May 12, 2025
National Fitness Campaign is proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) to bring transformative outdoor wellness infrastructure to communities across the state. Together, we are launching a statewide initiative to make free, world-class fitness accessible to New Mexicans of all ages and backgrounds—helping build a stronger, healthier future for generations to come.
This powerful public-private partnership aims to activate healthy infrastructure in cities, towns, schools, and universities through the installation of state-of-the-art Fitness Courts®—outdoor wellness hubs that provide free access to guided workouts in under seven minutes a day.
One of the first successful outcomes of this partnership is the recent launch of a Fitness Court at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in Portales. This new installation is a milestone moment in the campaign’s rollout, showcasing the positive impact of uniting healthcare, education, and municipal leadership to elevate community health.
“Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease and certain cancers, reduces blood pressure, improves brain function and prevents falls,” said Latha Raja Shankar, M.D., chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. “This outdoor Fitness Court will give residents of Portales access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.”
Located at the heart of the ENMU campus, the Fitness Court offers a unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and local residents to incorporate movement and wellness into their daily lives. With digital workouts available via the free Fitness Court App, users can access expert training on demand while enjoying the benefits of exercising outdoors.
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Eastern New Mexico University to the campaign as a leader in New Mexico, championing health and wellness for their campus community,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the Fitness Court, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff and the greater Portales region.”
As one of the first university partners in the state, ENMU sets a powerful example of how educational institutions can lead by investing in health equity and public wellness.
“ENMU is proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico and National Fitness Campaign to promote health and wellness,” said James Johnston, ENMU chancellor. “We understand that good health is integral to success in the classrooms and life. This fitness court also represents ENMU’s continued efforts to be a great community partner. We are committed to being innovative leaders in higher education and our community.”
This launch marks just the beginning. With support from BCBSNM, additional Fitness Courts are set to open soon in Doña Ana County and Carlsbad, extending the reach of this impactful campaign into new corners of the state. Even more communities are joining the movement, with future partners continuing this momentum throughout 2025 and beyond.
