Warriors.

So at this point you may be wondering if you have what it takes to be a Fitness Warrior. You may doubt your fitness level or ability to lead group fitness routines.  Let me assure you that you do not need to be in tip-top shape or have any experience leading fitness routines to be a Warrior. The program was created to take regular people and train them up to be fitness instructors! Our Warriors come from all walks of life, from all corners of our community, and in all shapes and sizes. The common thread among them all?  Their heart for our community and their dedication to helping improve the health and wellness of residents in the Richmond region. So if this sounds like you and you want to be considered for the 2016 Class of Fitness Warriors, apply today!  We will only be accepting applications through May 31^st. 

We are also accepting applications from organizations that are interested in partnering with the Fitness Warriors program as a host site. If you are a part of an organization in our community where people work, live, play, or pray and you are interested in opening your doors for the surrounding community to have access to a free Warriors fitness class, consider filling out our host site application.

In the meantime, check out one of the many free classes that our Warriors are hosting each week. Be sure to invite your friends to join you – especially any friends who you know may need that personal invite to take their first step towards getting active. I think most of us would agree that we want our community to be active, and we want our neighbors to reap the numerous health benefits of leading an active lifestyle. Regardless of whether you want to become a Warrior or serve as a host site for a Warriors fitness class, you can play a role in improving the health and wellness of our community.  One invite, one encouraging word, one partner workout at a time – that’s how it’s done with the Fitness Warriors.