If you're someone who enjoys multi-tasking and giving back, it may have already occurred to you that working out can also bring benefit to others. But if you hadn't thought about combining exercise with philanthropy, now is a great time to discover all the possibilities.
We're talking about fitness classes that collect funds for local nonprofits, virtual marathons with a charity angle, and other options that let you do good while getting physically better.
Below are just a few ideas for exercising with a purpose.
Sweat 4 Service
These bimonthly events bring people together in a fitness setting to benefit various DFW nonprofits. Founders Darius and Carley Yancy began Sweat 4 Service three years ago as a way to do something more for those who have less. Each community workout includes requests for in-kind donations that serve a different charity in the area, and the class styles are new and fresh each time. The events are currently virtual, and you can follow the schedule here.
FAME Fest virtual tour
This popular festival — its name stands for fitness, art, music, and experience — first hit Dallas in 2019. Now it's gone virtual, and you can join in online from anywhere July 11 from 9 am-2 pm. There are a mix of live and pre-recorded options, from sweat activations with local fit favorites to thoughtful panels about the future of fitness, as well as workshops for mindfulness, art, and cooking, and even a yoga class featuring a live musical performance to wrap up the day.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Movemeant Foundation, a nonprofit that teaches women and girls that fitness and physical movement is essential to unlocking the values of self-confidence, resiliency, commitment, balance, and community. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Truth, Racial Transformation, and Healing social justice organization in Dallas. You can purchase your tickets here.
#MilesForEquality virtual run
Presented by the Just 1 Mile Project, this 8.64-mile virtual race is meant to unify runners and walkers all over the world while creating awareness about racism. Participants have between July-August 31 to traverse 8.64 miles, whether that's all at once, spread over time, in a group or solo, and as fast or slow as you want to go. One hundred percent of the race's proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice, and greater access to education. Sign up here.
