Anytime Fitness launches Tread As One – a national fundraising challenge to support R U OK? and promote life changing conversations.
Anytime Fitness, Australia’s largest gym community, is encouraging Australians to join the Tread As One challenge, with hopes of raising more than $300,000 for R U OK?, a harm prevention charity that encourages people to have meaningful conversations to help others through difficult times in their lives.
The challenge is taking place from 22 to 29 October 2022 and invites participants to fundraise by clocking up as many kilometres as possible by walking, running or even dancing on a treadmill. Registrations are open now at www.TreadAsOne.com.au
Every year, 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life, which is why Tread As One believes there are ‘65,000 reasons to run, walk or jog’. A local gym community, such as Anytime Fitness, is a great place to boost feel-good endorphins through regular exercise, however it also strengthens a member’s sense of belonging, as research shows that people are at less risk of suicide when they connect with others. Whether it be with a personal trainer, a gym-buddy, or club manager; peer to peer engagement with fellow gym-goers provides members with regular opportunities to chat about life’s ups and downs.
Anytime Fitness hopes to raise more than $300,000 for R U OK? via the Tread As One challenge and help empower their members with the tools to build an R U OK? Culture in which everyone in the Anytime Fitness community feels connected and supported. In 2021, a total of 2,694 people took part and clocked up 78,000 kilometres.
Practical tools and tips will be shared with participants to help them spot the signs someone in their gym community might be struggling with life, help them know when and how to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and have a meaningful conversation that could change, or even save a life.
Funds raised will help R U OK? support some of Australia’s most vulnerable communities (including LGBTIQ+ communities and those living in rural and remote Australia) and contribute to the organisation’s broader health promotion work in producing free resources on how people can navigate a conversation with someone they’re worried about.
How to take part?
Anytime Fitness members, along with the wider community are asked to register at www.treadasone.com.au
Participants are encouraged to set themselves a goal in kms, and commit to running, walking or even dancing those kms on a treadmill. Each challenge participant is encouraged to fundraise amongst their networks, in support of them hitting their running and walking goals however fundraising is not compulsory – it’s the connections that really count.
Anytime Fitness members should check in with their local participating clubs, who will be planning exciting activations throughout Tread As One week to encourage their community to put those kms in. Expect costumes, DJs, sausage sizzles, free snacks from neighbouring healthy food cafes, blinged-out treadmills, prizes (such as free PT sessions), and more – every club will be different.
Each club will have its own goal, and the member’s fundraising total will contribute towards this amount.
For Australians that don’t have access to a treadmill at Anytime Fitness, or at home; they can complete the Tread As One challenge at the park, the beach, or by hitting the streets. Australians can get involved by sponsoring a friend taking part in the challenge at their local Anytime Fitness studio or www.treadasone.com.au
Rob Hale, General Manager of Anytime Fitness, is excited for the community to come together. He comments:
“An important part of the Anytime Fitness community is taking the time to look out for each other. As Australia’s largest gym community, we want to use our vast network to promote the importance of peer-to-peer support for Aussies everywhere. We want as many people as possible to get out, get connected and get moving, as it’s one of the best things we can do for both our bodies and minds. We’re fundraising for R U OK? because we know that meaningful conversations and checking in with those around us can change a life.
Tread As One is a way for the community to come together and make a positive impact to raise awareness in a fun and supportive environment, and ultimately encourage more people to start a conversation with someone who might be struggling.”
Katherine Newton, CEO of R U OK?, is grateful for the support of the Anytime Fitness community:
“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to share the R U OK? message through the vibrant Anytime Fitness community. We know that being part of a gym community can provide an important sense of belonging. We want members to look out for each other and feel confident in asking, ‘are you ok?’ if they notice the signs that someone in their world might be struggling with life’s ups and downs.”
For more information:
- Visit www.treadasone.com.au
- Follow the action on social media
- Anytime Fitness: @anytimefitness
- R U OK?: @ruokday
- Share your Tread As One adventure with the official hashtag: #TreadAsOne
