ANYTIME FITNESS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH R U OK?

Upcoming charity challenge asks Australians to Tread As One to support suicide prevention

Australia’s largest gym chain, Anytime Fitness, recently announced a new partnership with suicide prevention charity R U OK? via its annual fundraising challenge, Tread As One.

This sees the clubs keep one or more of their treadmills running for 24 hours, while participants receive donations for every 15minute slot they complete on the treadmill. Some clubs even see members undertake the full 24 hours on their own!

‘Our franchisees, members and staff all over the country look to their local Anytime Fitness as an integral part of their community,’ says Gordon Martin, general manager of Anytime Fitness. ‘We are proud to play such an important role in the lives of Aussies, and continue to do so with the Tread As One initiative and R U OK?.

‘With 89% of Australians reporting that they know someone who has made a suicide attempt, inspiring and empowering individuals to start a conversation with someone who might be struggling with life is much needed.’

R U OK? is one of Australia’s most recognised suicide prevention charities. It encourages people to hold meaningful conversations with those around them and ask, ‘Are you OK?’. Peer-to-peer support can save lives, and R U OK? works to equip people with the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation when someone says, ‘No, I’m not OK’.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says, ‘We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Anytime Fitness and spread the R U OK? message through its vibrant community. We know that making regular visits to the gym and being with our gym buddies can provide a sense of belonging. We want members to look out for each other and trust their gut when they notice the signs that someone in their gym community might be struggling with life.’

The Anytime Fitness treadmill challenge started in the community, when a group of friends bereaved by suicide held a 24-hour challenge with one treadmill in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It has now grown to hundreds of locations, with thousands of community members coming together to bring mental health awareness to light. Since 2017, Anytime Fitness has raised over $800,000 for mental health charities.

Tread As One 2019 runs from Friday 31 May to Saturday 1 June at participating Anytime Fitness clubs nationwide. Register at: www.anytimefitness.com.au/treadmillevent