Milwaukee fitness enthusiasts holding a 24-hour fitness charity campaign
When working your body the absolute hardest, what is the best way to reward yourself?
Fundraise for charity, say Milwaukee fitness enthusiasts, Jens Wohlbier and Zach DeBoer.
Both have committed to a 24-hour workout regimen from 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, to 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, to raise money for Mel's Charities, a Cedarburg-based nonprofit organization.
They are inviting the community to join them for "Muscles for Mel's" at Dropout Athletics in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood.
"I love to challenge myself physically and to give back," said Wohlbier.
DeBoer said he has been going to Dropout Athletics since last November to work out and has gotten to know both Jessie Schaub, co-owner and head coach of Dropout Athletics, and Wohlbier.
"They have the best space for something like that, and the idea was conceived there with Jens Wohlbier," said DeBoer.
How did 'Muscles for Mel's' come about?
DeBoer came up with the idea of this charity after he finished the Kettle Moraine 100 on June 10. The 100-mile race started and ended in the town of La Grange, near Whitewater, and had a time limit of 24 hours. He achieved his fundraising goal of about $20,000 for Mel's Charities. Three days later, he asked himself, What can we do that is more challenging?
"This will be truly special," said DeBoer. "What if a year from now every gym in Milwaukee chose a day to fundraise through fitness? What if every gym in Wisconsin? What if every gym in the U.S.? What is the potential impact we can have?"
How will the fundraiser work?
There will be classes beginning on the hour, every hour from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sept. 30. People can either sign up for the classes ahead of time or show up.
If anyone wants to participate in the 24-hour challenge or work out for the cause after 7 p.m. they can call DeBoer at 920-979-6014.
Money is raised for the charity by paying a class fee. People can also sponsor a person taking a class or just make a donation.
What is Mel's Charities?
Mel's Charities is a Cedarburg-based nonprofit with "a strong emphasis on individuals with disabilities, memorials, and community impact projects," according to its website. Since its inception in 1999, Mel's Charities has raised and given away around $2 million to support its mission.
What is the fundraising goal?
For Muscles for Mel's, DeBoer's ambitious goal is to raise $50,000. He said over 70 people have signed up as of Sept. 27.
What is Dropout Athletics?
Dropout Athletics, 830 E. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee, is a gym that strives to make CrossFit and other kinds of training accessible for everyone. CrossFit training focuses on functional movements that are performed at a high-intensity level. Dropout Athletics opened about a year ago.
"Since we are a new gym, we are growing the business and are very excited (about Muscles for Mel's)," said Schaub. "We are super inclusive. We want people to feel comfortable in any class."
Schaub said they do personal training, group classes and a lot of coaching. She said the classes vary each day.
Do all of the proceeds benefit Mel's Charities?
Yes, all of the proceeds benefit Mel's Charities.
What kinds of classes will be offered and what is the schedule for Muscles for Mel's?
There are a variety of classes scheduled for Muscles for Mel's. To begin, from 7 to 8 a.m., there is Solidcore — where for 45 minutes, the class will focus on the core muscles, glutes, biceps and triceps. There is also the Battleground workout, a workout that focuses on strength training as well as keeping it aerobic.
To see a full class schedule, go to the "Donate and Tickets" tab at https://givebutter.com/pP2DxZ.
What other gyms are participating?
Trainers from four other Milwaukee-area gyms will be leading and assisting with a class at Dropout Athletics. They are Train Moment, 323 North Milwaukee St.; Barre Code, 225 N. Water St., Sprintboss at Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N Bayshore Drive and Solidcore, 320 E. Buffalo St.
DeBoer said a lot of the members from these four other gyms also workout at Dropout Athletics. "We are one big happy fitness family," he said.
How much is each class?
Each class is $20.
Where can I make a donation or get involved?
To make a donation and to find more information, visit https://givebutter.com/pP2DxZ
How can I get more information?
To get more information on classes being offered, email Dropout Athletics at info@dropoutfightclub.com or call 414-667-7450.
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fitness coaches holding 24-hour fundraiser for Mel's Charities
