2 For 1 Resolutions: Give Back & Get Fit
6 Simple Ideas for Getting Double the Bang for Your Good Efforts
Every year, two of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions include some version of giving back to the community and getting fit. In the spirit of being the multi-tasking queen (or king) you are, now is your chance to bring your Good intentions together for the ultimate 2-for-1 win. Invite family and friends to join you – everyone could use a physical and mental boost!
Sign Up to Be a Running Buddy
Organizations like Girls on the Run and Back on My Feet host regularly-scheduled running events for their good causes and ask for running volunteers to help encourage participants. Fun runs like these remove the pressure of competition, so you can walk or run at your own pace, and usually the event lasts just a couple hours.
Dedicate Your Workouts to a Cause
Not into group exercise? With apps like Charity Miles or Atlas Run, raise funds for good causes with every mile logged. Walk or run on your own schedule. With each step you take, corporate sponsors help you help fight homelessness, hunger, or unemployment.
Plan for Impromptu or Organized Trail Cleanups
Give back to Mother Earth this year! Make it a habit to carry gloves and biodegradable trash bags with you on nature walks and hikes so you can pick up any trash you come across on your trek. Make an event out of your good deed – select a day and invite a few friends, family members, or neighbors to participate in a group cleanup hike. Be sure to use SignUp for organizing your event!
Volunteer in the Garden at Your Local Food Bank
Bet you’ve never considered gardening to be exercise. If so, you would be mistaken! There’s quite a bit of walking and squatting involved, not to mention manual hoeing and plowing. Sign up to be a gardener volunteer at the local food bank – help grow the food that provides the less fortunate with much-needed meals while you get in shape!
Walk a Shelter Dog
This one’s for you, animal lovers. Give back, get fit, AND spend time with some pups? Heck yes! Volunteer to walk a dog at your local shelter. Generally, you can select a dog and sign up for time slots online. Check out the website of your local animal shelter to read up on their process and policies.
Plan or Participate in a Sports Tournament for Charity
Sport enthusiasts, do what you love for the sake of paying it forward – get involved in a charity sporting event where the entry fees or donations go to a charitable organization.
Need more suggestions for paying it forward in your community? Check out SignUp's Community Action & Activism Resource Center.
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