Movement For All: Free Fitness for Women

Do you ever find yourself saying, ‘I’m not a runner’? Or maybe you feel like the world of fitness, especially running, isn’t really for you? If so, you’re not alone, and a fantastic new program called ‘Movement for All’ was created with you specifically in mind.

Breaking Down Barriers to Movement

For many, the idea of joining a run club or a fitness class can feel intimidating. There’s often a specific image of what a ‘runner’ or a ‘fit person’ looks like, and it doesn’t always match our own reality. That’s where ‘Movement for All’ steps in, aiming to redefine what fitness means and who it’s for.

This inspiring initiative is a three-year partnership between the popular athletic brand On and the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC). It’s designed to offer women across the country a chance to engage in fitness without financial barriers.

Six Months of Free Fitness Support

What exactly does ‘Movement for All’ offer? Participants receive six months of fully funded coaching or fitness training at absolutely no cost. This means you can choose from nearly 50 different vendors, including yoga studios, Pilates spaces, boxing gyms, dedicated running coaches, and even virtual options for those who need more flexibility.

The program is thoughtfully designed for women who are: starting their fitness journey for the first time, returning after an injury or pregnancy, or simply looking to prioritize themselves after years of putting others first.

The Genesis of the Initiative

The RIDC, led by Kiera Smalls since 2020, was born out of a critical moment in the industry. Following the tragic death of Ahmaud Arbery, leaders in the running world came together to address the lack of representation in both the sport and its business. Five years later, RIDC has grown into a national nonprofit focused on research, industry access, sponsorship, and community programming.

On has been a committed partner from the beginning, providing crucial funding and engaging in important conversations about diversity and inclusion within the industry. These cross-brand sessions have pushed companies to examine their storytelling, social media representation, and content creation.

Why Six Months? Data-Driven Design

The six-month duration for ‘Movement for All’ isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on real data. RIDC’s previous program, ‘Freedom to Run Back Outside,’ which focused on bringing BIPOC individuals into trail running, saw an overwhelming response. With only 14 spots, they received 275 applications in just 10 days! Feedback from that program indicated that while three months might get someone started, six months is the sweet spot for a new habit to truly stick.

For those like Kaboli-Nejad, who is navigating her own return to movement postpartum, the program signals that support is available and communities are ready to meet women wherever they are. Success isn’t measured by race finishes or dramatic transformations, but by the courage to take that first step.

• Start with the initial class.
• Embrace the community support.
• Let the rest follow naturally.

More Than Just Money: Building Confidence

Smalls understands that the first step is often the hardest, and it’s not always about cost. She shared a story about a scholarship program participant who felt out of place at an industry trade show, questioning her right to be there. RIDC’s presence served as a vital reminder that she belonged, that the industry was better with her in it, and that she deserved to take up space.

Removing financial barriers is crucial, but RIDC also tackles the deeper issue of perception—the idea that certain sports are only for specific types of people. They challenge the industry’s marketing and imagery, reminding women that the ‘ideal’ image has never been the full picture. As Smalls puts it, ‘I know when people are like, ‘I’m not a runner,’… But then I’m like, ‘But you ran.’’

You can begin again at any time and this time you don’t have to do it alone. — Kiera Smalls (paraphrased)

If you’ve ever talked yourself out of starting something new before you even began, this program might just be for you. Applications are open now, offering a chance to redefine your relationship with movement, supported by a community that believes in you.