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The Session Fitness

The Session Fitness provides middle-school through college-aged youth in Richmond with a safe, supportive space to build community and improve their physical health. The fitness coaching program specifically addresses the critical need for physical wellness among participants in the city’s most economically and medically underserved areas.

Participants will learn to enhance their fitness through balanced physical activities and improved dietary habits, all while gaining essential life and social skills that boost their self-esteem. The program also emphasizes mental and behavioral health. This holistic approach aims to empower participants and their families to engage with M2HO and its partner organizations over the long term.

Participation in The Session Fitness is free of charge.

Goals:

  • Promote physical and mental wellness through a variety of activities, including weight training, CrossFit, outdoor recreation, and other fitness regimens that support cardiovascular health, increase stamina, build muscle, and improve flexibility.
  • Teach youth participants the importance of nutrition through both classroom instruction and hands-on food preparation. They will learn how making healthy food choices and adopting good eating habits can prevent obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, while also enhancing their long-term health and overall well-being.
  • Foster a sense of community by helping participants feel safe and welcome in all neighborhoods of Richmond. Instill pride and purpose by providing mentorship and the necessary resources to help participants succeed in life.

 

Program Features:

  • Six-month cohort featuring semi-monthly in-person fitness sessions at accessible public parks or facilities in Richmond.
  • Monthly hybrid nutrition sessions for youth and their families, focusing on healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
  • One-to-one mentorship with an M2HO credible messenger. All youth participants receive one-on-one exchange sessions throughout the program and more formally at the end of each six-month period. A staff member is assigned to each student to review his or her overall progress in the program, in school, and at home. Our youth support team, composed of Empathy in Action Consulting team members (most are MSWs), will engage with families and students with the goal of creating a stronger community and connection between parents and their children. 
  • Transportation vouchers through Richmond Moves to ensure safe travel to and from sessions, with a $4 cost per rider.
  • Digital outreach through a website, blogs, and social media to provide ongoing education and support for balanced diets and fitness.
  • Case-by-case referral services to connect participants to resources like food security and transportation support.
  • Fitness equipment is provided, including weights, mats, PPE, resistance bands, and heat press tools.