Fit For Her Minneapolis: Empowering Women, One Drop at a Time

The highly anticipated 2nd Annual Fit For Her Minneapolis fundraiser is just around the corner, scheduled for Saturday, February 18th! We are thrilled to invite everyone in the vibrant Minneapolis community to join us for an event that promises to be even bigger, better, and more impactful than last year. Remember the energy of Fit For Her 2016? We united through sweat, savored delicious food, and proudly supported local female-run businesses, all while raising vital funds for The Her Initiative. That incredible experience, even for me with a broken foot, sparked the vision to expand our reach this year, capping the event at 100 passionate participants, doubling last year’s capacity.

This year, I am profoundly honored to co-host alongside two extraordinary women: Lindsey from Nourish Move Love, a true Her Ambassador and one of my most inspiring peers, and Stacie Hassig from The Real Food Dietitians. Collaborating with Lindsey and Stacie to champion such a remarkable cause fills me with immense gratitude and excitement. Together, we’re building a movement that extends far beyond a single event.

The Her Initiative: A Global Movement for Women’s Basic Rights

At the heart of our fundraiser is The Her Initiative, a transformative nonprofit born from the vision of Healing Waters. This organization is dedicated to a fundamental yet often overlooked global challenge: providing access to clean, safe water and comprehensive health & hygiene education for women in developing countries. It’s more than just providing a resource; it’s about empowering women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives and break cycles of poverty.

This powerful initiative creates a crucial bridge: it allows women in developed nations to actively support and uplift their sisters across the globe. By connecting “women here” with “women there,” we foster a sense of global sisterhood and collective responsibility.

Understanding the Impact: Startling Facts About Water Scarcity

Many of us take clean water for granted, but for millions around the world, it remains an elusive luxury. Consider these compelling facts that underscore the urgency of The Her Initiative’s mission:

• Globally, a staggering 1 in 9 people lack access to safe and clean drinking water, leading to preventable diseases and widespread hardship.
• The burden of water collection disproportionately falls on young girls. Girls under the age of 15 are twice as likely as boys to be responsible for fetching water for their families. This task often takes hours, pulling them away from school and childhood.
• In nearly two-thirds of households (64%) lacking a water source at home, women are the primary providers, undertaking arduous journeys daily to secure water for their families.
• The ripple effect of improved access to water is profound. Research demonstrates that for every 10% increase in women’s literacy, a country’s entire economy can grow by up to 0.3%. When girls are freed from water collection duties, they can attend school and contribute to their communities’ economic advancement.
• In 45 developing countries, women and girls bear the responsibility for water collection in seven out of ten households, highlighting a pervasive gender inequality in labor distribution.
• The average container used for water collection in Africa, often a jerry can, weighs over 40 lbs when full. Imagine carrying this weight for miles, multiple times a day, often with severe health consequences.
• Your contribution has a tangible impact: a monthly donation of $25 for a year can provide 25 women and children with access to safe, clean water and vital health & hygiene education. This means that just one woman here can profoundly transform the lives of 25 women and children there!
• The lack of clean water isn’t just a health crisis; it’s an educational barrier. Girls miss an astounding 145 million days of school every year due to illnesses caused by dirty water or the time spent collecting it.

These facts serve as a powerful reminder of our privilege and the critical need to support initiatives like Her. Clean water is a fundamental human right, and by joining us at the Fit For Her Minneapolis event, you become an integral part of making this right a reality for countless women and children.

The Event: A Day of Empowerment, Fitness, and Community Impact

Are you ready to make a tangible difference? Participating is easy, especially if you’re in Minneapolis! Secure your ticket for the Fit For Her Minneapolis Event on February 18th and immerse yourself in a day of fitness, community, and philanthropy. If you’re unable to attend but still wish to contribute to this life-changing cause, your generous donations are incredibly appreciated and can be made HERE.

The event kicks off with an invigorating 45-minute workout, expertly led by myself and the dynamic team from Nourish Move Love. This high-energy session is designed not just to get your heart pumping, but to build camaraderie and celebrate strength, both individually and collectively. Following our empowering workout, participants can refuel with a selection of complimentary, healthy refreshments, perfect for rejuvenating after a powerful session.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The event will also feature an exhilarating raffle, boasting an array of fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses. This is your chance to win big while simultaneously supporting a noble cause. Furthermore, we are proud to host a vibrant marketplace filled with a plethora of women-owned pop-up shops. This unique aspect of the event allows us to champion local female entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth within our community, while simultaneously raising funds for international empowerment. The core idea is simple yet profound: to create a powerful synergy where we support women on both a local and international level. This synergy is what makes the Fit For Her Minneapolis event truly AWESOME!

