Fitness Courts = stronger communities
Through a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign, Priority Health continues to make exercise and healthy living accessible for tens of thousands of Michiganders. Kibra VanHorn-Williams knows what it means to “fight for your health.” As a multiple sclerosis survivor, Kibra found relief through movement. Now she’s helping empower others on their own physical health journeys at the first Priority Health Fitness Court in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Whether it’s yoga in the park, rotating reps at a free fitness court, attending an outdoor fitness class or simply going on a walk with neighbors — when people get out and get active, it helps bring communities together and strengthen them.
A fitspiration for all walks of life
As an International Sports Science Associated Certified Personal Trainer and owner of her own business, the Neon Movement Wellness Center, fitness didn’t just change Kibra’s body — it changed her life. She’s using her personal experience and professional expertise to uplift a community that’s too often overlooked. Kibra’s mission is bigger than just physical fitness. She is fighting to address systemic issues like poverty, generational health struggles and sedentary lifestyles. As an influential Black woman in the local fitness community, Kibra views her work as a steppingstone to breaking these cycles and fostering a legacy of community wellness. By interweaving all aspects of health — mental, emotional, social, and financial — she aims to create a healthier, more resilient Benton Harbor. “In Benton Harbor, where gym memberships are a luxury, the Fitness Courts are a lifeline,” Kibra said. “They’re a blessing to this place.” Through a collaborative partnership with Priority Health, Kibra hosts free classes at Benton Harbor’s Fitness Court. These classes teach others in the community how to use the equipment, letting them work out on their own and live a healthier lifestyle.
“I see all types of people using the Fitness Courts,” Kibra noted. “We have quite a few unhoused people in the community, and I even see them coming to use the Fitness Courts to work out.” Kibra’s efforts are clearly making a positive impact in the community she calls home. As she explained, “There’s a guy named Paul that’s been coming since June, and he’s lost fifty pounds doing his own workouts. I told him about the Priority Health Fitness Court app and he’s very appreciative. He shared that he was very overweight and depressed but once he realized that the Fitness Courts were free to use, he managed to turn his life around. He shared that it has taken him away from bad thoughts.”
33 Fitness Courts and counting
With a strong belief in the interconnected power of exercise and healthy living, Priority Health opened its 33rd Fitness Court this year. Priority Health also opened its first two Fitness Court Studios in the state. A Fitness Court Studio is an outdoor gym with seven exercise stations, giving participants the ability to complete a full workout using just their body weight. They also double as a second outdoor wellness classroom for a variety of fitness classes like dance, Zumba, yoga and even Pilates. While the work is far from finished, it’s rewarding to take a step back, reflect and show gratitude to all the partners and team members who have made the last five years of progress possible since the initiative began in 2020.
More sets, more reps, more free fitness classes
From Benton Harbor to Detroit, Grand Rapids to Lansing, Priority Health continued to work with neighbors and local organizations to establish free fitness classes and accessible gathering places for neighbors to come together, connect, workout and live their best lives. Detroit’s Riverfront Conservancy hosted Yoga in the Park, Unwind and Align classes and even Moonlight Yoga. The Free Outdoor Summer Fitness Series celebrated its tenth year of cardio, dance and yoga classes in Grand Rapids. And Priority Health’s own Kristen Wilson helped the Playmakers Run Club go the distance every week in Lansing.