Purple Bench Program Offers Free Outdoor Fitness for a Cause

East Lyme, CT, May 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Purple Bench program is all about free outdoor fitness to inspire the community to be more active. It is led by personal trainers and volunteers from Anytime Fitness. The program originated three years ago and was the brainstorm of Anytime Fitness co-owner Axel Mahlke. He had the idea to inspire his staff to volunteer their services to lead walks, runs, hikes, and Nordic Walks to encourage folks to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. The personal trainers embraced the opportunity and volunteered their time. This year, as nice weather arrives, Axel and his wife and co-owner Lynnea have decided to compensate their staff for this generous community offering.

The Purple Bench Program began in mid-May and runs through mid-October with professionally led activities scheduled several times a week. Events are being added weekly but a sampling includes everything from a short walk at Bridebrook Park to a five mile run through Rocky Neck to a 20 mile bike ride, and much in between. There are even health and wellness lectures planned and all the activities will take place in Niantic and immediate surrounding areas. Best of all, they are completely free and all are welcome, not just members at Anytime Fitness. A full schedule is available at www.purplebench.com.

Participants are invited to make a donation if they want and can choose between three organizations for their offering to be directed. Donations can be earmarked for the American Heart Association, Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation or the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut.

With ongoing activities for every level of ability, the important thing for these philanthropists is that people get out and move.

“Connecticut is too beautiful in the summer to be spending all your time indoors, even at our gym,” says Lynnea. "We want to give something healthy back to the community."

Anytime Fitness is one of more than 1600 franchises worldwide that are independently owned and operated. Lynnea had a business background and Axel had gone to medical school in Germany. Axel discovered a career path being proactive about good health rather than pursuing the medical field that he says tends to treat the problem rather than the cause. He pursued personal training and is passionate about helping people feel good and take care of themselves.

As a family they are active in the East Lyme community as memebers of Mason's, East Lyme Business Organization, Rotary Club, Toastmasters and Cub Scouts. Axel even coaches East Lyme soccer for their two children.

"We want to enable our friends and neighbors to become more active," says Lynnea. And in the process donations to a worthy cause might just be a nice added benefit.