Key Event Details: Join Us!

• Date: Saturday, February 18th
• Time: Event activities run from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Doors open for vendors at 8:00 AM.
• Location: 514 Studios: 514 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Stay connected and get the latest updates by joining our official Facebook group.

Ready to make a difference? Purchase your ticket for Saturday, February 18th HERE.

Interested in showcasing your brand or contributing to our raffle? We welcome vendors and raffle item donations! Please email [email protected] for more information.

If you can’t join us in person but still feel compelled to support this vital mission, you can make a direct donation by clicking HERE. Every contribution, big or small, helps transform lives.

Our Gracious Sponsors: Making a Difference Together

This impactful event would simply not be possible without the incredible generosity and unwavering support of our amazing sponsors. Their commitment to community, fitness, and global humanitarian efforts is truly inspiring, and we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one. Their partnership allows us to maximize our fundraising efforts and deliver an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

A million thanks to:

Athleta, Spoon Optional, Six Notes Clothing, Paisley + Sparrow, Haute Barre, Brooke Alexandra Photography, HeadFlyer Brewing, Ova Woman, Switch Minneapolis, Cherry On Top Confections, Tarana Yoga Inc, Primal Kitchen, Shop Frilloon, Branded By J.Otto, and Olive Branch Boutique.

Workout Inspiration: The Legs + Shoulders Water Carry Challenge

Given that a significant and exciting part of the Fit For Her event is a dynamic workout session, and knowing how much Lindsey and I love to get our sweat on, we conceived a unique way to promote the event: through a workout itself! We proudly present “The Legs + Shoulders Water Carry,” a powerful HIIT routine directly inspired by the challenging realities faced by women who must transport clean water daily. This workout is more than just exercise; it’s a symbolic and physical connection to the resilience and strength of women worldwide.

This specially designed workout draws inspiration from the physical demands of carrying heavy loads over long distances. It targets the very muscle groups—legs for endurance and propulsion, shoulders for carrying and stability—that women in developing countries rely on daily to bring water to their homes. By engaging in this routine, we not only strengthen our own bodies but also cultivate a deeper empathy and understanding for the “Her Initiative” cause.

The 30-Minute Legs + Shoulders HIIT Workout: Build Strength, Build Empathy

Get ready for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session that will challenge you, invigorate you, and connect you to a greater purpose. This workout is not just about physical exertion; it’s about channeling that energy into empathy and support for women globally. HIIT is known for its efficiency, boosting metabolism and improving cardiovascular health in a shorter amount of time, making it perfect for a busy schedule.

Equipment: You’ll need just one medium-to-heavy dumbbell (we recommend 8-20 lbs, adjust to your fitness level).

Instructions: This powerful circuit comprises 8 distinct exercises, thoughtfully designed to mimic the muscles engaged when carrying heavy loads of water. Focus on proper form and controlled movements. Complete the specified number of repetitions or timed interval for each exercise. Once you’ve completed all 8 exercises, rest briefly and then repeat the entire workout for a total of 2-3 sets, depending on your energy and time.

The Workout:

1. Single Arm Overhead Squat: 9 reps per side. This challenges core stability and shoulder strength, simulating carrying a load overhead.
2. DB Overhead Reverse Lunge: 15 reps per leg. Focus on balance and leg strength, similar to navigating uneven terrain with a burden.
3. Squat Jack + Punch: 64 seconds cardio. A dynamic movement that builds stamina and full-body coordination.
4. Squat + Front Shoulder Raise: 10 reps. Combines lower body power with targeted shoulder work, essential for lifting and carrying.
5. Lateral Lunge + Press: 7 reps per leg. Strengthens outer thighs and shoulders, crucial for lateral stability and lifting from various angles.
6. Criss Cross Squat Jack + Punch: 40 seconds cardio. Keeps the heart rate up and improves agility, mimicking varied movements.
7. DB Overhead Front Lunge: 25 reps per leg. Develops forward motion strength and endurance while maintaining an overhead load.
8. Press Jacks: 1 minute 45 seconds cardio. A final burst of full-body cardio and shoulder engagement to build lasting endurance.

Complete the entire circuit x 2-3 sets. Push yourself, but always listen to your body!

We are incredibly excited to see you at the 2nd Annual Fit For Her Minneapolis event. Your participation, whether through attendance, donation, or sponsorship, directly contributes to a global movement that provides clean water, health, and dignity to women and children who need it most. Let’s make this year’s event an even greater success, together transforming lives and building a stronger, more equitable world.