Fitness Keeper: Free Gym Access For Parents Affected By The Pandemic

If ever there was a time that us parents had to look after our physical and mental wellness, this is it! While self-care can often be dismissed as flighty or indulgent, it is in fact downright essential. You can’t give from an empty cup, so dust off your lycra and give your kids the gift of your own well being.

Gym juggernaut Fitness First wants to make sure you take good care of yourself with the ultimate gesture of goodwill. They are committed to supporting members - and all Aussies - throughout the pandemic and are offering FREE gym membership to anyone who loses, or has lost, their job as a result of the crisis.

Their Fitness Keeper program will give new members up to three months free gym access and non or ex members will receive two months free gym access. No strings attached. Just an honest to goodness freebie to give us some relief during a seriously tough year. 

Parents impacted by the pandemic can get pumping with an added bonus that really packs a punch - child minding. The Fitness Keeper program includes use of the amazing PlayZone crèche at 30 different Fitness First locations on the east coast (sorry rest of Australia!) so while you’re soaking up some sweaty me-time at the gym, your child is exercising their right to play. Some PlayZones in Victoria are still closed, but due to reopen soon.

 

The initiative was sparked by an unfortunate trend that saw Fitness First members experiencing more financial stress than ever before, and the powers that be wanted to help.

“In addition to offering financial relief and helping people maintain their physical health, Fitness Keeper will support Australians so they can continue to reap the wider benefits of exercise,” Fitness First General Manager, David Aitchison, said.

“Physical movement is a great way to shift your mindset and improve your outlook, which is crucial right now as Australians, along with the rest of the world, are facing uncertainty like never before.”

Research by Fitness Australia echoes this sentiment, confirming the essential role that exercise plays in maintaining emotional and mental health. 

A recent survey from across Australia showed 83% of respondents counted on their gym sessions to improve their mental health, and 40% reported a reduced sense of wellbeing following the COVID gym closures. This also led to increased anxiety and loss of connection.
 
“Good mental fitness goes hand in hand with physical fitness and prepares you to deal with the challenges that life presents,” Aitchison said. 

“For someone going through financial stress or the experience of losing their job on top of everything else that 2020 has dealt, the ability to exercise regularly, maintain routine and gain the social interaction available in a gym environment will play a major part in safe-guarding their mental fitness at a crucial time.”

 

The policy is in place until 31 March 2021 so everyone can stay fit, keep active, look after themselves, and get the fresh new year started on the right foot.

The Fitness Keeper policy is available across Australia. Find out more and get the full terms and conditions at Fitness Keeper.

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