Fukumoto Fitness hopes to get people moving to help those who can’t.

The East Kildonan gym, located at 4-521 Golspie St., will hold a Bring-A-Buddy Charity Workout in support of the Movement Centre on March 23.

The workout will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, though participants are encouraged to arrive at 10:30 a.m. to sign in and warm up.

Gym owner and head trainer Johnny Fukumoto said the business has strived to be active in the community, and he feels supporting the Movement Centre, located at 1646 Henderson Hwy., is a good fit. The organization works to improve the lives of those affected by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and head injuries.

"A lot of the kids who are affected by this organization, they don’t have a choice in moving the way people in here can," he said. "When you think about it from that perspective, we have a choice to do these things and enjoy movement in this way.

"It’s a real privilege as opposed to ‘Why would you do that? Why would you work hard and do things that are uncomfortable?’ Because we can. It’s going to help our lives and help other people as well."

Registration costs a minimum $15 donation, and Fukumoto said the gym will add an additional $5 to the total contribution for any non-member who participates. Fukumoto, who estimates he’s held 10 such events in 2012, enjoys seeing new faces at them.

"It’s a very basic, good entry point for people – people who might not tend to be motivated to try something, because it’s attached to something more meaningful, they’re more likely to connect with that and take a chance to get themselves more healthy at the same time," he said, noting the charity workout tends to attract between 30 and 40 participants each time, resulting in a donation between $800 and $1000.

Fukumoto explained the workout is a full-body one for those of all fitness levels. He said there will be different options of exercises available based on a participant’s fitness level.

"They can work as hard as they want and they don’t have to feel pressured," he said. "For people who come who are more advanced, they can do something harder for themselves, if they’d like."

Those interested in signing up can email info@fukumotofitness.com or call 204-282-9507.

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