Closures, social distancing, and canceled activities have been just some of the challenges we all have faced this year. Unfortunately, the fitness world is seeing a huge change in how we operate with these new guidelines and we are all trying to do our part to stay safe, keep our distance, and maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical & mental health and wellness. 

Over the month of November, JCU students, alumni, staff, and faculty had the chance to compete against & with one another using the popular fitness app, Strava. The app measures physical activity whether it be walking to class, running, biking to work, etc. Each week, there was a top 10 ranking and an hourly overall group goal. If the hourly goal was met, JCU donated crucial hygiene products to the non-profit organization, Vo.Re.Co. 

One of the JCU Community Service partners, Vo.Re.Co offers a vast array of services including psychological and legal counseling, breakfast and dinner delivery to the less fortunate, and provides temporary shelter to underprivileged fathers who have children hospitalized at Bambin Gesù. The Athletics Department, Student Services, and JCU Community Service worked in tandem to donate these important hygiene products each week, as the Strava Challenge continued to thrive.

#GetFitNovember had over 25 active participants who completed 428 hours of physical activity over the course of the month. This well surpassed our goal and meant Vo.Re.Co received donations each week. With all the success of the #GetFitNovember, we have decided to continue the Strava Challenge next semester. With the help and collaboration of other organizations and clubs on JCU’s campus, we hope to expand this challenge, have larger goals, focusing on sustainable mobility, and give back even more. 

Thank you to all who participated in the Strava Challenge, JCU Student Services, JCU Community Service, and Vo.Re.Co. We couldn’t have done it without you. Now, get ready for next semester!