Planksgiving: Building Community Through Inclusive Fitness

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Planksgiving has become a signature fitness tradition at the Club and a highly anticipated event throughout Thanksgiving week. Designed to be simple, inclusive, and engaging, the program encourages members of all ages to participate in a friendly fitness challenge while fostering community connection during a traditionally busy holiday period. A visible leaderboard posted in the Fitness Center allows members to follow standings throughout the week, creating engagement and conversation even among non-participating members.

The event centers on a plank-holding challenge, segmented by clearly defined age groups ranging from ages 12–15 through 80–89. By structuring the competition by age, the Club ensures fairness and accessibility, allowing members to compete on an even playing field regardless of fitness level or life stage.

Planksgiving drives exceptional engagement within the Fitness Center, increases daily traffic during the holiday week, and creates consistent interaction between members and staff as participants check standings, track progress, and encourage one another. The simplicity of the challenge removes barriers to participation, making fitness approachable, fun, and socially driven.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Planksgiving is hosted annually throughout Thanksgiving week, allowing members to participate at any time during the week rather than at a single scheduled event, with winners determined by the longest plank held within each age group. The format is intentionally straightforward, allowing members to participate easily without advance training or special equipment.

Member response has been overwhelmingly positive. The event generates excitement, friendly competition, and daily conversation throughout the Club. Members frequently stop by the Fitness Center to ask about current leaders, attempt their plank, or cheer on fellow participants.

Beyond the competition itself, Planksgiving has strengthened camaraderie across generations and reinforced the Fitness Center as a welcoming, social space. By blending wellness, inclusivity, and seasonal tradition, the event has become a meaningful way to keep members active, connected, and engaged during the holiday season.

Planksgiving has also proven to be intentionally designed for scalability and transferability. The program requires no specialized equipment, minimal staff time, and can be easily adapted across club types, facility sizes, and age demographics—offering a repeatable model that clubs can implement quickly to drive fitness utilization and community connection.