Fit for Good launches at Fitness Convention and Expo

This weekend's FILEX fitness convention has witnessed the launch of Fit for Good - a charitable foundation designed to provide health and fitness opportunities for Australians in need.

Fit for Good aims to be a 'connector', seeking out established needs within the helping world and striving to fill those needs through volunteers, donated products and services, scholarships and financial contributions.

These needs can include things like:

• Teaching fitness or wellbeing classes at homeless or rehabilitation centers;
• Mentoring people in need to go on a health and wellbeing journey;
• Delivering seminars on all aspects of health and fitness;
• Providing scholarships to attain Cert III or Cert IV in Fitness for people who have overcome hardship;
• Providing fitness centre memberships to those who cannot afford them;
• Providing exercise footwear and clothing to people in need;
• Sourcing second-hand fitness equipment to equip small fitness facilities in helping centres

Fit for Good is an initiative of Australian Fitness Network, whose Director, Lisa Champion, came up with the idea of creating a charity organisation for the fitness industry. The goal of Fit for Good is twofold - to encourage the fitness industry to reach out to Australians in need with the passion, energy and enthusiasm for health and fitness that is our trademark, and to inspire the helping community to embrace the power of exercise as a means by which people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and anxiety can feel healthier and better about themselves.

For the first several months Fit for Good services and its initiatives will be implemented exclusively through its launch partner, Mission Australia. Thereafter, the backers of Fit for Good initiatives expect them to be offered to the wider helping world.

Fit for Good volunteers are fitness industry professionals interested in helping Australians in need. All volunteers delivering exercise will be appropriately qualified and will hold professional indemnity insurance.

At its launch Fit for Good announced that Janelle (name withheld) would be its first Ambassador and Spokesperson. A struggle with mental illness meant that life has not always been easy for 'Janelle'. But a girl who hit rock bottom turned her life around with the help of exercise and is now happy, confident and determined to help others find better health through exercise and well-being.

'Janelle' is now also a member of the South Australian Minister's Youth Council and the South Australian Youth Homelessness Excellence Committee, and has participated in Judge Hora's A-Team, making recommendations to the Youth Minister regarding appropriate dispute resolutions in schools.

For more information or to back or become involved in its work go to www.fitforgood.org.au 

Article amended 8.08pm, 31st October 2017.

5th November 2010 - 70% OF AUSTRALIAN WOMEN UNHAPPY WITH THEIR BODY SHAPE