The weight room at Anytime Fitness on Gordon Drive looks like any other gym on a Saturday morning – people focused on their lifts, sweat dripping, the occasional grunt. But this past weekend, between the clanking weights and whirring treadmills, something more meaningful was happening.
Local gym-goers gathered not just for their regular workouts, but to support mental health awareness through the “Lift Your Spirits” challenge – a creative fundraising initiative organized by gym owner Megan Holloway.
“We wanted to create something that connects physical health with mental wellbeing,” Holloway explained, wiping her brow after demonstrating a proper deadlift to participants. “Too often they’re treated as separate things, but anyone who exercises regularly knows how powerful it can be for your mental state.”
The event challenged participants to complete a circuit of exercises, with family members and friends pledging donations based on repetitions completed. All proceeds are heading to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kelowna branch, which provides crucial support services throughout the region.
For participant Trevor Morris, 42, the cause hit close to home. “I started coming to the gym three years ago when I was in a really dark place,” he shared, between sets of shoulder presses. “Having a place to channel negative energy literally saved my life. If my deadlifts today can help someone else find their way, that’s worth every drop of sweat.”
About 75 community members participated in the day-long event, which also featured talks from local mental health professionals. Dr. Sarah Chen, a Kelowna-based psychologist, spoke about the scientifically-proven connection between exercise and improved mental health outcomes.
“Regular physical activity increases endorphin production and can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression in some cases,” Chen told the crowd gathered for her mid-morning presentation. “Events like this help reduce stigma by bringing these conversations into public spaces.”
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately one in five Canadians will experience mental illness in any given year. Here in the Okanagan, with tourism season winding down and winter approaching, mental health professionals typically see an uptick in people seeking support.
“This time of year can be particularly challenging,” noted Mark Stevenson, outreach coordinator for CMHA Kelowna. “Seasonal depression, financial stress after summer spending, and the pressure of upcoming holidays – it all adds up. That’s why community initiatives like this make such a difference.”
The event raised just over $7,800, exceeding the organizers’ $5,000 goal. Holloway credits the success to Kelowna’s tight-knit fitness community and growing awareness around mental health issues.
“Five years ago, we might have struggled to get people talking openly about these issues,” she said. “Now there’s more understanding that mental health affects everyone, whether directly or through someone we love.”
The gym plans to make this an annual event, with hopes to expand to other fitness facilities across the Okanagan next year.
Long-time member Jasmine Kaur found herself emotional during the closing ceremony. “My brother struggled with depression for years before finding help,” she shared. “Seeing all these people here today, many who have never met each other, coming together around something that used to be so hidden – it gives me hope.”
Beyond the fundraising aspect, the event offered practical mental wellness strategies. Local nutritionist Pavel Dimitrov discussed the gut-brain connection and how dietary choices impact mood. Meditation instructor Lin Wei led a group through breathing exercises designed to combat anxiety.
“Physical fitness can be the gateway to a more comprehensive approach to health,” Wei explained. “Once people experience how movement changes their mental state, they become more receptive to other wellness practices.”
Mayor Tom Dyas made a brief appearance, praising the initiative as an example of Kelowna’s community spirit. “Our city faces the same mental health challenges as everywhere else in Canada, but what makes Kelowna special is how residents step up to support each other,” he said.
The event concluded with a community meal provided by local restaurant Soul Fuel, emphasizing the social connection that can be vital for mental wellbeing.
For Holloway, seeing gym members from different backgrounds sharing their stories throughout the day fulfilled the deeper purpose behind the fundraiser.
“At the end of the day, the money raised matters, but what might matter more is that someone who’s struggling heard they’re not alone,” she said, looking around at the gym that had transformed, if just for a day, into something more than a place to build muscle.
“If even one person reaches out for help because of what they experienced here today, we’ve succeeded.”
