PEDH-111

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Addressing Health Issues Through Fitness Events

Module 014 Addressing Health Issues Through

Fitness Events

At the end of this module, students are expected to:

1. Understand the relevance of fitness events
2. Determine the basic elements needed in organizing fitness events

Raising Awareness on Health Issues

In the earlier modules, it has been discussed how important it is to address the health issues
that everyone in the world is currently facing. There was also the matter of how both
government and non-government organizations work on raising awareness regarding the
various health problems today through organized events.
Nowadays, a lot of fitness events are being organized to achieve the goal of addressing health
issues.
What makes fitness events essential to addressing health issues? For starters, it can be a
starting point for people to start changing their lifestyle and stay away from unhealthy
habits. According to Barbara Brehm (2014), the following are factors which may persuade
people to change and live a healthy lifestyle.
 Perceived susceptibility to and seriousness of a health problem: people are more
likely to change their lifestyle when they are made aware of their susceptibility to
health issue, especially a serious one.
 Perceived benefits of a dietary change: it is just as essential to put an emphasis on
the pros of healthier living. As such, it is important to provide proper guidance to
people regarding fitness. Do not just show the negative side of unhealthy living, you
must also imply the positive effects of a change in lifestyle.
Moreover, it would be more beneficial for an individual who aspires to have a future career
related to health and fitness to gain an understanding of fitness events. This way, they will
attain basic knowledge of the fitness events management. You will not just be limited to the
fitness activity itself; there is also the aspect of organizing, and risk management.

Organizing a Fitness Event

Organizing fitness events take time and proper coordination. If it is a large one, you may
require the help of a team to keep things in order throughout the event.

Course Module
While there is no exact formula to a successful fitness event, you may want to know about
some basic pointers. Keep in mind the guidelines you’ve read in the earlier modules (Week
015: Addressing Health and Fitness Issues Through Organized Events) as well.
The following are guidelines that you should keep in mind when you start organizing your
fitness event:
1. Planning. The starting ground of every event. The first thing that you
should keep in mind while you plan would be your budget. Know how
much you are willing to spend, and from there you plan what kind of fitness
event you would like to organize.

2. Seek permission. If you are planning an event in a public place, you may
want to seek guidance and permission from local officials. Or if it’s in a
gymnasium or other place, you will have to seek the permission of the
owner, especially if you expect a lot of people to come. Explain to them
benefits of this challenge. If successful, they may even be willing to help
you out with your event.

3. Organize. Schedule a time, date and place for the first meeting, weekly
meetings and weekly weigh-ins. Send an e-mail and/or post a flyer on the
public bulletins where easily accessible. Be mindful when organizing the
meeting. Weight loss and fitness can be very uncomfortable subjects so
don’t force anyone to join or slight anyone that may want to join.
Remember everybody’s level of fitness and understanding of healthy living
varies. You want everybody to join without feeling intimidated.

4. Devise the rules and guidelines. Every successful challenge must have
structure, tips and guidance. Set a time frame (6-12 weeks is
recommended). Weigh in everyone and take their “before” pictures. Ask
everyone his or her weight loss and or fitness goals in the first meeting.
Rewards are something that may persuade more people to take on the
challenge of staying fit, so you may want to start a fitness challenge game.
Whoever comes close to their fitness goal within the time frame will be the
grand prize winner. This is the time to structure the program.
Keep in mind that everyone’s understanding of healthy living differs. Set a
list of dietary guidelines and fitness routines that most people can follow.
Use reputable sites like The Mayo Clinic, The Center For Disease Control
and Prevention and Health.gov for dietary and exercise recommendations.

5. Award Prizes. Arrange a grand prize for the “most improved” winner in
your group. The prize can range from a spa day to workout gear to cash
prizes. Or during the organization meeting, bring up the idea of a
registration fee and weekly dues and use that money for the grand prize.

6. Have fun. Make the fitness event, friendly, resourceful and successful.
 PEDH-111
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Addressing Health Issues Through Fitness Events

Dietary tip: Start with foods that should be omitted when planning the dietary
guidelines i.e. soda, white grains, coffee, fast food and junk food.

References and Supplementary Materials

Brehm, B. (2014). Psychology of Health and Fitness
5 Steps for Creating the Perfect Office Fitness Challenge;
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/health-
wellness/office_fitness_challenge/; October 04, 2017

Course Module