Stronger Communities Across the Palmetto State: Community Wellness Hubs Expand Fitness Options

National Fitness Campaign is proud to celebrate the momentum of its growing initiative across South Carolina, where a series of new Fitness Courts are bringing free, accessible wellness spaces to residents statewide. Through partnerships with cities like Columbia, Aiken, Chester, and Isle of Palms, communities are making bold investments in healthier futures.

At the end of last year, Columbia residents celebrated the launch of two new Fitness Courts in collaboration with the City and Prisma Health. “We are committed to creating a healthier Columbia as an investment in our future,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “These new Fitness Courts are a testament to that commitment, offering residents a convenient and enjoyable way to stay active outside.”

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Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign, added, “We are excited to have South Carolina’s capital city join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on longevity and happiness by building healthy communities across America. The addition of these two Fitness Courts, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing in Columbia.”

Elsewhere in the state, communities are rallying behind the outdoor movement. The City of Aiken celebrated the opening of its first Fitness Court, with local leaders highlighting the city's focus on promoting active lifestyles and expanding public wellness amenities. In the summer of last year, Chester city officials gathered to welcome residents to the new Fitness Court at the heart of town, underscoring the value of creating vibrant, healthy spaces for the community. “We are overjoyed to welcome the National Fitness Campaign’s Outdoor Fitness Court to the City of Chester,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tabatha Strother. “Having this Outdoor Fitness Court will afford our residents the ability to enjoy the scenery of the location even more.”

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The coastal community of Isle of Palms also expanded its recreation offerings at the end of 2023, with the addition of a Fitness Court at the IOP Recreation Department. “We are excited to offer free fitness opportunities for residents and visitors of Isle of Palms," said Karrie Ferrell, Recreation Department Director. "The Recreation Center is a wellness hub for the community, and we are thrilled to see our facility and options for fitness programs expand.”

The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym — offering seven stations for functional training and hundreds of bodyweight exercises, completely free to use. With an integrated mobile app and digital coaching platform, users of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy guided workouts anytime. Built in easily accessible locations like parks, recreation centers, and downtown areas, Fitness Courts make healthy living more attainable for everyone.

The South Carolina Campaign is part of a national movement to build healthy communities and fight inactivity. By bringing world-class wellness infrastructure to cities and towns across the state, National Fitness Campaign and its partners are working to make fitness more equitable, social, and inspiring — one Fitness Court at a time.

As more communities join the initiative, the impact continues to grow. To learn more about how your city can be part of the movement to make fitness free and accessible for all, contact us today!

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