At Studio Ok-Match, gymgoers help native charities whereas nonetheless getting a personalised, intensive exercise. The family-owned gymnasium has grow to be a neighborhood favourite in Redwood Metropolis, largely for its donation-based health actions. Homeowners Kendrick and Angela Ribeiro work to domesticate an encouraging setting the place neighborhood members can join with one another by means of train and disconnect from the “quick tempo” of life within the Bay Space.

“We are inclined to overlook the social facet of general wellness, particularly in health,” mentioned Ribeiro. “Not solely are folks tremendous pleasant with one another right here, however we transcend the exercise and actually get entangled with the neighborhood by working with native charity organizations.” 

Studio Ok-Match raises a mean of $15,000 yearly by holding donation-based health challenges to profit charities. One of many studio’s hottest challenges is the annual February Cardio Problem, the place contributors full a 2-kilometer row, 2-mile stationary bike trip and 500-meter ski, the place Ok-Match donates $1 for each tried problem merely for exhibiting up and giving it a shot. 

The problem often advantages the American Coronary heart Affiliation in honor of Coronary heart Well being Consciousness Month, however after Kendrick and Angela’s 3-year-old daughter was identified with leukemia in December, the couple determined to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as an alternative.

“After spending almost 4 weeks within the hospital with our daughter, Angie and I wished to do one thing that might cost us up,” mentioned Kendrick. “This yr, the cardio problem helped us restabilize our personal lives.”

Ok-Match initially set a objective to lift $500, however after overwhelming help from common purchasers, the gymnasium was in a position to elevate over $12,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kendrick notes that 117 private information had been set through the month and 120 kilos had been misplaced amongst all contributors. 

“February was the busiest month we have ever had,” mentioned Kendrick. “I feel the aim behind this yr’s problem touched the hearts of our purchasers and everybody wished to be extra concerned. We additionally made it a enjoyable, team-based factor.” 

Erica Day has attended Studio Ok-Match since 2020 and was closely concerned with this yr’s cardio problem. She mentioned that Studio Ok-Match is the perfect gymnasium she’s ever been part of. 

“[Kendrick and Angela] satisfaction themselves on having a extremely shut neighborhood throughout the gymnasium and the giving again half is simply the icing on the cake. I have not skilled that at different gyms I have been part of,” mentioned Day. “I feel plenty of the explanation why folks have a tendency to remain there so lengthy is that they actually do really feel that sense of neighborhood.”

Along with their month-to-month contribution to Feeding America, which has resulted in a complete donation of fifty,000 meals, the Redwood Metropolis studio plans to fundraise for New Creation House, which helps single mothers which are in transition from damaged relationships and LifeMoves, which helps people and households experiencing homelessness to return to steady housing and self-sufficiency. Ok-Match may even maintain a Spring pickleball event this Could, the place contributors will contribute $50, and the full earnings will go to charity. For extra data or to get entangled, go to: https://www.studiokfit.com/