How FitWit’s Socially-Conscious Approach is Shaping Up Decatur

by Emily Weil

Most folks already pay to exercise. What if doing so could also benefit a child's health? Atlanta-based FitWit is betting on it – and with more than 400 members sweating it up every day, the gamble is paying off.

What started as a cool inner-city program for kids has turned into a community of loyal supporters who not only get in great shape but also help pay for kids to do the same.

FitWit summarizes its approach through its core message: Live Fit. Give Fit.

Adult campers “Live Fit” by joining one of the four Atlanta-area group fitness programs located in Grant Park, Midtown/Virginia-Highland, North Druid Hills and Decatur. The Decatur location recently relocated to the Boys & Girls Club in Oakhurst, near East Lake.  This is exciting news for Oakhurst residents. Now you only need to take a few steps out of your front door to receive top-notch workouts from excellent, hands-on FitWit trainers at a variety of convenient times (6 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m. or 6:15 p.m.).

Each one-hour workout presents a new daily challenge: from swinging kettlebells, to running hills, participants push, pull, lunge, crawl, jump, run, sweat and laugh themselves into the best shape of their lives.

The “Give Fit” comes in a very tangible form – a portion of each monthly membership fee supports The FitWit Foundation, a non-profit providing free fitness programs that build strength and develop character for the young people who need it most.

One program that The FitWit Foundation offers is FitWit Club which is an after-school fitness program.

The mission of FitWit Club is to build a community that empowers participants to believe in themselves and strive for success every day. This program is currently running at Jackson High School and students participate in workouts twice a week led by FitWit trainers as well as receive nutrition education. The FitWit Foundation delivers this service at no charge primarily because of funds received from FitWit.

“When we started in 2005, we knew our actual fitness product was unique enough to stand alone and beat much of the competition. But as good as our fitness program is; the tie to the community is what truly makes this thing so special. People join to get in shape, but stay because of the community bond 
and the fact that they know their dollars are also doing good in the community,” explains FitWit cofounder Josh Guerrieri.

“The heart of our company rests in helping traditionally underserved children 
get access to good fitness and character-building programs.  That’s how we got started, and we remain committed to changing young lives in Atlanta.”

So, while it may not completely take the burn out of that last set of squats at 6:30 in the morning, it may provide just enough solace for you to get out of bed the next morning to hit it again, knowing that a child may have an opportunity to lead a healthier life too.

And what can be more fun than burning some extra calories with your neighbors and friends? Enhance your own experience in the Oakhurst community by joining the FitWit Decatur community! We hope to see you there.

For more information, please visit fitwit.com or thefitwitfoundation.org