Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and National Fitness Campaign are bringing free outdoor fitness centers to 100 communities across Texas. The Fitness Courts® aim to increase access to exercise and reduce barriers to physical and mental health.
In February 2022, BCBSTX contributed $475,000 in grants to help fund 20 new Fitness Courts across the state. The collaboration has expanded, and this year, BCBSTX provided $500,000 in grant funding. The campaign will launch its 50th Fitness Court in 2025.
"National Fitness Campaign has been thrilled with the commitment Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has demonstrated towards achieving the mission of bringing free, world-class outdoor wellness opportunities to citizens across the state of Texas,” says NFC Founder Mitch Menaged. “As one of the campaign's leading state sponsors in America, their dedication demonstrates the incredible positive impact that can happen when innovative organizations support citizens in building healthier, happier lives."
NFC's outdoor Fitness Courts are built to deliver seven-minute bodyweight workouts for people of all ages and ability levels. NFC also holds inperson outdoor workout classes in addition to providing free digital classes through its Fitness Court app.
Through the collaboration with NFC, BCBSTX hopes to improve health outcomes. It’s one of many community investments targeting social and economic factors that influence health. Increasing access to physical activity is one of the company’s strategic focus areas to help strengthen local neighborhoods.
“In addition to improvement in physical health, physical activity improves behavioral health conditions and can foster opportunities to make new social connections,” says Dr. Mark Chassay, BCBSTX's Chief Medical Officer. “About half of U.S. adults are not getting enough physical activity in their daily lives. Helping fund these Fitness Courts is just one example of how we can support optimal health outcomes for all Texans, right in their own communities.”
There are more than 50 Fitness Courts open statewide and more in development. Municipalities, schools and organizations in Texas can apply for grant funding through NFC to assist in constructing Fitness Courts. NFC works with grant recipients in planning, funding and launching.
In fall 2024, BCBSTX and NFC launched four Fitness Courts and two Fitness Court Studios with the City of Grand Prairie. The studios feature a versatile outdoor class area for yoga, Zumba and Pilates instruction, as well as other wellness activities. Each Fitness Court was constructed as a piece of public art, contributing to Grand Prairie’s vision of creating an outdoor art gallery.
“Keeping our community healthy and active is one of our top priorities here in the City of Grand Prairie,” says Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen. “We are so excited to welcome residents and out of town visitors to these beautiful Fitness Courts, so we can remain a fun, vibrant and healthy place for generations to come.”
Fitness Courts have launched in:
- Mission
- Palestine
- Decatur
- Baytown
- Sweetwater
- White Settlement
- Texarkana
- Katy
- Cinco Ranch
- Caldwell
- La Feria
- UT Dallas
- Cinco Ranch
- Cuero
- Anna
- Everman
- Roanoke
- Pecos
- Eagle Lake
- Odessa
- Levelland
- Princeton
- Lavon
- Monahans
- Marshall
- Forest Hill
- Midland
NFC is funding up to 30 new site partners to join the program later this year and in 2026. Visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/texas for information. NFC’s goal is to construct a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American.