During September 2023, United Fitness Partners held two fitness programs to challenge their members. One was to complete a 5K or 10K on a treadmill and have the fastest completion time within that level. The second fitness challenge was the completion of all 21 landmarks on the Stairmaster. Both challenges had to be completed within a 30-day period, and the challenges were offered every other month. There were sign-up sheets available, and the staff communicated with members about the incentive to earn a free month of membership by completing either one of the challenges.

A Planet Fitness^® member at UFP’s Hot Springs, Arkansas, location, Israel Pike, decided to try the 5K challenge, despite never running a 5K previously. He had recently quit smoking and was inspired to get into better shape, so this challenge was a springboard for his fitness journey. After a lot of hard work, Pike completed the 5K challenge in a 30-minute period. Once he reached this accomplishment, he had a significant increase in check-ins at the club and came to the gym with more determination and purpose than before.

However, in October, the Hot Springs’ Club Manager Rodney Handy talked to Israel after not seeing him for a while. Unfortunately, Pike had battled shingles and experienced serious health problems that set him back. Despite this, he asked if there were any other club challenges as he wanted to continue his health journey. At the time, the club manager realized that Pike didn’t have any running shoes and was wearing “Chuck’s” basketball shoes.

In November, Pike completed the stairclimber challenge but was unable to afford running shoes. Handy connected with Mizuno Golf and was able to order Pike a premium pair of Mizuno running shoes.

When Pike received the running shoes, he was incredibly thankful. “It felt good. Knowing that others were rooting for me made me want to show them and myself I could complete the challenge. I felt now I had to prove to them I could do it,” he explained.

Since joining Planet Fitness in March 2022, Pike has felt welcomed and encouraged by everyone in the club, spurring him on in his fitness journey. “I love that everyone here is rooting for me. I had other members coming up to me telling me, ‘I can do it,’” he shared. “These were people who I would least expect to say anything. The people and the environment are so welcoming and encouraging.”