Get Fit & Give Back with American Ninja Warrior, Najee Richardson
Photo credit: Courtesy of the American Lung Association
Hoping to get fit this spring? Who isn’t? If you’re struggling to find your motivation or get your routine off the ground, you’re in luck. We sought the expert advice of American Ninja Warrior and Philadelphia native, Najee Richardson. He’s teaming up with the American Lung Association to inspire others to get fit and give back this spring through the Fight for Air Climb.
On March 30th, you can join Richardson as he dashes up the 1088 steps of Three Logan Square to raise support and funds for the more than 33 million Americans suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other lung diseases.
A long-time sufferer of asthma himself, Richardson knows how hard it can be to maintain endurance and breath support during strenuous physical activities. But through hard work and support from his family and doctors, he was able to overcome his health setbacks and become an elite athlete. “I want to inspire kids and adults, especially those with asthma to reach for their dreams,” says Richardson. “With a little sweat and commitment and the American Lung Association helping you every step of the way, you can achieve your dreams.” He’ll be spreading the word and sharing his story at climbs across the country this year and is hoping to help the local ALA chapter raise more than $225,000 at the Philly climb alone.
“If you can walk a mile, you can climb,” Richardson assures. Inspired to scale the steps? You can join Najee’s team, Team Flying Phoenix, and ascend the stairs together. Plus, you’ll receive his special training tips and personalized workout playlist via email, a tee shirt if you raise $500 or more, and a chance to meet and with Richardson at a VIP breakfast if you raise $1088 (equivalent of $1 per step). “I climb for kids with asthma, like me to show them they can do anything they set their minds to.”
To get your step prep started, try out some of Najee’s signature training moves at home. You’ll be ready to tackle 1088 in no time:
Simon Says Warm-Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s52CFurtv8&feature=youtu.be
Get your whole family involved with a fun group training session inspired by everyone’s favorite childhood game, Simon Says. Climbers between the ages of 7 and 14 years old can register for free! Contact Kelsey.Kichline@lung.org for the registration code.
Step-Ups, Fire Fighter Style
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDrdwVSmng0&feature=youtu.be
Najee Richardson teamed up with some of Philly’s finest to showcase a leg strengthening workout.
Ninja Burpee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lK_QmE2Bcw&feature=youtu.be
Richardson shares his favorite way to stay in shape and a great way to get yourself ready for The Fight for Air Climb.
Get fit and give back at the American Lung Associations Fight for Air Climb. To get $5 off your registration fee enter the code BEWELL at checkout. For more training tips and to join Najee’s team, click here. Or gather your family and friends and start your own team! All participants must raise $100 by March 30th to qualify for the climb. Ready, set, go!
This is a paid partnership between American Lung Association and Philadelphia Magazine