When people think about health and fitness, it’s usually push-ups, protein shakes, and gym selfies that come to mind. But at Genki Fit, we believe wellness is about so much more than muscles. It’s about community, connection, and showing up for each other.

Wellness programs, when done right, can be powerful tools for building healthier communities; not just physically, but socially and emotionally too. Here’s how we try to do that at Genki Fit, and why I think it matters.

Sweat With Purpose

One of my favourite things we have done at Genki Fit is “Sweat for the SoupBus” — a fitness fundraiser where instead of paying for a class with cash, participants bring canned goods, long-life milk, or other essentials to donate. Every squat and star jump helps support Ballarat’s SoupBus, which provides meals and support to people doing it tough.

It’s one of those beautiful win-win moments — people feel good moving their bodies and feel connected to a greater purpose. That sense of giving back? It’s part of wellness too.

Fitness in July: Making Movement Fun (Even in Winter!)

Let’s be real — winter can be rough when it comes to motivation. That’s why every year, we run Fitness in July: a month-long program packed with classes, challenges, and a big dose of fun.

The idea is simple: for every class you attend, you earn entries into prize draws, and there are bonus chances to win through games and mini-challenges during classes. It’s a way to gamify fitness, reconnect people with their movement goals, and turn chilly winter months into something exciting.

Over the past six years, hundreds of people have taken part, new classes have been added to the timetable, and it’s become a real highlight on the Genki Fit calendar. More than just a fitness challenge, Fitness in July has become a way for people to rejoin the community, try something new, and stay active when they might otherwise slow down.

These kinds of programs are also great for interaction within the wider community, as more people find out about what we do and have the chance to join in and be active together.

Sponsoring Shelter Dogs (Yes, Really)

We also sponsor long-term dogs like Jasper and TukTuk at the Ballarat Animal Shelter. Through Genki Fit, we provide a Petstock voucher to the amount of their adoption fees to help get them started in their new homes.

Why? Because wellbeing doesn’t stop at humans — animals are part of our community too. And for the people who adopt them? That companionship, that joy of giving a rescue dog a second chance? That’s healing on both ends of the leash.

Free Workshops for Young People

Whether it’s active play circus workshops at markets or sponsoring art & craft tables and cookie decorating, we love offering free sessions for kids and teens — especially in rural and regional areas where access can be limited.

These workshops are about more than just exercise — they’re about building confidence, sparking joy, and giving young people a safe, welcoming space to move their bodies and connect. If we can help plant the seed of a healthy habit early on, that’s a win for the whole community.

Why This All Matters

In my community development studies, we talk a lot about the social determinants of health — things like income, education, environment, and social connection. What I’ve learned is that movement and wellness aren’t just individual pursuits; they’re community assets.

When people come together in shared spaces, even if it’s to do lunges or laugh through a fitness game, it creates trust, breaks isolation, and helps us feel like we belong somewhere.

That’s powerful. That’s preventative health.

We’re not just working on people’s fitness, we’re helping build resilience, connection, and confidence. All the things that help a community not just survive, but thrive.

Wellness doesn’t need to look like a perfect gym selfie or a 6am bootcamp grind. It can look like a kid grinning after their first obstacle course. A rescue dog running in their new backyard. A can of soup dropped off at class that ends up feeding someone who really needed it.

At Genki Fit, we’re proud to be doing fitness a little differently, and we believe when you move with purpose, the ripple effect is real.

Want to be part of the movement? Check out what’s coming up or join a class: we’d love to have you.